Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for name-alias based delivery of services through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A method for resolving caller identity in a PSTN can include detecting an attempt to establish a telephone call between a calling party and a called party and prompting the calling party from within the PSTN for clarifying information. An alias for the calling party can be resolved based upon the clarifying information. Subsequently, the alias can be forwarded to the called party for use by the called party in identifying the calling party at the time of the telephone call.

Abstract: A communication system for providing caller identification services comprises a processing system configured to store a data structure having a plurality of codes associated with a plurality of caller numbers, and to translate one of the codes into one of the caller numbers using the data structure. The communication system further comprises a communication interface configured to receive a first call request for a call including the one code and transfer a second call request for the call including the one caller number.

Abstract: A system (20) for providing a caller identification with name service includes a destination service switching point (22) having a plurality of destination numbers (24). A switching control point (26) has a caller identification with name database (30) and a customer caller identification with name database (32). A signaling system seven link (28) connects the destination service switching point (22) to the switching control point (26).

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a masked phone service, which depending on phone user's original phone number to virtually create multiple new corresponding substitutive phone numbers, called mask phone numbers; to mask phone user's original phone number when on demand; by adding this new created mask phone number, therefore, to make the phone user have at least two phone numbers on single phone device so that the phone user's original phone number and the mask phone number may be separately used for his working and private time respectively, and by this way the phone user's personal privacy is then improved.

Abstract: A system and method for speaker identification in a conference calling unit. The method identifies the speaker, locates the speaker identifier, transfers the speaker identifier to an outgoing path and sends the speaker identifier to endpoints participating in the conference call. If the endpoints have the capability of displaying caller identification, their displays will be updated dynamically with the speaker identifier in place of the caller identifier. The system includes a conference call unit. The unit has a processing unit operable to extract the caller identification of the line having the speaker and a network interface unit operable to send the caller identification to endpoints participating in the call as speaker identification.

Abstract: A PBX connected to a public exchange includes a separate caller ID service unit for providing a caller ID and/or a system tone by performing a digital signal process. To display the caller ID on a receiver terminal, or caller ID phone, a line is established with the PBX through general switched telephone network, and a CID received through the line is converted and stored in the caller ID service block mounted with at least one memory through a switching block, under control by a control block. Then, the control block transmits all or part of the stored CIDs to the caller ID phone through the switching block and/or a subscriber line convergency unit.

Abstract: An method and system for providing automatic alternative media address information. The method is adapted for use in a communication network including a plurality of subscribers, each having at least one communication device for sending and/or receiving communications such as voice or data (facsimile, e-mail, video, optical, etc.). A network element receives an incoming communication from a calling party for a subscriber and an alternative media address signal is generated for receipt by the subscriber.

Abstract: The collect call party identification service disclosed enables a service provider to identify a person who makes an assistance-free collect call and to transmit the caller's identity on the called phone regardless of the phone number from which the call is made and before any charges are incurred. The service provider, in a database controlled by the service provider, lists and identifies each person in a defined group with a personal identification number such as his/her phone number, social security number or the like. The Collect Calling Party Identification service is invoked by using a prefix such as *99. A person listed in the service provider's database and having been assigned a personal identification number can make a collect call without the assistance of an operator by dialing *99 plus his/her personal identification number. Upon confirmation from the database that the caller is listed in the database, the caller making the collect call then inputs the number that he/she is attempting to reach.

Abstract: A telephone directory address storing method and an information terminal by which telephone directory information is efficiently managed to achieve augmentation of the operability. The information terminal includes a display section, a storage section, an inputting section, a circuit interface section, and a control section for controlling the entire information terminal. The control section has a function of drawing a window delineated by closed line segments on the display section. The display section draws a first window displayed most forwardly with respect to any other window, fetches a character train selected on a second window into the first window through the storage section, waits a call origination instruction from the inputting section in the first window, dials in response to a call origination instruction from the inputting section through the circuit interface section, and simultaneously stores the character train selected on the second window into a telephone directory address storage section.

