Abstract: A system for notifying an Internet-accessible device of a communication placed from a first telecommunications device to a second telecommunications device by a calling party is disclosed. The system includes a switch and a node in communication with the switch. The switch is for detecting the communication. The node is configured for communication with the Internet-accessible device and includes a first module and a second module. The first module is for determining information about the calling party. The second module is for determining information about the Internet-accessible device.

Abstract: A telephone caller identification system where potential callers can be assigned to call-in groups, each call-in group having a particular ring. When a member of a particular call-in group calls, the telephone presents the ring associated with that call-in group. A caller not assigned to any call-in group causes the telephone to present a default ring. The telephone can also present particular transfer rings when transferred indicating that the call being transferred is from a caller belonging to a particular call-in group, or provide unique voice mail rings when a member of a call-in group leaves voice mail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masquerading the identity of a first communication device returning a missed call placed by a second communication device to a third communication device. The first communication device receives a missed call notification indicating the second communication device placed a first call to the third communication device. Thereafter, the first communication device initiates a second call to the second communication device and directs a network to deliver to the second communication device caller identification information that indicates the second call originates from the third communication device. Moreover, the first communication device may include a missed call log that includes missed call notifications for missed calls placed directly to the first communication device as well as missed call notifications for missed calls originally placed to another communication device. The first communication device can present to a user missed call notifications stored in the missed call log.

Abstract: A system receives an emergency call, a local exchange carrier (LEC) charge number, and Calling Party Number (CPN) from a user device, and overrides the LEC charge number with the CPN for Automatic Number Identification (ANI) determination purposes. The system also determines the ANI of the user device based on the CPN, receives an address associated with the user device based on the ANI, and provides the emergency call and the address to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Abstract: A method and system for automating customer slamming and cramming complaints includes an automated reporting system having one or more receiving devices and a complaint module. Customers who want to report a slam or cram access the automated reporting system and report the complaint without having to speak with a customer service representative. The complaint module obtains the customer telephone number and retrieves customer account information using the customer telephone number. Using the customer account information, the complaint module extrapolates a type of complaint for the customer complaint and prompts the customer for information regarding the customer complaint and the type of the complaint. The customer provides customer responses to the prompts and the complaint module provides an indication to the customer regarding each customer response.

Abstract: An efficient and effective method and system for providing to a customer an audible call notification of a current call and a subsequently received call waiting call. The present embodiments notify the customer that a current call is waiting in an effective manner that reduces confusion. Confusion is reduced by the combination of audible call waiting indicators and audible caller identification information associated with the calling telephone station. Additionally, both the indicator and the representation of the information can be provided automatically without significant delay. The indication is provided even when standard caller identification information is not available by prompting the caller to provide spoken caller identification information. The spoken caller identification information is provided to the called party along with call disposition options, such as options to accept or reject the call, route the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message.

Abstract: Call center management with at home agent access based on caller language is provided herein. Calls from customers of a client are received at an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system, which determines a language of the caller by detecting the language or language selection by keypad entry. The IVR system determines an available at home agent with the proper language skills and forwards the call to be processed by the at home agent. The at home agents can call the call center to set their status. Information associated with the call may be collected and used by associated system(s) such as quality control, status monitoring, financial processing, and the like.

Abstract: A telecommunications system is disclosed that enables a user to pair a desk set that is an extension of a private-branch exchange with a cell phone that is accessible via the Public Switched Telephone Network. One feature of the telecommunications system enables a call that is directed to the user's desk set to be automatically forwarded to the user's cell phone. This is advantageous to the user because it provides the illusion to the caller that the user is physically in his or her office when they are not necessarily there. A similar feature also provides the illusion when a third party initiates a call that connects the user's cell phone to a called party. Such a third party includes a computer telephony application in a telephone telemarketing center, which automatically places many outgoing telephone calls.

