Abstract: Caller Control of Internet Call Waiting (ICW) Services are provided to disconnect an active ICW session and data connection and to prevent establishment of a subsequent data connection. In an exemplary embodiment, a calling party places an incoming call to a called telephone number having the active ICW session and data connection. The calling party may enter an authorized code that authorizes disabling of ICW and the data connection. The interrupt code entered by the calling party is received in a telecommunications network, such as, for example the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a mobile switching network. The telecommunications network verifies that the interrupt code to enable caller control, and, thereafter, disables the ICW session and data connection.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

Abstract: A system for providing caller interaction within a queue. In response to receiving a call, it is determined whether a wait time exists before a caller is connected to a customer service representative. In response to determining that the wait time exists, it is determined whether the caller is interested in an interaction. In response to determining that the caller is interested in the interaction, a profile associated with the caller is loaded. In response to detecting a connection with an interactive system, interactive options are loaded from the interactive system and presented to the caller based on the profile. In response to receiving a selection from the interactive options, it is determined whether the selection includes a group interaction. In response to determining that the selection includes the group interaction, the group interaction is loaded based on the profile. Then, the caller is entered into the group interaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing selectable options to a calling party while the calling party is on hold. A call from the calling party is received and the calling party is placed on hold. While on hold, the calling party is provided with a plurality of selectable options. Each of the plurality of options corresponds to a predefined operation. A selected option request, corresponding to one of the plurality of options, is received from the calling party. The predefined operation corresponding to the selected option request is then performed. A system is also provided having instructions thereon for providing selectable options to a calling party while on hold.

Abstract: Enabling a caller to automatically interrupt a currently active call. In one embodiment, a call manager receives a request from an interrupter that may indicate an urgency, an identification, an authorization, and/or other reason to interrupt the current call between a target party device and a bystander party device. Warning messages can be provide to the target and/or bystander party. The call manager may automatically connect the call or determine whether to connect the interrupter based on one or more criteria predefined by the target and/or the interrupter. Alternatively, the target may make the determination based on information about the requested interruption. The bystander party device may be placed on hold, or a conference call may be initiated automatically. Call management may be performed directly, or through one or more network carriers. A rejected interruption may be routed to voice mail. After completing the interruption, the original call is reestablished.

Abstract: A system and method for managing hold times during automated call processing is provided. A call is received from a caller and assigned to a call session. Data is obtained from the caller and evaluated for caller attributes related to the call session. Hold times are identified during the call session. Response content is customized for at least one of the hold times using the caller attributes. The customized response content is provided to the caller during that hold time.

Abstract: The present invention allows a user to establish a customized call waiting rule set to control whether call waiting alerts and associated caller identification information are provided to the user in association with an incoming call. Based on the call waiting rule set, the call waiting alert may be blocked or provided to the user when an incoming call for the user is detected. The decision to provide the call waiting alert may be based on the calling party, the type of call, the party with whom the user is engaged in an active call, whether the user previously called or received a call from the calling party, the relative priority or urgency of the incoming call, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Initiating a conference call using a call waiting graphical user interface includes receiving an indication that an incoming telephone call is directed to a telephone number and identifying an account associated with the telephone number to which the incoming call is directed. Configuration data related to the account is accessed. A first online identity and a second online identity associated with the account are identified based on the configuration data accessed. A first electronic communication is sent to the first online identity and a second electronic communication is sent to the second online identity. The first online identity can respond to the first electronic communication and the second online identity can respond to the second electronic communication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telecommunications, and in particular, to systems and processes for processing telephone calls and providing telephony services. In one embodiment, a call processing system, compromises a first telephony interface configured to receive a call from a caller, a storage device configured to store a greeting, and a call answering system. The call answering system is configured to play the greeting in response to receiving the call, record a voice message from the caller, determine when the caller has completed recording the voice message, after determining that the caller has completed recording the voice message, play a prompt regarding the caller becoming a subscriber to call services provided by the call processing system, receive from the caller information used to establish a call services account, and establish a call services account for the caller.

