Abstract: Methods and systems for providing rapid call-forwarding are described. The method includes receiving a feature code operable for activating a call-forwarding service, receiving a forward code assigned to a target address, such as a dialing number, recognizing the feature code and the forward code, and forwarding incoming calls to the target address. The method further comprises receiving call-forwarding logistics and generating a call-forwarding record. The system for providing rapid call-forwarding includes a switch operable for receiving a selection by a subscriber of a feature code and a forward code, wherein the feature code is used to activate a call-forwarding service and the forward code is used in the place of a target address, a call-forward control computer operable for storing and recognizing the feature code and the forward code, and a call connector operable for executing the rapid call-forward service.

Abstract: A method and system for number indexing for advertising. Alphanumeric identifiers (e.g., telephone number, voice-over-Internet Protocol identifier, an Internet Protocol identifier, an instant message identifier or an e-mail address identifier) are used to categorize and associate pre-determined advertising with the alphanumeric identifiers. When the alphanumeric identifier is received on a communications network, the pre-determined advertising associated with the alphanumeric identifier is sent to a target device.

Abstract: A method of adjusting music length to expected waiting time while a caller is on hold includes choosing one or more media selections based upon their play duration and matching the selection(s) to the expected waiting time.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively allowing calls to a device, such as a fax machine, that may receive calls on a signal line. The apparatus is arranged to, upon detecting an incoming call, initiate a blocking period during which the incoming call is prevented from reaching the device, and to terminate the blocking period when a predetermined threshold, for example a number of rings or period of time, has elapsed, and upon termination of the blocking period to initiate said enabled time period. Hence, incoming calls are not prevented from reaching the device if their duration exceeds the predetermined threshold. The apparatus helps to reduce the number of unwanted calls being received since spam calls commonly emanate from automated sending devices with a ring duration that is typically less than that of legitimate callers.

Abstract: A method and system for an automated departure strategy from an automated system includes a track engine and an error engine. The track engine allows for the tracking and storing of one or more utterances spoken by a caller in response to one or more prompts. In addition, the track engine classifies each of the utterances with a confidence level. The error engine determines when one of the utterances initiates an error condition and transfers the caller to an operator on the occurrence of the error condition. In addition to transferring the caller to the operator, the error engine plays to the operator an error utterance, causing the error condition, and a preceding utterance, preceding the error utterance. Furthermore, the error engine populates an operator screen with information provided by the caller in the utterances for utterances classified with a high level of confidence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for communication and provision of routing address information. The prior owner of a called telephone number is referred to herein as a “prior subscriber”. When a number is released by a prior subscriber, it is placed into a database referred to as the “spare pool” which includes available (unsubscribed) telephone numbers. When a caller dials a number that is in the spare pool, the invention intercepts the call and takes any number of possible actions. In one embodiment, the invention automatically forwards the caller to a new number based on a database that stores the new number of the prior subscriber or routes the caller to a message that gives the caller the option (either via a charge or after listening to an advertisement) of being connected to, or being given, the current number of the prior subscriber.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting a notification. In response to receiving a new telephone number for a communication device from a service provider, a telephone number change notification is automatically broadcast to a plurality of contact telephone numbers within a contact list. Each of the plurality of contact telephone numbers within the contact list is tracked to determine whether each of the plurality of contact telephone numbers received the telephone number change notification. In response to a contact telephone number within the plurality of contact telephone numbers not receiving the telephone number change notification, a configurable indicator is displayed in a display when a user inputs the contact telephone number into the communication device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for implementing wireless number portability in a wireless communications network, in which an originating switching component determines whether a called number is ported or not based on profile information from a home location register without querying a number portability database.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for on-demand phone number updating. A system for on-demand phone number updating can include a smooth number transition (SNT) call routing table mapping prior telephone numbers to new telephone numbers for corresponding SNT subscribers. The system further can include an SNT processor linked to the SNT routing table and communicatively coupled to switch logic in a PSTN. Finally, the system can include at least one SNT update table indicating whether different callers associated with a particular SNT subscriber have received an update for a new telephone number for the particular SNT subscriber. For instance, the SNT update table can be coupled to the server-side SNT processor, for instance as part of the SNT routing table, or the SNT update table can be disposed in a telephone system for the particular SNT subscriber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lawful interception of data transmissions through at least one broadband network. Data transmissions, including voice and data services as well as high bandwidth transmissions such as multimedia and video, are intercepted and routed to authorized agencies such as law enforcement monitoring facilities. The systems and methods also enable interception of data transmissions such as peer to peer type data transmissions that pass through broadband networks from source to recipient without passing through centralized core network elements. These transmissions are intercepted at access points distributed throughout the broadband networks and forwarded to lawful intercept node elements for transmission to authorized entities.