Abstract: A system and method of serving text-based data messages to a caller identification (caller ID) system in a telecommunications network environment may overwrite source-specific information in a selected data packet header field with text-based message data. A protocol translator may enable text data to be served to a caller ID system used in conjunction with a plain old telephone service (POTS) telephone as well as with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. Text messages addressed and routed to a caller ID enabled device may be displayed on the caller ID display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a communications service feature to a party communicating through a network. It is first determined if the party making the communication is a subscriber based on an identifier associated with the party and a local database containing a subset of subscriber identifiers. It is then verified that the identifier associated with the party is in the subset of identifiers that would be included in this local database. For those identifiers that are not in the local database and that are not in the subset of identifiers that would be included in the local database, a global database containing all subscriber identifiers is queried to determine if the party is a subscriber. It can also be verified that the network provider knows the identifier of the party making the communication and that the provider is able to provide the communications service feature for the particular communication.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying telemarketer communications directed to a subscriber of a call screening service is provided. A link monitoring system monitors all inbound and outbound calls of a carrier network collecting data such as calling and called telephone directory numbers, and a termination status for at least each inbound call to a calling number. The data is analyzed at a telemarketer detection module to determine calling patterns of calling numbers. If a calling pattern of a calling telephone number matches a profile of telemarketer communications, the calling number is stored in a database of telephone directory numbers associated with telemarketer communications. A call is received from a calling party directed to a subscriber of the call screening service. Then a determination is made as to whether a telephone directory number of the calling party is known.

Abstract: A system and related techniques enhance the generation and delivery of dialed number identification service (DNIS) data to automatic call distributors and other destinations. Unlike conventional DNIS-based (800) or other call centers or other resources whose available DNIS-based identifications can become overtaxed during comparatively high call volumes, according to embodiments of the invention DNIS numbers are dynamically generated from an available pool on a per-call basis under call router supervision. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, the dynamic DNIS may be associated with that call to the call's particular destination, such as an automatic call distributor, interactive voice response unit or other resource, during the duration of the call for the operative destination, with other calls being locked out from using that DNIS assignment while the call is in progress.

Abstract: In a communications system, a computer network server (2) is arranged to communicate simultaneously with a plurality of remote computers 201 . . . 20n. A remote embedded application in the form of a vending machine (1) has a module (12) that is arranged to communicate with the computer network server (2) such that file transfer sessions are carried out between the server and the vending machine (1). The server (2) is arranged to cause call request data to be transmitted to the module (12) and the module (12) is arranged to initiate a call back to the server (2) or other designated server, in response to the call request data. The call request data is transmitted using calling line identification (CLI). The module (12) is arranged to detect the call and the CLI; to not answer the call; and to initiate a call back to the server (2) or other designated server, after having received the call with CLI.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for caching caller-specific information to reduce query costs and to provide faster access when providing caller-specific information to called parties within communication networks.

Abstract: A call processing system comprises an interface and a processing system. The interface is configured to receive call signaling for a call from a call system and receive user information during the call from a user using the call system wherein the call signaling includes an identifier for the call system. The processing system is configured to generate a key for the call, modify the identifier to generate a modified identifier indicating the key, transfer the key and the user information to a database system, and transfer new call signaling for the call to a destination wherein the new call signaling indicates the modified identifier.

Abstract: A method is described of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network using a validation system. The method includes obtaining line data of the subscriber line wherein the line data is suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB). The method interrogates the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data, and processes the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line. The method includes identifying a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between the validation system and the LEC. The invention extends to a subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include, for example, voicemail services, facsimile messaging services, paging services, and outbound calling services. A guest caller may call the single phone number to speak to a subscriber, leave a voicemail message for a subscriber, leave a facsimile message for a subscriber, or place a page to a subscriber. A subscriber may call the phone number to place outbound calls. In addition, a subscriber may call the single phone number to retrieve or send facsimile messages and/or voicemail messages. A subscriber may also call the phone number to configure service options. For instance, a subscriber may select routing options and choose what services are available to guest callers.

Abstract: A messaging system is provided for playing a messaging prompt in response to a request for execution of a messaging operation. The request contains calling party number information. The messaging system includes an application runtime environment configured for retrieving for playback as the messaging prompt, a personalized voice message based on a match of the received calling party number information with calling party number information stored in an Internet Protocol (IP) based database server. The personalized voice message corresponds to the matched, stored calling number information of the calling party. Hence, a subscriber can record personalized greeting for preferred callers such that when a preferred caller reaches the subscriber's voice mail, the personalized greeting for that caller is played. If the caller is not a preferred caller, a generic greeting is played.

Abstract: Communications are routed in a communications network based on a location of a requesting party. A communication from the requesting party is received. A location of the requesting party is determined using a geographic address which defines the smallest of two of a set of multiple geographic areas defined by multiple available geographic addresses for the location of the requesting party. A communications destination address for the communication is selected, from multiple possible communications destination addresses, based on the location of the requesting party. The communication is forwarded to the selected communications destination address.