Abstract: A method for forwarding incoming cellular communications to an aircraft is provided. A request is received to divert incoming calls for a cellular telephone number to a communication system on board an aircraft. The request includes at least a temporary identification code representing a cellular telephone aboard the aircraft. A diversion instruction is associated with the cellular telephone number. The diversion instruction represents an instruction to forward an incoming call for the cellular telephone number to the communications system aboard the aircraft. A state of a cellular telephone associated with the cellular telephone number is considered as busy, regardless of an actual state of the cellular telephone. An incoming telephone call to the cellular telephone number is forwarded, consistent with said considering and in accordance with the diversion instruction, to the communications system on board the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for delivering person to person services to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). A telephone number of a buddy of the subscriber is associated with a buddy rule on a buddy list. The buddy list is accessible by a service control point. When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party, a query is launched by the service switching point to the service control point. The query comprises the calling number of the calling party and the called number of the subscriber. Using the called number, the service control point retrieves and reviews the buddy list. If the calling number matches the telephone number on the buddy list, the service control point instructs the service switching point to terminate the call using the buddy rule.

Abstract: A system and method provide for transferring remote media from a remote media source to a communication or other end device at a time prior to a hold period, which media is usable as local MOH media during a hold period. A system and method further provide for responding to an initiated hold time by replacing remote MOH media with the local MOH media if remote MOH media is received in conjunction with the hold period.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method are for responding to an incoming call. The response is performed by receiving the incoming call, analyzing features within the incoming call to determine a stress level, presenting an intervention alert when the stress level meets a defined criterion, and holding the incoming call to allow a user to answer the incoming call. In some embodiments, presence of a suppressed mode is determined prior to receiving the incoming call and the steps of analyzing features and holding the incoming call are performed only when suppressed mode is determined to be present.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information about a calling party to a called party is disclosed. Generally, a network element obtains information about a calling party when a telephone line of a called party is busy. The network element notifies the called party that the calling party is attempting to contact the called party and transmits an audible version of the information about the calling party to the called party without receiving an input from the called party.

Abstract: A method and a mobile terminal for communicating with a mobile network element (IWF) comprising communicating with a mobile network element (IWF) using a bearer that is modifiable by a negotiation between the mobile terminal (MS) and the mobile network element (IWF). The data is divided into data units (60) that comprise at least one user data element (61) and at least one status data element (62), said status data element (62) optionally comprising a status indication (63) from the mobile network element (IWF) to the mobile terminal (MS). A need for bearer modification is detected from received status indications (63) in at least two consecutive data units; and a negotiation for bearer modification is initiated, as a response to the detected need for bearer modification.

Abstract: A method for carrying out predetermined actions by a telecom receiving device. A predetermined answer string is entered and stored in a memory portion of a receiving telecom device. Incoming calls are checked for appropriateness. Accepted incoming calls are monitored for a predetermined event. If the predetermined event is detected, a set of steps are accomplished in accordance with the previously stored answer string. The receiving telecom device then resumes normal operation after completing the actions represented by the answer string.

Abstract: A response system includes at least one response terminal and a response management apparatus. The response terminal includes a status sending part that sends an inherent identification number and the status information.

Abstract: Systems and method for call waiting suppression are disclosed. When a communications device is engaged in an active communication and receives an incoming communication, a call waiting alert is activated to produce a single, initial audible alert, and thereafter the subsequent call waiting alert(s) are silenced according to a call waiting suppression profile. Alteratively, an audible indicator of the call waiting alert may be deactivated for the incoming communication, while other indicators remain active to alert the receiving party of the incoming communication.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an intelligent call waiting system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a data storage device having, (i) an intelligent call waiting program that allows a first user to be notified when a second user desires a first user's presence information, and (b) a processor coupled to the data storage device that executes the intelligent call waiting program.

Abstract: A pushed value associated with a party is received by a telephone network element. The pushed value is a function of a plurality of pushed values associated with the party. An incoming call for the party is received after receiving the pushed value. An Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service for the incoming call is conditionally invoked based on the pushed value.