Abstract: A device is dedicated to the management of communications between communication terminals (TMi, TFi and PCi). This device includes a memory (M) which stores user identifiers in correspondence with lists of at least one communication terminal identifier, and processing means (PM) which are charged, when they receive a call request to a user, known as the called user, from another user, known as the calling user, to access the memory (M) in order to extract from it the lists of identifiers associated with the calling and called users, and then to determine, from these extracted lists, a calling and a called terminal which are likely to establish a call between them that will satisfy the call request, in accordance with at least one availability criterion.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a first customer communications device, a second customer communications device, a communication address service provider, and a vendor. The communication address service provider is configured for providing an indexed array of a caller identification associated with the first customer communications device and the caller identification associated with at least one return communication address of the second customer communications device. The vendor is configured for sending a message to the second customer communications device at the at least one return communication address in response to a telephone call to the vendor initiated by the first customer communications device.

Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incoming communications to a telecommunications device. The system includes a switch and a service control point in communication with each other. The switch is for detecting an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, wherein the switch is in communication with the telecommunications device by a first communications link. The service control point is for receiving a first message from the switch regarding detection of the incoming communication and for sending a second message to a data communications device, the second message containing information regarding the calling party, wherein the service control point is in communications with the data communications device by a second communications link.

Abstract: The invention uses the advanced intelligent network to provide caller identification for calls placed over the internet (24). A long distance call placed with an internet carrier results in the originating SSP (14) forwarding the call to an originating POP (22) for the internet carrier. The caller ID information is routed through the signaling system 7 network (16) to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The call is routed to a terminating POP (26) and then to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The SSP (32) inserts the caller ID information received through the SS7 network (16) and routes the call to the terminating line (30).

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a masked phone service, which depending on phone user's original phone number to virtually create multiple new corresponding substitutive phone numbers, called mask phone numbers; to mask phone user's original phone number when on demand; by adding this new created mask phone number, therefore, to make the phone user have at least two phone numbers on single phone device so that the phone user's original phone number and the mask phone number may be separately used for his working and private time respectively, and by this way the phone user's personal privacy is then improved.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely delivering identification tags permits an owner of property to create an identification tag whereby a finder of the property can contact the owner via a centralized system. The Internet may be used to deliver uniquely identifying information to the owner's endpoint computer system and using that information, the owner may generate the identification tag. Alternatively, a point-of-sale system may be used to provide more sophisticated identification tags than may be produced with a typical personal computer printer. The point-of-sale system may include an engraver, printer/laminator or other output device for producing a durable high-quality identification tag.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the deactivation of a telecommunications modem based on the call type, independent of the connection quality, to minimize power consumption. The present invention is particularly useful in mobile applications when the vehicle's ignition is off and power resources are limited. Telematics control units (TCUs), installed in mobile vehicles, communicate with a service provider through a cellular communication network to provide telematics functionality for the vehicles. In one embodiment, the service provider sends a message which triggers the TCU to place a maintenance call to the service provider. During the maintenance call messaging, the TCU identifies a particular call type of the maintenance call. For any of the possible maintenance call types, the TCU will have stored in advance an allowed execution time for that call type. The TCU will set a call timer to the allowed execution time for that call type.

Abstract: A method is provided of synchronizing analog call display data, comprising the steps of providing a ringing signal from a remote peripheral to a remote user in the event of a pending call initiated by a central controller, generating a predetermined go-ahead signal at the remote peripheral following application of a first full ringing cadence of the ringing signal to the remote user; and generating analog call data at a DSP device co-located with the central controller and transmitting the analog call data to the remote user upon receipt of the go-ahead signal.

Abstract: A method for automatically configuring a broadband communication device is disclosed. An embodiment provides for a method in which a central server may be contacted when configuration information is needed for a broadband communication device. This contact may be initiated via a dial-up modem. Next, the central server uses caller-ID to identify the customer with the broadband communication device. Based on the caller-ID, the central server determines configuration information for the broadband communication device. For example, the central server may scan a number of Internet service provider databases for the proper configuration information for this user. Then, the configuration information is transferred over the dial-up communication link. Finally, the broadband communication device is automatically configured with the configuration information.