Abstract: A message is received from a first device in an information/call center, wherein the message identifies a second device in an information/call center capable of providing a requested service and includes a command directed at the second device to activate the service. The first device may comprise, e.g., an operator terminal. The message may comprise a uniform resource locator (URL), and may additionally identify a software application residing on the second device. The message may also include one or more parameters used to provide the requested service. The command is retrieved from the message, and the command is transmitted to the second device, thereby causing the second device to provide the service.

Abstract: A telephony provider apparatus comprising: a pre-call information receiver, for receiving pre-call information transmitted through a first path and associated with a phone call transmitted through a second path; and a network component, associated with the pre-call information receiver, for provisioning the pre-call information to a callee and co-ordinating connection of the associated phone call to the callee with delivery of the pre-call information. Preferably the call is connected after the callee has seen the pre-call information and actively accepted the call.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for personalized calling party number determination and identification. The apparatus includes an interface for receiving a calling party number corresponding to a calling party, a memory for storing an alpha tag corresponding to the calling party number, and a processor coupled to the interface. The processor includes instructions to determine a character indicating presence of a character string including a unique identifier portion, a classification portion, and a calling party portion. The processor correlates the alpha tag to the calling party upon matching the calling party portion of the character string to the calling party number stored in the memory. The method of personalized calling party number determination and identification can occur for incoming or outgoing call messages relative to the communications network including the apparatus.

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: Systems and methods for providing a personalized communication processing service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a personalized communication processing system (PCPS) can include a processor, an input/output interface, and a memory. The memory can be configured to store instructions, executable by the processor to intercept an incoming communication from a calling party, identify calling party information, determine a contact category to which the calling party is logically associated based upon a recognized relationship between the called party and the calling party as defined in the contact category, determine a user state of the called party that identifies conditions under which a communication processing treatment is to be provided for the contact category according to a personalized communication processing rule, apply the rule associated with the determined user state and the determined contact category, and process the incoming communication according to the applied personalized processing rule.

Abstract: When a communication regulation determining block determines that E-mail communication is regulated when an E-mail processing block prepares for communication or initiates communication, information indicative of alternative communicating section using another communication path in which communication is not regulated is displayed on a user interface section. Therefore, it is possible to easily check which communicating section is effective when communication regulation occurs, and hence the user can easily make a determination such as that alternative communicating section is used, or that communication is aborted.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that includes an automatic call distribution system adapted to communicate over a network and includes a first software control module and a caller identification information device. The automatic call distribution system is configured to capture the caller identification information associated with an incoming call placed by a client and to route the incoming call and the caller identification information received from the network to a call agent station. The system also provides an interactive voice response system in communication with the automatic call distribution system for administering a survey to a client in communication with the call agent station. The survey is then associated with the client's caller identification information and identification information of the call agent.

Abstract: A method for reporting and responding to dial-up connectivity problems can include the step of establishing a voice connection between a caller and an automated response system. The caller can be automatically prompted for a dial-up access number that is problematic for the caller. A determination can be automatically made as to whether the received dial-up access number is valid. A potential problem can be automatically reported to a network operations center responsible for the access number via a data connection. The caller can be automatically presented with at least one alternative dial-up access number via the voice connection.

Abstract: A security central station monitors a plurality of individual subscriber security systems installed in residential or commercial accounts. Each security system at an account is programmed to periodically place a telephone call to the security central station receiver, and then to send a signal to the security central station receiver over the placed telephone call. The ten digit telephone number of the account is programmed into the security central station as the ten digit account number of record. When the signal sent by the security system is received by the security central station receiver, the security central station compares the ten digit caller telephone number with the ten digit account number of record. Normally, the ten digit caller telephone number will match the ten digit account number.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment a system and method for processing a call in a Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network are disclosed. The method includes receiving the call associated with a private identifier (PRID) at a server, classifying a call location based on the PRID and sending the call from the server to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with a call back number associated with the PRID. The system includes a first server interface for receiving a message containing a PRID associated with the call, a second server interface to access the data base for searching for the PRID in the data structure; a third server interface to receive an output from the database indicating whether a PRID has been found in the data structure; and a fourth server interface to send the call to a PSAP.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus applicable to an interface between PSTN and PTN for telephone routing. The interface includes a branch switch, a key system, a network branch switch, and media gateway, etc. The telephone routing method and apparatus of the present invention creates, maintains, and utilizes a call-back routing table to enable a specified PSTN user to call the callback external leased line to reach a specified PTN user in a one-stage dialing manner. The process of one-stage dialing includes PTN call origination to PSTN, PSTN call origination to PTN, and callback tag insertion in the call-back routing table. The call-back routing table consists of a plurality of call-back tags. Each call-back tag consists of at least a data triple, i.e. PTN user identifier, PSTN called party telephone number, and callback leased line identifier.

