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

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for determining an area code during voice activated dialing. Initially, utterances are received from the user during a session via a speech recognition portal. Such utterances are indicative of a third party. A speech recognition process is then performed on the utterances to interpret the utterances. A phone number is then identified based on the utterances. It is then determined whether the phone number includes an area code. If it is determined that the phone number does not include an area code, the area code is inferred. The inferred area code may then be outputted to the user. The user is then prompted to confirm the inferred area code. The phone number is then dialed with the inferred area code upon the receipt of confirmation from the user.

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: 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: A telecommunications system determines a routing preference of a telecommunications service provider for a telephone call from a calling party to a called party. A switch in the telecommunications system includes a signal generator that generates a signal in response to receiving the telephone call. The signal includes a service variable and a telecommunications service provider identifier. The service variable indicates a subscription-type for a telephone number associated with the calling party or the called party. The signal is used to determine the routing preference at a service control point in the telecommunications system. The service control point receives the signal from the switch and determines the routing preference. The routing preference is forwarded to the switch. The switch receives the routing preference and routes the telephone call according to the routing preference.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for processing a telephone call to an on-line subscriber, when the subscriber telephone line is busy as a result of the on-line connection. The subscriber sets an on-line state, the state being available-for-incoming-calls or not-available-for-incoming-calls. Once the subscriber sets the on-line state, telephone calls to the subscriber telephone number while the subscriber is on-line are processed according to the on-line state. As examples, if the state is available-for-incoming-calls, the subscriber is notified of the incoming call and the call is processed according to the subscriber's instructions. If the state is not-available-for-incoming-calls, the caller may be informed and the call is forwarded to another number or sent to messaging according to the subscriber's preset instructions.

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 remote access device is provided with access to caller ID information stored in a base unit. A communication path between the remote access device and the base unit is established. Caller ID information is transmitted from the base unit to the remote access device according to a communication protocol. The communication path can include a telephone network such as the public-switched telephone network.

Abstract: Caller information display system includes a caller terminal, a service system and a receiver terminal. The caller terminal stores caller information and transmits data including the caller information during a call. The service system receives the data including the caller information from the caller terminal and transmits the data to a receiver terminal. The receiver terminal receives the data from the service system, stores the caller information to be linked with a telephone number of the caller terminal, and displays the caller information when a paging signal is received.

Abstract: A call routing function may receive information from a user profile about how to handle a telephone call. In addition, the call routing function may also receive information about what the user is currently involved in doing. This information may be derived from the user's software-based calendar. Using both sources of information, a call may automatically be appropriately routed by the call routing function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a caller identification system that provides unblocking or audible identification on telephone calls from calling parties having blocked or unknown numbers. Calling parties from blocked numbers are given the option of unblocking their name and telephone number for the current call, or to record their name for delivery to the caller ID subscriber. Calling parties from unknown numbers are given the option of recording their name for audible identification. The system provides an audibly distinct ring on a caller ID subscriber's telephone and visually displays a special message on a caller ID subscriber's visual display unit to alert the subscriber that the incoming telephone call will be audibly announced, since the telephone number and possibly the name of the calling party are not available to the caller identification system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting user part messages between signaling system seven (SS7) signaling points over an internet protocol (IP) network include receiving, at a signal transfer point, a first SS7 user part message. The first SS7 user part message can be received from a first SS7 signaling point, such as a service switching point (SSP). The first SS7 signaling point is encapsulated in a first IP packet. The first IP packet is transmitted to a second SS7 signaling point over an IP network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing calling name delivery to a voicemail service subscriber. The system and method use the features of an advanced intelligent network to provide an interface between a voicemail service and a telephone service provider's calling name databases. The present invention advantageously provides this interface using standard call processing techniques without the need to establish a direct data interface between the systems.

Abstract: An electronic method and apparatus for handling telephone calls is described. The method includes storing in a memory a telephone number template. The template preferably is as wide as a telephone number is long and identifies one or more telephone number digits by the digit positions within a telephone number field for comparison purposes. The method further includes monitoring a telephone line for a call placed thereon, identifying at least one of the origin and the destination telephone number and storing one or more digits of such identified telephone number in a memory. The method further includes comparing the stored digits of the identified telephone number with the corresponding digits of the stored template. Finally, the method includes processing the call based upon the result of said comparing. Such processing may include any one or more of logging, filtering, blocking, ignoring, rerouting, forwarding, distinctive-ringing and answering the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for routing a telephone call based on a calendar telephony interface. The method can include parsing telephone data associated with the telephone call, and determining from the parsed telephone data, a called telephone number and an identity of a person associated with the called number. The method further can include retrieving an XML formatted calendar entry associated with the identified person and extracting call control information from the XML formatted calendar entry. Accordingly, the telephone call based on the extracted routing information can be routed.