Abstract: A telephone call between a first party and a second party is facilitated by presenting to the first party, previously generated notes that relate to subject matter of a future telephone call with the second party, in response to initiation of an outgoing telephone call to the second party by the first party and/or receipt of an incoming telephone call from the second party by the first party. A reminder is thereby provided to the first party as to the subject matter of the telephone call between the first party and the second party. A delay may be implemented in order to allow the first party to review the notes.

Abstract: A portable terminal device aborts a screen display process of the current application on a display in accordance with a switch of a communication partner during communication with a speaker A and executes a screen display process of an application corresponding to a speaker B after the switch operation. The application corresponding to the speaker B is the application executed during communication with the speaker B previously. The application is an E-mail or browser application.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing Internet Call Waiting (ICW) Messaging Services. In an embodiment, a calling party places an incoming call to a called telephone number having an active ICW session and data connection. A telecommunications system allows a calling party to communicate an ICW message to a computer system engaged in the ICW session and data connection. The telecommunications system may also allow a called party (e.g., the user of the computer system) to communicate a response to the ICW message and, thus, allow interactive ICW messaging.

Abstract: The present invention allows a subscriber to dynamically select one or more call processing options while an attempt to terminate an incoming call to an associated terminal is being made. As such, the terminal is either ringing or providing some other indication that an incoming call is being received. Throughout the process, the incoming call may be answered via the terminal. While the attempt to terminate the call is being made, an incoming call message is sent to a computing device associated with the subscriber. The computing device, upon receiving the incoming call message, will provide one or more call processing options to the subscriber. If the subscriber selects one of the call processing options, the computing device will send a subscriber response message identifying the selected call processing option. Based on the selected call processing option, the incoming call will be processed accordingly.

Abstract: A telephone equipment having a main apparatus and a plurality of cordless handsets, which can perform an extension communication with being relayed by the main apparatus. Such a telephone equipment includes a line holding system that holds a connection between the main apparatus and the outside apparatus, an extension communication detecting system that detects start of the extension communication when the communication with respect to the outside apparatus is being held, a timer that measures a time period elapsed from the start of the extension communication, and a notification system that causes at least one of the cordless handsets performing the extension communication to perform a notifying operation when the time period measured by the timer exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing incoming and outgoing calls at an endpoint placed on hold are disclosed. A first call that includes an outbound media stream is established on a network between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The first endpoint detects that the first call was placed on hold by the second endpoint and a second call between the first endpoint and a third endpoint after detecting that the first call was placed on hold. The first endpoint communicates the outbound media stream in the second call and mixes a first incoming media stream from the first call with a second incoming media stream from the second call for presentation to a user of the first endpoint.

Abstract: A system to allow a conferee defined as a nuisance source to respond to an automatic nuisance decision of a Multipoint Control Unit is disclosed. For example, a conferee placing a conference on hold may generate on hold music, which may be identified by a nuisance detector. The nuisance detector sends an indication of the nuisance condition to a control unit in the MCU. The control unit mutes the signal coming from this conferee and sends an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) message to the conferee. The message may inform the conferee that he has been muted and requests the conferee for example to press one of a plurality of touch tone keys depending on his situation. For instance, the conferee can select particular keys if he is returning from the hold condition, if he is experiencing a noisy line/environment and needs to reduce the sensitivity of the nuisance detector algorithm, or if he wishes to disable the nuisance detector algorithm.

Abstract: In operational environments where local loop generation equipment is used, communication interruptions between a central office and a customer premises device is minimized by using a dedicated communications link between the local loop generation equipment and the central office. A processing mechanism at the central office determines if, when, and under what circumstances the customer premises device will be notified in response to the activation of local loop generation equipment. This eliminates the need to place local loop generation equipment in series with a communications path that runs between the central office and the customer premises. The central office may provide the dedicated communications link in the form of a telephone line which is equipped to place outgoing local calls, but not equipped to receive incoming calls, and not equipped to place long-distance calls.