Abstract: A first list and a second list of identifications are established, with which a telemarketing advertisement or no undesirable telemarketing advertisement is expected. The identification of the caller an incoming call is compared to the identifications in the list. If the identification of the call is not found in the lists, the call is routed to a call processing which enables the reception of a telemarketing advertisement to ascertained and, based on the result of that determination, the lists are correspondingly updated. The calls for which the identification of the caller is recorded in the second list are routed to the called party and the calls for which the identification of the caller is recorded in the first list are rejected. Such protection against telemarketing is particularly efficient in the context of an industrial operation with numerous human resources and for lines on which several calls can be simultaneously carried.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying telemarketer communications directed to a subscriber of a call screening service is provided. A link monitoring system monitors all inbound and outbound calls of a carrier network collecting data such as calling and called telephone directory numbers, and a termination status for at least each inbound call to a calling number. The data is analyzed at a telemarketer detection module to determine calling patterns of calling numbers. If a calling pattern of a calling telephone number matches a profile of telemarketer communications, the calling number is stored in a database of telephone directory numbers associated with telemarketer communications. A call is received from a calling party directed to a subscriber of the call screening service. Then a determination is made as to whether a telephone directory number of the calling party is known.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of visually or auditorily indicating spam status or a spam class for a calling number through a called terminal.

Abstract: A CTI system includes a translation table of user names against consistent (i.e. simulated) calling line identity. When a user originates a call, the CTI server knows the name of the user currently associated with, i.e. logged on at, the originating work desk, and refers to the consistent CLI translation table to obtain the consistent CLI for that user, and to instruct the switch to make the call using that consistent CLI in the setup signalling message. In some CTI systems, the consistent CLI translation table is in the form of a user-associated dummy terminal translation table, and the CTI server instructs the PBX to make a call from the respective user-associated dummy terminal. In this case, the PBX stores the consistent CLI corresponding to that dummy terminal.

Abstract: A personalized assistance system for a user of a mobile device including a first database having a digital file library associated with the user, where the digital file library includes at least one digital file supplied to the first database by the user. An identification code uniquely associated with the mobile device is transmitted to the personalized assistance system, when the user calls the system. A customer service representative terminal is coupled to the database, where the identification code prompts automatic retrieval of at least a portion of the digital file library to the customer service representative terminal in response to processing of the identification code, the customer service representative terminal searching the digital file library in response to a user query to locate a designated digital file from the user's digital file library and causing the delivery of the digital file to a desired destination indicated by the user.

Abstract: A caller number is provided to a network element that associates name information with the caller number. The network element receives location information for the caller and provides the location information and name information as a response to being provided the caller number.

Abstract: A system and method for a selective ring silencer that prevents people from having to listen to the telephone ring on and on with nuisance calls. The ringer silencer can be: (1) discretely constructed from a telephone, (2) part of a telecommunication device, or (3) part of a central telephone network construction. A receiver demodulates an incoming call. Control logic reads at least a portion of the called identification (CID) data and determines an action based on the reading. A switch in communication with the control logic is actuated to a first state that allows the communication data to be output from the ring silencer, and a second state that blocks the communication data from being output from the ring silencer to a user's communication device. The control logic blocks toll-free area codes originated calls from ringing a user's telephone, optionally forwarding the call to a voice mail module.

Abstract: A network processes a call that has a calling party number field in a signaling message that is associated therewith. The calling party number field includes a calling party number and command codes that are used to activate a function at a terminating device and/or convey information.

Abstract: A method for interacting with a calling party during a call session in a VoIP system includes determining rules to apply to the call session before, during, and after the call based on parameters associated with the calling party or a called party, where the called party and the calling party participate in the call session; storing the rules in a database such as an address book; applying the determined rules to the calling party's incoming call; outputting a prompt to the calling party; and receiving the calling party's incoming call.