Abstract: A communication system based on a communication protocol such SIP includes a first communication terminal Bob and a second communication terminal Bill, wherein the second communication terminal Bill has a unit, when the first communication terminal Bob receives an incoming message from a source communication terminal Alice, transmitting a substitute response control message to the first communication terminal Bob, the first communication terminal Bob has an incoming message transferring unit, when receiving the substitute response control message, transferring the incoming message given from the source terminal Alice to the second communication terminal Bill and has a response message transmitting unit transmitting to the source communication terminal Alice a response message containing contact information for specifying the second communication terminal Bill, and a call is established between the source communication terminal Alice and the second communication terminal Bill.

Abstract: A method of processing calls received at an interactive voice response (IVR) server is provided and includes receiving a telephone call at the IVR. Caller identity data that is associated with the telephone call is received and a customer profile that includes a list of individual names associated with the caller identity data is received. Each of the individual names is mapped to a speech recognition grammar pattern. Further, a caller of the telephone call is prompted to speak their name. A spoken name from the caller is received and recorded. Moreover, the spoken name is converted into a speech recognition grammar pattern. Thereafter, the speech recognition grammar pattern associated with the spoken name is compared to each of the speech recognition grammar patterns associated with the individual names retrieved from the customer profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that provide a technique for managing held calls. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a call-handling system receives a first indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near a terminal for which the system is receiving incoming calls. Examples of messaging resources include instant messaging, email, short messaging service, and so forth. The system might also receive a second indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near the originating terminal of an incoming call. If the first indication and second indication match, the system will prompt the caller of the originating terminal to use the available messaging resource. In some embodiments, the system will also assign the corresponding incoming call a lower priority relative to other calls because of the availability of the alternative form of communication to the caller.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement and a variety of other internal and external information services to the callers using a business subscriber information service, a white page database service; a yellow pages database service; a business intelligence database service; and/or an Internet search service.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement and a variety of other services to the callers using a business subscriber information service, a white page database service; a yellow pages database service; a business intelligence database service; rule-based expert system service; and/or an Internet search service. The directory assistance service accepts fees from advertisers, businesses and providers of the variety of services to refer information to callers.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium for performing IP-based call intercept includes instructions for receiving call initiation data, a first IP packet from the first communications device, and a second IP packet from a second communications device, generating copies of the first IP packet and the second IP packet, and transmitting one of the first IP packets to the second communications device according to the call initiation data, another of the first IP packets to a surveilling agency computer system without encoding a decoding the IP packet, one of the second IP packets to the first communications device according to the call initiation data, and another of the second IP packets to the surveilling agency computer system without encoding or decoding the IP packet.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for detecting and repairing audio recordings that contain busy signals and extended periods of silence by searching for clusters of silence by reviewing the amplitude in an audio recording sample and listing each silence and sample time.

Abstract: Wirelessly-linked, distributed resource control (RCS1-RCSn, RCSB, RCC, ARM) supports a wireless communication system (50) for operation in non-exclusive spectrum (24-29). An available resource map (ARM) contains resource availability information gathered by mobile stations (MS1-MSn), and a wired communication channel supports sharing of resource control information among fixed-site stations (BS).

