Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling multiple telecommunications terminals that are associated with a common user to notify their user of the arrival of an incoming message via a ringtone, where the ringtone is: (i) coordinated across the terminals, and (ii) customized for each terminal based on one or more attributes of the terminal. In particular, in the illustrative embodiments a network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a wireless base station, a server, etc.) that receives a message directed to a telecommunications terminal sets the values of one or more properties of a ringtone (e.g., tempo, timbre, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on one or more attributes of the telecommunications terminal (e.g., terminal type, etc.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

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: The phone number or other identifying information of an incoming phone call or other network communication is optionally stored, and a call-back is optionally scheduled. The user is prompted whether to schedule a call back, and if so, a call-back sequence is initiated at an appropriate time. When a call-back sequence is initiated, the scheduled call-back number or address may be automatically dialed, or alternatively the user selects whether to go forward with the call-back routine, at which time the call-back continues if the user selects an affirmative response. As an option, the user can delay the call-back to a predetermined time in the future, or the call-back can be rescheduled or canceled. Associated notes or other text can be saved in a calendar along with the scheduled call-back event to remind the user the reason and subject matter of the call back. The invention provides integrated communications and calendaring features.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (982) which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireline telephone (155) to a geographic-based local access directory number (994, 996). An originating switching node (810) recognizes the local access directory number (994, 996) as an AIN trigger, and thereafter identifies a signaling node (820) that is associated with the dialed local access DN (994, 996). The signaling node (820) sends a location request that includes the local access DN (994, 996) to an HLR (130). The HLR (130) obtains the wireless DN (982) from an internal database (990) in which the wireless DN (982) is associated with the local access DN (994, 996). The HLR (130) utilizes the wireless DN (982) to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register (140).

Abstract: A method for providing a privacy management service in a telephone system including initiating a telephone call from a subscriber telephone number to a called party telephone number. The initiating is performed by a subscriber. It is determined if the called party telephone number is located in a subscriber database corresponding to the subscriber. The called party telephone number is added to the subscriber database in response to the determining resulting in not locating the called party telephone number in the subscriber database. The telephone call between the subscriber telephone and the called party telephone number is connected.

Abstract: Described in this paper are systems and methods of providing conferencing services where a conference participant is identified by the conferencing system when calling into the system. The system and methods focus on individual users instead of groups of participants. Instead of using a conference identity as the driver, embodiments herein invoke a user identity, and services are personalized for each user. The user has far fewer codes to juggle and all participants enjoy a quicker, richer, and more secure experience.

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 telecommunication 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 telecommunications service application. The application includes associating, each of a plurality of subscribers with at least one respective avatar, where the at least one avatar includes at least one of a visual avatar and an audible avatar. In response to a first subscriber attempting to establish a communications link to a second subscriber, at least one avatar associated with the first subscriber is transmitted to the second subscriber.

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

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method provide an improved call log that presents information relating to logged phone calls in a collapsed manner, meaning that for each phone number having a call stored in the memory of the device, only the most recent in time call is listed on the call log. An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method also provide a call history for any phone call from the improved call log that is selected by the user. The call history includes a listing of all of the calls stored by the device that are associated with the selected call log call.

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 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: A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.

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 call screening system and method. The method can include receiving an inbound telephone call destined for a called party. Associated caller identification data can be identified from the inbound telephone call. The associated caller identification data can be compared to a filter list of caller identification data. Finally, based upon the comparison, call management rules can be applied to the inbound call to manage the inbound call by either deferring the inbound call to voice mail, or automatically answering the inbound call without requiring pro-active intervention by the called party. Significantly, each of the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps is performed in a telephone tranceiving device. Alternatively, the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps can be performed centrally in a call processing switch.

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: A process and apparatus to support passive call blocking, a call block that is performed in a manner that the caller does not recognize as a call block. When passive call blocking is utilized, blocked callers receive a passive response, such as a continuous telephone ring, instead of an error message or rejection notification. The caller is thus unaware or uncertain that they have been blocked. Blocked calls are determined by comparing caller identification information with a caller database.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.

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 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: 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: The invention provides a method for controlling a subscriber line interface circuit, which is connected to at least one data line and to at least one subscriber line associated with a subscriber, in the on-hook state, having the following steps: on-hook data transmission signals are detected in the data line; if an on-hook data transmission signal intended for the subscriber (102) is detected in the data line (122), the detected on-hook data transmission signal is buffer-stored and the subscriber line interface circuit (106) is switched from a passive operating mode to an active operating mode; the buffer-stored detected on-hook data transmission signal is transmitted by the subscriber line interface circuit (106) in the subscriber line (104) to the subscriber (102); and the subscriber line interface circuit (106) is switched to the passive operating mode. The invention also provides a circuit arrangement for carrying out the method.