Abstract: A telephonic terminal system outputs vocal and picture signals to inform a user about an incoming phone call. A signal processing unit of the telephonic terminal system checks whether the incoming phone call signal can be identified in an internal data storage device that records a plurality data about various telephonic terminal users. If the incoming phone call signal is identified, a prompter including texts, vocal signals, and picture/video signals is outputted to inform the user of the origin of the incoming phone call signal. If the origin of the incoming phone call signal is not identified, the prompter accordingly informs the user. The telephonic terminal system further can catch pictures or video in snapshot fashion delivered from a remote telephonic terminal system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates voice, text, pager or e-mail communication between first and second parties. The second party requests a token from the first party, wherein the token is associated with contact information, such as a telephone number, but does not reveal the telephone number. The first party, at their discretion, provides the token to the second party. The second party is then able to contact the first party by using the token but without knowing the contact information, such as the telephone number, of the first party.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling the establishment of telecommunications calls. In response to a service request from a calling party, a switch serving the calling party transmits a query identifying the called party to a shared database. The database provides information identifying the switch for accessing the called party, and information for identifying port(s) for accessing the called party from that switch. When a customer moves from one location to another, the database is updated to reflect the switch and port identification associated with the new location of the customer. If the called customer is a mobile customer, the database maintains information concerning the current location of that customer so that calls can be immediately switched to that customer.

Abstract: An incoming call received in a private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch at an external port of the switch is processed by the switch so as to appear to a destination terminal as if it were originated by an internal extension associated with the switch. The incoming call may be from a mobile telephone or other originator terminal that is utilizable external to a premises serviced by the switch and does not have an extension associated with any internal endpoint serviced by the switch. The switch attempts to map an identifier associated with the incoming call to a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. If the identifier has a corresponding entry on the list, the switch processes the incoming call such that it appears to the destination terminal as being originated by an assigned internal extension. For example, an internal alerting indicator and associated station display may be provided at the destination terminal.

Abstract: A dialed universal telephone number is translated into a toll free telephone number corresponding to a telecommunications relay service center in a telecommunications system. When the call is connected to the telecommunications relay service center, information that identifies the caller is reliably forwarded to the telecommunications relay service center.

Abstract: A method for performing communications over a network comprises receiving a user record for a first user, receiving a query from a second user with regard to the first user, and sending, to the second user, as a response to the query, a call-handling profile.

Abstract: The network control system, servicing a long distance carrier switching office, is provided with a caller's automatic number identification (ANI) when a calling party calls a called party. Using a database, a processor of the network control system determines call type characteristics of the telephone call based on the received ANI for wireless and land-line telephone calls. The network control system then returns either an index or routing information to the long distance carrier switching office. After the ANI is screened by the network control system, subsequent call processing takes place in the long distance carrier switching office.

Abstract: A system (20) for providing a caller identification with name service includes a destination service switching point (22) having a plurality of destination numbers (24). A switching control point (26) has a caller identification with name database (30) and a customer caller identification with name database (32). A signaling system seven link (28) connects the destination service switching point (22) to the switching control point (26).

Abstract: The invention uses the advanced intelligent network to provide caller identification for calls placed over the internet (24). A long distance call placed with an internet carrier results in the originating SSP (14) forwarding the call to an originating POP (22) for the internet carrier. The caller ID information is routed through the signaling system 7 network (16) to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The call is routed to a terminating POP (26) and then to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The SSP (32) inserts the caller ID information received through the SS7 network (16) and routes the call to the terminating line (30).

Abstract: An interaction manager system and method are provided to aid a caller in communicating with a callee. An interaction space is provided to a caller's communication device. This interaction space can include visibility information that informs the caller about the status of the callee, accessibility information that provides the caller with a list of communication channels available to the caller, and continuity information that includes information and action facilitation data that reflect the ongoing interaction between the caller and the callee.

Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.