Abstract: A method of message delivery can include registering a plurality of reception states for a receiving party. The reception states can specify conditions for establishing communications links with receiving party addresses. A receiving party address can be identified from a first initiated communications link between the sending party and the receiving party. Reception state data specified by the plurality of reception states can be determined according to the receiving party address and can be presented to the sending party.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for transmitting intercepted VOIP data are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A VOIP call is intercepted in response to a lawful request for intercept by a law enforcement agency. VOIP data associated with the intercepted VOIP call is encrypted. The encryption may use a virtual private network an encryption using a key of a specific length, bit stuffing, or other encryption methods. The encrypted VOIP data is transmitted to the law enforcement agency using a public data network either during the VOIP call or after the VOIP call. The intercept request may be made during the VOIP call, or before the VOIP call. Furthermore, the VOIP data of the VOIP call may be stored before transmitting to the law enforcement agency, and archived based on archiving rules. The request for the intercept may be queued for processing according to queuing rules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a mediation device infrastructure that allows a mobile node to be tapped while roaming among and within service providers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining when a node that is tapped by a first mediation device has moved from a first domain associated with the first mediation device into a second domain associated with a second mediation device. A first packet is sent to the second mediation device if the node has moved. The first packet provides an indication that the second mediation device is to tap the node. The method also includes opening a call data channel to the second mediation device, and receiving information from the second mediation device on the call data channel that is obtained by the second mediation device from the node. Finally, the method includes providing the information to the first mediation device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing rapid call-forwarding are described. The method includes receiving a feature code operable for activating a call-forwarding service, receiving a forward code assigned to a target address, such as a dialing number, recognizing the feature code and the forward code, and forwarding incoming calls to the target address. The method further comprises receiving call-forwarding logistics and generating a call-forwarding record. The system for providing rapid call-forwarding includes a switch operable for receiving a selection by a subscriber of a feature code and a forward code, wherein the feature code is used to activate a call-forwarding service and the forward code is used in the place of a target address, a call-forward control computer operable for storing and recognizing the feature code and the forward code, and a call connector operable for executing the rapid call-forward service.

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

Abstract: A system and method for a dialog system which provides for a user to carry on a dialog with dialog experts having different capabilities, during an existing dialog session. A terminal device may be connected to a special switching device, which, in dependence upon a communicated user statement, may provide the user with the optimal system statement from a multiplicity of system statements received from various dialog devices.

Abstract: A method of intercepting call content in a packet-based Internet Protocol (IP) network. The method includes targeting bearer packets containing the call content via a Softswitch controlling the redirection of the targeted bearer packets through a specified Intercept Router using alias IP addresses for the targeted bearer packets.

Abstract: Method for providing intercepted Content of Communications CC information from Intercepting Control Element ICE to at least one Law Enforcement Monitoring Facility LEMF through Delivery Functions in a telecommunications network, comprising the steps of: splitting the intercepted CC information into CC control information and CC payload information; at a Lawful Interception Content of Communications Control Point LI CC CP, receiving the CC control information and processing the CC control information; at an LI CC Gateway, receiving the CC payload information from the ICE over a payload interface X3, said LI CC Gateway being controlled by said LI CC CP according to said CC control information; and at said LI CC Gateway, switching the CC payload information to said at least one LEMF over a payload Handover Interface 3 HI3.

Abstract: A telephone call redirection system for misdialed telephone numbers is provided. When a caller physically and unintentionally dials one of a set of first numbers subscribed to by the system, the system recognizes the number intended by the caller, and provides the caller with the option of being redirected. If interested, the caller dials another number offered by the system to hear of the desired, intended number.

Abstract: A network (30) of a telecommunication system (100) receives requests (31) for feature transfers from one user (10) to another user (20). In addition, network initiated feature transfer marks a call agent (61) for feature transfer. Subsequent call attempts from a call agent (51) are redirected (63) by the network.

Abstract: An architecture and method for intercepting communications in a communications network is disclosed. The architecture includes a first access device that captures call identifying information of a call to the communications network and transmits the captured call identifying information to a network infrastructure of the communications network over a communications channel that interconnects the first access device to the network infrastructure. The architecture also includes a second access device that resides within the network infrastructure and captures call content information of the call. The method includes the steps of capturing call identifying information of the call to the communications network by the first access device, transmitting the captured call identifying information to the network infrastructure over the communications channel, and capturing call content information of the call by the second access device.