Abstract: A directory assistance system in accordance with the inventive arrangements includes a general directory, having a first names list; at least one caller specific directory having a caller specific names list; a caller identification system, the caller identification system identifying a caller, the caller identity being processed to select a caller specific directory from among the at least one caller specific directories; and, a telephone interface for receiving directory queries from the caller. As such, the system can search the caller specific directory responsive to identifying the caller, associating the caller with the caller specific directory, and receiving a directory query. Notably, the directory assistance system can be a voice activated directory assistance system. A method for performing directory assistance is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for an extensible markup language (XML) calendar-telephony interface. The method can include the steps of defining an markup language element having a user defined tag that represents a calendar entry. The markup language element can have attributes which can represent call control instructions or information. The attributes can also be formatted using a markup language format that utilizes user defined tags. The elements and/or attributes can be formatted using XML format. The call control instruction can be provided to a telephony application upon initiation of a call or by request. A calendar application program can be used for maintaining calendar entries which can be stored in a database and made accessible to the telephony call control application.

Abstract: A system and method for providing early warning notifications to telephone subscribers having calling number delivery service. The system uses an advanced intelligent network to initiate several calls in rapid succession to all calling number delivery subscribers located within a pre-determined geographic area. A code identifying the disaster warning message is transmitted to the subscribers' calling number delivery systems in place of an actual calling line identification. Subscribers having calling name delivery service receive the disaster code and a text message briefly describing the disaster warning.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for processing a telephone call to an on-line subscriber, when the subscriber telephone line is busy as a result of the on-line connection. The incoming call is forwarded to a server, where the calling station is given an option to leave a recorded message and particulars of the call (date and time) and calling station (telephone number and caller identification) are stored in a call-back list server. The system sends an alerting message to the data terminal of the on-line subscriber, where an icon, representing calls stored in the call-back list, is displayed to the subscriber. The subscriber may review particulars of calls stored in the call-back list and may return calls while remaining on-line using Internet telephony, or by other means, such as a TAPI interface. The subscriber may also review or retrieve stored messages in the voice-mail server while remaining on-line.

Abstract: A method of identifying an other party associated with identifying information engaged in communication with a called party, includes the steps of: receiving a call for the called party, receiving an indication that the called party is engaged in communication with the other party, receiving a request for the identifying information; and receiving the identifying information. An apparatus for identifying a third party engaged in communication with a called party may include a node for receiving a call for the called party, receiving an indication that the called party is engaged in communication with the other party, receiving a request for the identifying information, and receiving the identifying information. The apparatus may also include a timer associated with a preselected timeout period.

Abstract: Telephones are able to exchange arbitrary messages over a public-witch telephone network. Messages are created and sent to a switch. The switch transfers the message to a called party telephone. The switch sends data indicative of the end of the message to the called party telephone. Computers can send messages to telephones over the PSTN in this manner as well. Messages can be sent whether the called party is using the called party telephone or otherwise unable to immediately answer the called party telephone.

Abstract: A network element, such as a service control point, in a telecommunication network controls the playing of promotional announcements to subscribers and provides for the collection of input from subscribers, such as a DTMF tone, in response to the announcements and action based on subscriber input. Stored subscriber records allow the selection and periodicity of announcements to be customized.

Abstract: When a telephone unit in the present invention receives a caller data at incoming call, it provides a new history data or updates a existing history data for storage in memory unit; depending on situation whether or not there exists a history data containing caller's telephone number and incoming date and time indicated in the caller data. It has a caller data voice transmittance processor which transmits via voice processor the stored history data to outside, in response to a reproduction command. Under the above-described configuration, the telephone unit can transmit the caller-related information to the user away from home; either for the entire information, for the latest information alone, or for the whole information received from a certain specific caller, upon optional demand of the user.

Abstract: A method and a system for utilizing an interactive identity for an automated transaction are disclosed. User identification information is received. A pre-selected identity that is associated with the user identification information is retrieved. The pre-selected identity is utilized for interaction with a user for an automated transaction. The pre-selected identities can be stored in a database indexed by user identification information. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, selectable options for identities are provided to the user and the selected options form the basis for determination of a pre-selected identity for the user. The pre-selected identity can be one of an audio-based, a video-based, and a multimedia-based identity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for processing and collecting, at a telephone network central office, information for a call directed to a call center prior to the call being received at the call center. A call is received for processing at a telephone network central office that is local to the call origination location. At the central office, a determination is made as to whether the destination number of the call is identified in a selected database. In response to the call destination number being identified in the selected database, the central office solicits the caller to provide requested information. An indication of the requested information received from the caller is included in a data packet associated with the telephone call before the call is transferred from the central office. The call, including the indication of the requested information, is routed to the call center.

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 and system for an automatic messaging service. A central cite receives caller identification information and a corresponding response instruction from a remote user. Upon receipt of a call, the central cite automatically verifies the caller's identification and responds according to the user's instructions. For one embodiment, the caller identification information is the caller's originating phone number and the automatic response is to forward the call to an alternative phone number specified by the user.

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: The invention concerns a process for telephonic querying of a receiving center (2).