Abstract: Alerting an intended recipient of a phone call includes identifying an account based on a phone call received from a caller and accessing configuration data related to the account. The configuration data is used to identify an identity associated with the ccount. One or more external online service provider systems are queried across a network to determine whether the identity is available to receive an electronic communication associated with the phone call. The electronic communication associated with the phone call is sent across the network to the one or more external online service provider systems conditioned on whether the identity is determined to be available to receive the electronic communication. The one or more external online service provider systems send the electronic communication to the identity.

Abstract: A method for delivering a priority call waiting alert service to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party while the telephone line is already engaged in a first communication between the subscriber and a third party, the calling party is solicited to supply a priority code. If the priority code is recognized by a service control point, a call waiting tone or a priority alert signal associated with the priority code is played to alert the subscriber that a priority call has been received.

Abstract: A technique for allowing an automated participant in a telephone conversation, such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or a voice browser, to react to the placing of the conversation “on hold.” When a conversation between an automated participant and a human participant is placed on hold, a signal is provided to the automated participant indicating that the voice circuit between the two participants has been broken. In response to the signal, the automated participant may take appropriate action, such as suspending its participation in the conversation, extending the time for which it awaits a response from the human participant, continuing the conversation in a “visual” mode using the keypad and display on the human participant's handset, or some other appropriate action.

Abstract: One or more elements in a telecommunications network (10, 10? and 10?) receive a call hold-initiating message when a first party places a second party to the call on hold, and in doing so, triggers a call hold event in the network. In response to the call hold-initiating message, the network element may take one or more actions, including releasing one or more network resources and/or providing a service to the second party during the period the call remains on hold. Upon resumption of the call, the network will re-acquire the resources that had been previously released.

Abstract: An Internet Call Waiting (ICW) service provides single-line subscribers (100) connected to the Internet with incoming call information, call screening and voice messaging capabilities. An incoming call is terminated at an ICW server (154). The caller is prompted to leave a voice message and the voice message is relayed in real-time over the Internet connection (138) to permit the subscriber to monitor the message. The subscriber can choose to answer the call at any time before the caller disconnects. Subscriber profile options specify how calls are treated. Calls may be forwarded to a second directory number, directed to a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection, or the Internet connection may be dropped and the call completed to the subscriber's directory number. The subscriber benefits from being able to screen voice messages in real-time, which assists the subscriber in determining how the call should be terminated.

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 subscriber associates a ring-tone media selection based on a media genre, author, or title to a calling number. When an incoming call is detected, a particular ring-tone media selection, based on the subscriber's association, may be streamed from a central server to the subscriber's customer premises equipment and then played. Alternatively, when an incoming call is detected, a particular ring-tone selection indicator, based on the subscriber's association, may be sent from a central server to the subscriber's customer premises equipment which then plays a pre-stored ring-tone selection media associated with the indicator.

Abstract: An inexpensive alternative for call queuing is provided by queuing calls at an intelligent peripheral within an AIN telecommunication system. A call to the subscriber line is detected at a local switch supporting the subscriber line. If the subscriber line is busy, the call to the subscriber is queued in the intelligent peripheral.

Abstract: A method and system provide enhanced caller identification information to a called party. The system determines whether or not standard caller identification information associated with a calling party can be provided to the called party. The system preferably determines whether the standard caller identification information is unavailable, incomplete or has been blocked. When the system determines that the standard caller identification information cannot be provided, the system transmits a request for audible caller identification information to the calling party. If the calling party provides the requested audible caller identification information, the audible caller identification information is transmitted to the called party. The called party is thus provided with information about the calling party that can assist the called party in deciding whether or not to answer the call.

Abstract: A method and system for providing prioritized access to a messaging system includes receiving at an access controller for a messaging system a request for connection by a user to the messaging system. The access controller determines whether the messaging system is available. The access controller further queues the request if the messaging system is not available.