Abstract: A comprehensive method for handling telephone calls directed to a telephone number of a terminated user that has been reassigned to a new user. The present invention provides user with a notification service that intercepts telephone calls to said telephone number and notifies callers that the telephone number has been reassigned to the new user. Callers seeking the new user continue calls to user, which results in user only being alerted by continuing callers and not being bothered by callers seeking the terminated user. The user can customize the notification message to inform callers of the details regarding the telephone number reassignment and to whom the telephone number was reassigned. The user can specify a time period for the notification service to be activated. The notification service stores all continuing calls in a log, and bypasses all subsequent calls from telephone numbers listed in the log.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for communication and provision of routing address information. The prior owner of a called telephone number is referred to herein as a “prior subscriber”. When a number is released by a prior subscriber, it is placed into a database referred to as the “spare pool” which includes available (unsubscribed) telephone numbers. When a caller dials a number that is in the spare pool, the invention intercepts the call and takes any number of possible actions. In one embodiment, the invention automatically forwards the caller to a new number based on a database that stores the new number of the prior subscriber or routes the caller to a message that gives the caller the option (either via a charge or after listening to an advertisement) of being connected to, or being given, the current number of the prior subscriber.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically routing calls made to an unavailable number to a directory assistance service for further assistance are disclosed herein. An intercept system intercepts these erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service then can inform the caller of the unavailable status of the telephone number the caller is attempting to dial. Likewise, the directory assistance service can provide any additional information associated with the unavailable subscriber associated with the unavailable number, such as alternate numbers. The directory assistance service also can provide information regarding other subscribers having similar characteristics to the unavailable subscriber that the caller is attempting to reach. Additionally, the directory assistance service can be adapted to provide general or targeted advertisements to the caller before, during, and/or after providing directory assistance to the caller.

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

Abstract: A new service destination determination switching system is provided for a telecommunications environment in which a called party has discontinued an old service destination and obtained a new service destination. The new service destination determination switching system is used to obtain the new service destination when a calling party places a call to the old service destination. The switching system includes a hub switch that receives a rerouted call from an old service destination switch. The hub switch corresponds to a routing number prefix used to reroute calls from the old service destination switch to the hub switch. The routing number prefix causes the hub switch to initiate a trigger to a network platform that obtains the new service destination.

Abstract: Personal address book data is revised and updated based on communication sources and destination. An address tabulator compares a number of communications directed to a selected destination and based on a subscriber profile, determines if address or contact information associated with the destination is to be added to a personal address book or other contact database. Contact information can be obtained using a reverse phone number lookup in a white pages or yellow pages directory, or using an Internet-based search engine or database. The tabulator can be configured to access the subscriber profile prior to initiating a communication, during a communication, or after completion of the communication. In one example, subscriber billing records are delivered to the tabulator for identification of destinations for which contact information is to be added to the personal address book.

Abstract: A Call Management System provides for management of calls directly by system users at their workstation computers via a digital data network such as a digital networks not controlled via the user's telephone instruments as in prior systems. A call management computer intercepts incoming calls and controls the handling of such calls according to instructions received from the users' workstations, which are accessed via the digital data network. Trunk circuits are monitored and controlled using digital signal processors to proactively identify the called party, the calling party and the call type (voice, Fax, data) and control and to monitor all calls. Each different type of call is managed differently and automatically through direct user workstation controls and/or user-generated rules to provide special treatment for designated callers. Multiple calls to user at the same time may be handled with no busy signals to callers. Only one number is needed for a user to receive voice Fax and data calls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conducting surveillance in a SS7 Intelligent Network (IN) or Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) provides in the case of AIN that an Info Analyzed trigger is armed in an end office switch and notifies a delivery function when a call is processed. The delivery function instructs the end office switch to forward the call to the delivery function, where it is accessed for monitoring forwarded back to the end office switch. A similar method is used to process calls received by the SUS. In the case of IN, the identity of a line card assigned to a subscriber under surveillance (SUS) is changed to a number dedicated to surveillance subjects. Calls originated by the SUS are forwarded to a delivery function, which identifies the SUS based on the dedicated number of the calling party, intercepts call content, and forwards the call back to the end office switch with the called party id aid the original number and id of the SUS. The end office switch then completes the call.

Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).

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: Existing switch markings for telephone numbers are mechanically manipulated via the Recent Change channel to provide an appropriate treatment. In case a call to a vacant pooled-in number cannot be completed, a terminating switch, instead of generating a REL message with a Cause Code 26 and tearing down the call, connects the call to an Operations Support System that provides a predetermined announcement to a calling party. Calls directed toward numbers that are ported-out are placed on a Machine Intercept, which results in sending a cause code 26 to an originating switch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reporting to subscribers network events in a plurality of formats and languages depending upon the particular subscriber group to which a subscriber belongs. When a subscriber requests a call, a switching node in the network invokes a trigger that identifies a signaling node for routing the call and sends a route request to the signaling node. While processing the route request, if the signaling node detects an event that would prevent the call from being routed, the signaling node identifies the subscriber group of the subscriber and determines a directory number associated with the identified subscriber group and the detected event. The signaling node then returns the determined directory number to the switching node. Using the determined directory number, the switching node establishes the call to a message node, where a message associated with the determined directory number is executed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for storing directory assistance information in a subscriber's electronic address book for future use. If a directory number associated with the desired called party is not in the subscriber's address book, a voice services node initiates a call to a directory assistance service to obtain a directory number for the called party. If the subscriber would like to have the obtained number added to the subscriber's address book, the directory number, name and address associated with the requested directory assistance may be added to the subscriber's address book for future use by the subscriber when the subscriber needs the directory number associated with the called party.