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: 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: An object of the invention is to enable the user, in the case of a wired telephone, to check an incoming call even when the user is not present near the telephone and, regardless of the type of the telephone, enable the user to check calling party information when a call arrives. A gateway apparatus associates a PDA with a NET telephone connected to a LAN and, upon receiving an incoming call to the NET telephone, notifies the PDA of the calling telephone number received from a local exchange. When the incoming call notification is received from the gateway apparatus, the PDA causes a ringing tone to sound and displays the received calling telephone number. Further, based on the calling telephone number, the PDA searches telephone directory data stored therein and displays calling party information such as the caller's name.

Abstract: A calling telephone number information substitution mechanism employs an automated calling number substitution template to selectively modify ‘calling’ party number information that is transmitted to the called party. This serves to associate the calling party who has placed a call that cannot be directly dialed from an outside phone with a valid telephone number identified with the premises originating the call. As a result, the called party, such as a 911 emergency facility, is able to correctly locate and place a return call to a valid telephone number at the premises from which the call has been placed.

Abstract: A telecommunications method and routing system determines a routing preference and routing of a call from a calling party to a called party for a local service provider. The system includes a service control point that receives a signal from a switch. The switch recognizes at least one of a calling party number and a dialed number that indicates a type of service. The service control point determines the routing preference of the local service provider for the call based upon the type of service and a local service provider identifier associated with one of the recognized calling party number and dialed number.

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

Abstract: 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 system and method of identifying a caller is provided. A subscriber number is inputted into a first communication device to place a call to a subscriber of the communication system. The call is routed through a transport system to a communication node. A determination is made as to whether the number associated with the first communication device matches a stored number in the address book. A name and location associated with the stored number is delivered by the communication node to a second communication device to provide the name and location of the caller to the subscriber.

Abstract: A method for uniquely identifying calls having the same originating number arid dialed number, and network components adapted to carry out that method. A Parking Manger receives a Park Request that includes the originating number, the dialed number, and a Network Call ID (Identification). The Parking Manger 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 Manger. 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 Manger including a PPID generated by the Voice Response system to Parking Manager.

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 system and method for providing early warning notifications to telephone subscribers having calling number delivery service. The system uses an advanced intelligent network to initiate several calls in rapid succession to all calling number delivery subscribers located within a pre-determined geographic area. A code identifying the disaster warning message is transmitted to the subscribers' calling number delivery systems in place of an actual calling line identification. Subscribers having calling name delivery service receive the disaster code and a text message briefly describing the disaster warning.

Abstract: The telephone network is adapted to supply name and number information to a voice mail system with a forwarded call. The voice mail system stores the name and number type caller ID information in association with the subscriber's mailbox. The system may store this information even if the caller does not actually deposit a voice mail message. Later, while the subscriber reviews the mailbox contents, the system offers a verbal announcement of the name and number. A central office switching system may query a line identification database to obtain the name for a caller ID service to the customer premises, in which case, that switching system forwards the name and number to the voice mail system with the forwarded call. In an alternative embodiment, the voice mail system launches the query and receives the name in a response, through the interoffice signaling 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: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting background sensory information to a call participant through a call connection. The method includes the steps of determining an identity of the call participant from call associated information and presenting the call participant with predetermined background sensory information through the call connection based upon the identity of the caller.

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: An enhanced caller-id service providing calling name and calling number information to subscribers via a server system. The server system can combine the caller-id information with other data to provide more detailed reports for the subscriber. The server can also be used to maintain long-term calling records for subscribers. The caller-id information can be accessed remotely by the subscriber and can be downloaded from the server to another computer for use with other applications.

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: An enhanced caller-id service providing multi-media based caller information to subscribers via a server system. The server system can combine user-provided profile information with other data to provide more detailed reports for the subscriber. The server can also be used to maintain long-term calling records for subscribers. The caller information can be accessed remotely by the subscriber and can be downloaded from the server to another computer for use with other applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for routing a telephone call according to the geographic location of the originating party. A subscriber with multiple network locations within a service territory-may have all of their offices accessible to customers through a single publicized telephone number. The single telephone number may trigger advanced intelligent network technology. The network may ascertain the geographic location from which the call originates and accordingly, route the originating call to a subscriber's office which is located closest to the originating caller. Further, exception periods may be provided to enable subscribers to individualize their service by only routing to the closest satellite office at specified days, times, etc. The exception periods may also be employed to reroute calls intended for the closest satellite office to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A caller identification callback list method and system. The system displays a callback list informing a user of a missed call received from a terminal on a central office telephone line from within an organization. The callback list includes the names and extension or branch telephone numbers for persons the user has defined exist within the organization. Once an indication that the user has missed a telephone call from within the organization appears on the user's terminal, the user may choose from a list of names and extension or branch telephone numbers and return the call without having to search outside sources for the correct number. The return call may be accomplished by either an automatic callback feature or manually using the terminal. Additionally, the caller identification callback lists allow a user to select the people and associated extension or branch telephone numbers in advance without the prospective caller first calling the user.