Abstract: A packet switched telephone system includes a packet switched routing apparatus. The packet switched routing apparatus selectively associates a local telephone number with a phone call based on a called telephone number, and routes the phone call based on the called telephone number. The local telephone number may be substituted for a calling telephone number when the called telephone number corresponds to a predefined number, such as an emergency number. When the called telephone number corresponds to an emergency number, the phone call may be routed with the substituted local telephone number to a Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) that services the local area of the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for realizing the CNAP service, including: receiving a service request sent by the switching system, where the service request carries the identifier of the calling party and the identifier of the called party; querying the calling information set by the calling party according to the identifier of the calling party, and querying the location information of the called party according to the identifier of the called party; after determining that the called MS already rings, sending a flash message that contains the calling information to the called MS according to the location information of the called party. The present invention also provides a calling information service apparatus accordingly. The invention correlates the judging of the status of the call connection process with the time of implementing the CNAP service.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, in a telecommunications network, of controlling the way in which calls to a telephone number are handled, comprising creating a call handling package comprising one or more conditions, and one or more call handling actions, and associating the telephone number with the call handling package in such a way that a subsequently placed call to the telephone number causes at least one of the call handling actions to be carried out in accordance with the one or more conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a call-return process and system, wherein a called party can return a missed call to a caller's private number. A forwarded call is received by a call management system, wherein the forwarded call was originally directed by a caller to a first telephone line associated with a user. The call management system receives call signaling information, including a phone number, associated with the caller. The call management system then determines whether the phone number is a private phone number or a public phone number. If the phone number is private, the call management system notifies the user of the call, and without revealing the caller's phone number to the user, enables the user to return the caller's call.

Abstract: Methods and systems in a telecommunications network for dynamically providing calling party information to a called party from a calling party. A transfer of calling party information can be initiated from the calling party to the called party utilizing a caller identification mechanism in communication with one or more customer premise equipment devices associated with the telecommunications network. Thereafter, the calling party information can be dynamically displayed for the called party via the caller identification mechanism on a display screen of the customer premise equipment device, thereby permitting the called party to take action regarding the calling party information independent of prior or current telecommunications activities. The calling party information can be stored in a memory location for later retrieval by the called party if the called party does not immediately respond to the transfer of calling party information from the calling party to the called party.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a user with control over telecommunications services provided by a service provider. Using almost any type of communications device, a user may gain access to, view, and make changes or modifications to profile information related to the services. The changes may be made quickly and efficiently, but accuracy and thoroughness in the implementation of the changes are not sacrificed. Further, the changes to the communications services are implemented almost immediately and without involvement by the service provider. Particularly, profile information about the telecommunications service is stored on a server in a data network. A change action relating to the profile information may be received at the server from a data device (such as a wireless unit) operating on the network. The change action is implemented on the profile information to result in changed profile information, which may be provided from the server via the data network to the telecommunications system.

Abstract: E911 call routing technology that employs pseudo Automatic Number Indicators (pANI) is enhanced to provide video E911 services. Digital photos or video from a camera-equipped phone are associated with a pseudo Automatic Number Identification (pANI), e.g., an emergency service routing key (ESRK), or an emergency service query key (ESQK) in the VoIP scenario, and a dedicated email address is associated with each pseudo Automatic Number Indicator (pANI) for the emergency caller to email the image content to. A video E911 web database containing associations between pANIs and staged image content associated with the emergency caller relating to the pANI, is maintained at an appropriate video E911 web site hosted by a mobile positioning center (MPC) or VoIP positioning center (VPC).

Abstract: A system is described in which call processing considers unique information about the call to better serve the caller and/or to enable the called party to more efficiently handle the call. In one embodiment, the unique information considered by the call processor is information indicator digits, which may indicate to the called party whether to accept the call before the voice portion of the call is initiated.

Abstract: A privacy management system is disclosed for when a calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party calls the subscriber to this privacy screening service, the privacy management system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If, however, the calling party is known and private, an announcement is played to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy. If the calling party is unknown, the calling party is asked to record his/her name.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing online sales and advertising are disclosed. A system may be configured to provide an online advertisement and, responsive to a received request for information regarding the advertisement from a potential buyer, provide information related to the advertisement to a seller to facilitate a sales transaction. The response may be facilitated by customized ANI processing.

Abstract: A method for location-based communications routing includes determining a location of a requesting party in accordance with an address of the requesting party. Whether the location of the requesting party is in a first subscriber service area is determined and, when the location of the requesting party is not in the first subscriber service area, whether the location of the requesting party is in a second expanded subscriber service area larger than and including the first subscriber service area is determined. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the first subscriber service area, data corresponding to the first subscriber area is forwarded. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the second expanded subscriber service area, data corresponding to the second expanded subscriber service area is forwarded.