Abstract: A gateway interface device that can be provided with a buffer for temporarily storing a calling party's information which can be sent with the initial signaling message of a calling party on an IP network to establish a communication with a called party on a PSTN network. Subsequent to the receipt of the initial signaling message, and based on the calling party's stored information, the gateway interface can intercept a request for calling party information from the called party or a called party's end office. Once the request for calling party information is received by the gateway interface, the gateway interface can then generate a reply based on the calling party information stored in the buffer. Otherwise, the calling party information stored in the buffer can be removed from the buffer after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a message card having a memory bearing a message for substitution in lieu of, for example, a caller ID value of a phone at which the message card is used. The apparatus and method also have applicability outside the telephony arena, such as, for example, in internet or instant messaging applications.

Abstract: A bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) system is disclosed, including a first CID unit of a destination phone set that receives, displays, and stores first CID data of a call and displays, stores, and transmits second CID data of a prior call. A call-originating terminal receives the corresponding second CID data in response to a CID data request signal. A second CID unit of a destination exchange transmits a CID data transmission control signal to the first CID unit, receives the corresponding second CID data from the first CID unit, and transmits the corresponding second CID data to the call-originating terminal. The first CID unit transmits the corresponding second CID data to the second CID unit in response to receiving the CID data transmission control signal, and the second CID unit transmits the CID data transmission control signal in response to receiving the CID data request signal initiated by the call-originating terminal.

Abstract: This is a service which can be offered by a telephone service provider to enable a caller ID subscriber to now positively determine the identity of a member of a defined group regardless of the phone number from which the call is made. The subscriber-defined group can have a maximum of ten members with assigned numbers from 0 to 9. Specifically, the subscriber can assign a number, i.e., the number 1 to a person such as his/her mother. Now, when the subscriber's mother calls the subscriber, the number of the phone from which the call is made will appear as the caller ID number plus the number 1. Thus, regardless of the phone from which the call is made, be it from a pay phone or a friend's phone, the number 1 will identify the caller as being the subscriber's mother. In another embodiment, a name can be used in place of the number and, therefore, the name Mom can appear instead of the number 1.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for changing the functional mode of a telephone terminal in a private branch exchange (PBX) is presented. A user can issue a command via the keypad indigenous to a telephone terminal, causing the telephone terminal to transmit a request to an interface module, requesting a change in the functional mode of operation of the requesting phone. The interface module responds by causing the software module supporting the current functional mode of operation of the telephone terminal to terminate the logical software link to the telephone terminal and causing the software module supporting the requested functional mode of operation to establish a logical software link to the telephone terminal, thereby changing the functional mode of operation of the telephone terminal.

Abstract: When telephone calls are placed by dialing a special number such as an “800” number, the dialed number is converted to a specially configured translation number that includes a destination output set of digits which are preferably the last four digits of the dialed number. This translation number is transported over the network from an originating switch to a terminating switch which then outputs the output set to the destination. Advantageously, the terminating switch also replaces the prefix portion of the translation number with an output prefix consisting of at least the NXX portion of the dialed number and outputs this prefix along with the output set to the destination for use in call tracking.

Abstract: An improved system and apparatus for providing caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.

Abstract: Upon detecting an incoming call, a call screening system determines the CALLER ID information associated with the call and compares it to a database of allowable calling parties. If the calling party is to be allowed to ring through, the call screening system routes the incoming call to one or more communication devices associated with the calling party information in the allowable calling party database. In this manner, certain screened calls only ring through to a handset if authorized, while others are authorized to ring through to a fax machine, an answering machine, another handset, or a remote device connected between a remote handset and the local exchange. A single call screening device having several ports thus filters calls to multiple communications devices. Incoming call screening may be selectively different during different times of the day, for different calling parties, or for different communications devices connected to the call screening device.