Abstract: A portable telephone apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises a call waiting section and a telephone number acquisition section that can acquire telephone numbers of telephone apparatuses on the other end of lines. A telephone directory information registration section 109 registers telephone numbers associated with information on names. A caller confirmation section searches a telephone number of the telephone directory information registration section 109 based on the telephone number acquired by the telephone number acquisition section and confirms the caller. A character string speech conversion section converts the character information on the name of the confirmed caller to speech information. A caller information notification section notifies the user of the speech information from the character string speech conversion section when an incoming call arrives during a call with speech at a volume level which does not disturb the call.

Abstract: A telephone switching device which includes a detector for identifying a call waiting (CW) signal when the incoming telephone line is in use. The detector device automatically switches the incoming telephone line to the second call and monitors for additional coded function signals such as a facsimile machine calling (CNG) signal indicating that a data transmission is desired. Appropriate switching functions are provided to connect attached telephony data devices for receiving the incoming data transmission. A microprocessor is used for receiving various function signals and performing the switching of the telephone line and attached apparatus. This allows the reception of an incoming data transmission on a single telephone line while the line is already in use. A voice message can be provided before the switching of the telephone line in response to the CW signal warning the first caller of the impending switch.

Abstract: A method of initiating a telecommunication connection between a wireless 911 caller, an emergency 911 dispatcher, and at least one emergency personnel, including identifying a geographical location of a wireless 911 caller; identifying at least one emergency personnel located proximal to the geographical location of the wireless 911 caller; and initiating a telecommunication connection between each of the wireless 911 caller, an emergency 911 dispatcher, and the at least one emergency personnel.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: A telephone user who is at a first telephone station and is placed on hold at a second station is prevented from listening to an objectionable audio signal while a call is in process between the user and the second telephone station. The objectionable audio signal is detected while the call is in process and the user is prevented from hearing the objectionable audio signal while the objectionable audio signal is being detected. In response to detection of the end of the objectionable audio signal, the user is coupled to the second telephone station.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for selecting the content of Internet Call-Waiting messages. One method includes providing a selection of content for an Internet Call-Waiting message and allowing a customer/user to select the content of the Internet Call-Waiting message. The customer/user may select graphics, animation, and sound to accompany the Internet Call-Waiting message. Once the content is selected, the customer/user may then associate the content with a telephone number.

Abstract: An interface (52) is provided between a satellite telephone system (4) and a cellular telephone system (5) for allowing calls to a user's cellular telephone to be diverted to a satellite telephone (25) when the user is unable to use his cellular telephone, for example when on board an aeroplane (2) fitted with a satellite telephone system (20). The user inserts a card (which may be the SIM of his mobile phone, or a card compatible with existing satellite telephone equipment) into a suitable reader in the satellite telephone (20), which causes the satellite ground station's card verification system (42) to connect to a host cellular network (50). The host cellular network has an interface unit (52) which emulates the operation of a normal base station, so that the host cellular system (50) acts as if the mobile user's terminal is roaming on the host network, but is currently “busy”.

Abstract: Methods, and communications devices employing such methods, of controlling communications with at least two calling party devices by a user of a called party device. A first call link is established between a called party device and a first calling party device. The called party device then receives a call request from a second calling party device; e.g., a call-waiting indication. A user of the called party device places the first call link on hold, and accepts the call request from the second calling party device to establish a second call link between the called party device and the second calling party device. While the user of the called party device is in communication with the user of the second calling party device, the user can cause a message to be transmitted to the first calling party device, whereby the user of the called party device can communicate information to a user of the first calling party device without interrupting communications with a user of the second calling party device.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

Abstract: A communications system is designed to present a number of options to a caller who is attempting to reach a call-waiting subscriber already busy on a first call. The options are presented to the caller via an announcement that offers the caller the alternative of either sending immediately a conventional call-waiting alert signal to the subscriber, or leaving a message that is automatically delivered to the subscriber immediately after the subscriber terminates the first call.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting announcement to a called party that is busy on a first call and receives a second call. Information provided by a second calling party is recorded and played back to the called party after the first call is over. The called party is not interrupted during the duration of the first call.