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

Abstract: Authorized intercepts of communications in a satellite communications system (10) are performed, according to which a law enforcement agency (LEA) can request the intercept of communications to and/or from subscriber units (SUs). In one embodiment, an LEA intercept request causes an intercept order for a particular target SU (420, FIG. 6) to be transmitted to one or more satellites (411-413, FIG. 6), where the intercept order is stored in an intercept table (410). Any communications traffic involving the target SU results in an intercept by a satellite, which routes a copy of the intercepted communications to the requesting LEA, either directly or via an associated intercept facility (426, FIG. 8).

Abstract: A Service Switching Point in an advanced intelligent network includes a trigger associated with a specific digit string and activated by a call to the specific digit string at the SSP. The SSP queries a Service Control Point (SCP) for a forwarding instruction based upon the trigger. In response to the query, the SCP sends the SSP a forward-to telephone number. The SSP then forwards the call to the forward-to telephone number.

Abstract: An apparatus in an intelligent type for filtering a disturbance for an incoming phone call includes a phone call data bank, a user's interface device, a register module, and a filtering module of incoming phone call. The phone call data bank stores at least one phone call data, and the phone call data includes an identification type. The user interface device receives a filtering flag set by the user to the phone call data, having the similar identification type. The register module stores a phone number of the incoming phone call when a request for signal connection is received. The filtering module of incoming phone call compares the phone number of the incoming phone call with the filtering flag of the phone call data bank, so as to judge whether or not the phone number of the incoming call needs to be screened. The present invention also provides a method in an intelligent type for filtering a disturbance for an incoming phone call.

Abstract: Stealth interception of calls within a VoIP Network (91) for providing law enforcement related call interception capability (60,61,62). The VoIP network comprises of basically a SoftSwitch (20) that offers IP based telephony services for subscribers (10, 11) over a packet network. Packet Interceptors (51) are deployed in a packet network to non-intrusively monitor the signaling (21) and media packets (22), which comprise a call in a VoIP Network. The Call Monitoring Engine (50) on receipt of an intercept request from the Law Enforcement Agency (40); notifies the packet interceptors to monitor for packets and the Voice Packet Receiver and Assembler (52) for reception of voice packets. On detection of relevant packets the interceptors inform the Call Monitoring Engine of signaling packets and the Voice Packet Receiver and Assembler of voice packets. This packet information is processed and transmitted (41,42) to the Law Enforcement Agency.

Abstract: A procedure for creating a service profile dependent on user selection for a subscription in a telecommunication network. The invention makes it possible to use a single subscription in a telecommunication network with several different subscriber numbers, each number being associated with an optional user-selected service profile.

Abstract: An announcement broadcasting apparatus in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), comprising a message storage unit for storing a plurality of external announcement messages therein, a message sending/receiving interface responsive to an announcement message sending request from a higher-order processor for reading parallel data from the message storage unit, converting the read parallel data into serial data and outputting the converted serial data, a unique message information storage unit for storing information about locations and sizes of the announcement messages stored in the message storage unit and outputting the stored information about the location and size of a corresponding one of the announcement messages in response to the announcement message sending request from the higher-order processor, and a controller responsive to the announcement message sending request from the higher-order processor for detecting information about a location and size of each phoneme of the corresponding a

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically routing calls made to an unavailable number to a directory assistance service for further assistance are disclosed herein. An intercept system intercepts these erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service then can inform the caller of the unavailable status of the telephone number the caller is attempting to dial. Likewise, the directory assistance service can provide any additional information associated with the unavailable subscriber associated with the unavailable number, such as alternate numbers. The directory assistance service also can provide information regarding other subscribers having similar characteristics to the unavailable subscriber that the caller is attempting to reach. Additionally, the directory assistance service can be adapted to provide general or targeted advertisements to the caller before, during, and/or after providing directory assistance to the caller.