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: 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: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more information sender components that upon engagement of a communication device with a communication session that involves a plurality of communication devices, send to one or more information receiver components identification information of two or more communication devices of the plurality of communication devices and the communication 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 reverse caller identification system. Telecommunications devices are registered with respect to specific locations and are monitored with respect to users proximity to said devices. Prior to putting an incoming call through to one of said devices, the caller is provided with information as to activities currently in proximity to that device. A plurality of options for real-time information data and caller feedback are described.

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: A system and method for searching, accessing updating database records on a plurality of geographically dispersed databases is provided. Update databases consisting of a plurality of update records having at least one field capable of being set to at least one particular value are used to update records in target databases. When a database search is conducted on one or more target databases, a search is also conducted on update databases associated with the target databases. The results of the searches are processed. If the at least one field in an update record is set to a predefined value, then all returned records equivalent to the update record are discarded. Otherwise, the update record is added to the search result.

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 method delivers an audible tone to an unidentified caller who places a call to a subscriber to a privacy screening service with special information tones (SITs). The service is initiated when an unidentified caller places a telephone call to a subscriber. After the caller enters the telephone number of the subscriber, the service places a query to an SCP. The SCP determines the action to be taken for a call to a subscriber to privacy screening with SITs. If the called party is a subscriber to privacy screening with SITs, a SIT is generated, a privacy screening message is played and the call is handled as in known privacy screening services.

Abstract: The dual mode handset system provides unified cellular service and wire-line service with a single Directory Number assigned to the dual mode handset and a corresponding cordless base station that are connected to the subscriber's local wire-line (POTS line) connection to the telephone network. The dual mode handset is programmed to operate as a cordless telephone when in proximity of the cordless base station. The handset operates as a cellular telephone when it is out of reach of the cordless base station. The dual mode handset is assigned the same telephone number as the subscriber's connection to a local wire-line telephone switching system. Consequently, the Caller ID information is consistent on calls originated through the dual mode handset, regardless of whether the call passes through the cordless base station to the subscriber's connection to a local wire-line telephone switching system or the cellular network.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to support passive call blocking, a call block that is performed in a manner that the caller does not recognize as a call block. When passive call blocking is utilized, blocked callers receive a passive response, such as a continuous telephone ring, instead of an error message or rejection notification. The caller is thus unaware or uncertain that they have been blocked. Blocked calls are determined by comparing caller identification information with a caller database.

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: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing privacy screening service during telephone calls. One method monitors a telephone call for a call screening request. The telephone call is from a calling telephone number to a called telephone number. An action is taken in response to the call screening request. The action could be playing an announcement, terminating the connection, forwarding to voice mail, storing the calling telephone number in a database, adding the calling telephone number to a Do Not Call list, updating a subscriber's profile with the calling telephone number, and/or storing the calling telephone number in a subscriber's blocked call list. The call screening request may comprise a Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency, a softkey entry, and/or a data message.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to logical telephone numbers. In particular, dynamic number users are able to obtain dynamic numbers and to map those numbers to routable numbers of their choosing. The present invention provides a tool for protecting privacy while sharing and/or publicizing a number for public purposes. The present invention relates to a Dynamic Telephone Number Service (DTNS.) wherein users are provided with a logical temporary telephone number that is mapped dynamically to a physically addressable number. The use of the DTNS allows a dynamic number user to publish the logical number, thus avoiding the need to publish private information and phone numbers for public purposes. Further, the logical number is not permanently assigned, but rather is temporary and provided to the dynamic number user for a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A telephone system for reliably providing caller identification information to telephone call recipients such that they can choose whether or not to answer a telephone call. The telephone system includes a decoder module for receiving a toll-free telephone call and decoding automatic number identification (ANI) information included within the toll-free telephone call. The system also includes a converter module for converting the decoded ANI information into caller ID information. The system also includes a forwarding module for making an outgoing telephone call to a toll-based telephone number of the call recipient and sending the audio data of the original toll-free telephone call and the caller ID information with the outgoing telephone call. In this manner, ANI information is used to generate caller ID information even if the calling party has blocked its caller ID information.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) for providing audible caller information to telephone service subscribers is presented. The system (10) includes a pre-processor (28) that converts textual caller information from a first data format to a second data format suitable for text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). The pre-processor (28) can be incorporated in a service node/intelligent peripheral (SN/IP) (24) in an advanced intelligent network (AIN). In this configuration, the pre-processor (28) can be used to convert caller-ID with name database entries into a predetermined TTS format. The TTS formatted information can be provided to a TTS synthesized (30) included in the SN/IP (24). In conjunction with a switching service point (SSP) (20), the pre-processor (28) can provide a talking call-waiting feature to subscribers with significantly improved intelligibility.

Abstract: An improved decoding and processing system is provided for advanced determination and display of geographic information to a called party relating to the call origination party. The improved system comprises a receiving device to receive an MDMF or SDMF format message from a local CO switch containing call identification data; a microcontroller storage and retrieval device containing a data base library for selectively determining the corresponding geographic information such as city and/or state by matching the area code and/or local exchange number received from the call origination party; and a readout device for displaying the city and/or state of the incoming call. Preferably, the system includes capability to automatically update the data base library of the storage and retrieval device as new area codes and/or local exchanges are subsequently assigned.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for defining a service area served by a service location of a telecommunications network customer. The method includes ascertaining a geographic designator of a geographic area. The geographic area includes a plurality of geographic sub-areas that each correspond to a geographic sub-designator. The method also includes determining whether any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location. When any two of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are not served by the same service location, the service area is defined by only the sub-designators corresponding to the geographic sub-areas served by the service location. When each of the plurality of geographic sub-areas are served by the same service location, the service area is defined by the geographic designator.

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 method and apparatus that generate a 2100 Hz answer tone, similar to the answer tones sent by facsimile machines and modems, upon answering an incoming call. This causes predictive telemarketing dialers to remove the telephone number from their databases.

Abstract: A method for uniquely identifying calls having the same originating number and dialed number, and network components adapted to carry out that method. A Parking Manager receives a Park Request that includes the originating number, the dialed number, and a Network Call ID (Identification). The Parking Manager accesses a pool of Dialed Number Identification System (DNIS) override digits associated with the dialed number and returns these digits with the response to the Park Request. The originating number and DNIS override digits uniquely identify the call, and are combined with the destination number, and the combination is flagged as pending in the Parking Manager. The DNIS override digits are received by an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that uses a many-to-one mapping to identify the dialed number and complete the call, and returns a call arrival signal to the Parking Manager including a PPID generated by the Voice Response system to Parking Manager.

Abstract: A network element for routing a calling name (CNAM) query message through a communications network includes a communication module capable of receiving a CNAM query message from and transmitting the CNAM query message to a communications network. A CNAM query routing information database stores CNAM query routing information for at least one CNAM database. A CNAM query routing address translation process performs a lookup in the CNAM query routing information database based on information contained in the query message and determines whether to route the query message to a national CNAM database based on results from the database lookup.

Abstract: An IP-based subscriber endpoint, for example a VoIP telephony device or an IP telephony user agent, is configured for retrieving recorded audio caller information in response to receiving an incoming call that includes a calling party identifier. The IP-based subscriber endpoint, in response to receiving the calling party identifier, generates an IP-based query via an IP network to an identifiable server for identification of a source of the recorded audio caller information corresponding to the calling party identifier. The IP-based subscriber endpoint outputs a request to the source of the recorded audio caller information, and plays the recorded audio caller information in response to reception via the IP-based network. Hence, the IP-based subscriber endpoint is able to retrieve existing recorded audio caller information from servers configured for storing recorded names, eliminating the necessity for text to speech resources.

Abstract: A remote caller identification system with data logging and retrieval features including a data logging unit which logs caller identifying information from incoming calls from a caller to a subscriber phone connected to a switched telephone network. A subscriber may subsequently retrieve the caller identifying information from the data logging unit via a remote phone or via the internet. The system has at least three possible implementations. In one implementation, the caller identifying information is stored in a Service Signaling Point database. In a second implementation, the caller identifying information is stored in a Service Control Point database. In the third implementation, the caller identifying information is stored in a database in a storage and retrieval device of a stand alone Customer Premises Equipment. A caller retrieving the caller identification information is prompted to input a password and with a menu to review or edit the caller identifying information.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for providing an addressee of a stored message with a graphical notification associated with a source of the stored message. In general terms, a communications device of the addressee is presented with the graphical notification in the form of an information signal which relates the stored message to at least one graphical image associated with the source of the stored message.

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: Calling name presentation services are provided by maintaining a local cache of requested information. When a called destination is determined to subscribe to calling name presentation, the local cache is queried to determine if the calling number is in the local cache. If the calling number is in the local cache, information corresponding to the calling number is retrieved from the local cache. If the calling number is not in the local cache, a remote database is queried for the information. The information retrieved from the remote database is stored in the local cache. In either case, the name information is sent to the call destination. A Signaling System 7 architecture may be used to implement local caching.