Abstract: A method for augmenting communications between called and calling parties with context information helps either or both parties decide whether and how to accept or initiate a communications event.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are illustrated which provide for calling party number determination and manipulation, utilizing digit analysis. One of the switch embodiments includes a network interface, a memory, and a processor. The network interface receives an incoming message having a received calling party number and transmits an outgoing message. The memory stores, as a database module, a plurality of digit trees for digit analysis and a plurality of available manipulations. The processor includes instructions to perform digit analysis of the received calling party number to determine a pattern match and to determine a selected manipulation of the plurality of available manipulations, and to perform the selected manipulation on the received calling party number to form a modified calling party number.

Abstract: A telecommunication system for accessing personal information relating to a caller having a home network and being engaged in a call with a call taker in a remote network distal from the home network includes: (a) an internetwork communication system coupling a plurality of networks that includes the home network and the remote network; (b) an information store coupled with the internetwork communication system for receiving information contributions from the plurality of networks; and (c) an identification device for introducing identification information into the internetwork communication system. The identification device identifies the caller to the information store for use when responding to an inquiry by the call taker to provide the personal information to the call taker.

Abstract: When telephone calls are placed by dialing a special number such as an “800” number, the dialed number is converted to a specially configured translation number that includes a destination output set of digits which are preferably the last four digits of the dialed number. This translation number is transported over the network from an originating switch to a terminating switch which then outputs the output set to the destination. Advantageously, the terminating switch also replaces the prefix portion of the translation number with an output prefix consisting of at least the NXX portion of the dialed number and outputs this prefix along with the output set to the destination for use in call tracking.

Abstract: During the occurrence of an incoming voice call to a portable telephone handset within an in building telephone system, a method is disclosed for offering the voice call while the called handset is in a data session with an application. In such a case, the data session is interrupted and the handset display and softkey information is saved to memory. The name or number of the calling party is then written to the display of the called handset while the incoming call is offered to the user. A call acceptance signal from the called handset results in the establishing of a voice communication connection between the handset and the calling party. Independent of whether the incoming call is accepted or rejected by the user of the called handset, the saved display and softkey information is restored to the called handset and the data session is resumed between the portable handset and the application once the selection is made.

Abstract: A system and method for processing orders for telecommunication services received by a telecommunication services provider include receiving an electronic message in a first predefined format from a telecommunications customer, automatically processing the electronic message to identify information related to a telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, and automatically generating an order for the telecommunication service based on the information so as to reduce manual intervention. In one embodiment, the system and method automatically generate an order by separating information related to each telecommunication service from the electronic message and translating the first predetermined format into a second predetermined format to facilitate further processing by the telecommunications services provider. Information relative to the order is generated by the services provider and converted to the first format before being forwarded to the customer.

Abstract: A telephone switching system 10 comprises a plurality of physical ports 20, and switches removable terminals based on predetermined connection information, wherein such connection information is arranged to be capable of being stored and rewritten in a RAM 60 by inputting from the terminal. When a physical port connecting to a terminal interface 30 is reconnected from a first terminal to a second terminal, a CPU 40 rewrites the connection information stored in the RAM 60 so that an extension number the user desires is stored for the physical port reconnected with the terminal.

Abstract: The invention uses the advanced intelligent network to provide caller identification for calls placed over the internet (24). A long distance call placed with an internet carrier results in the originating SSP (14) forwarding the call to an originating POP (22) for the internet carrier. The caller ID information is routed through the signaling system 7 network (16) to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The call is routed to a terminating POP (26) and then to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The SSP (32) inserts the caller ID information received through the SS7 network (16) and routes the call to the terminating line (30).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing customized treatment for incoming calls from a calling party to a called party. A database is queried with a calling party identifier and a called party identifier of the calling party to obtain a call treatment parameter. When the call treatment parameter indicates the call requires treatment before being connected, treating the call without connecting the call to the called party, based on the call treatment parameter.

Abstract: A system and method in a radio telecommunications network of storing calling line identification (CLI) information when a called mobile terminal is not available to receive the CLI information, and forwarding the CLI information to the called mobile terminal when the terminal becomes available. When an incoming call for the mobile terminal is received in a gateway mobile switching center (G-MSC), the Home Location Register (HLR) or the visited MSC (V-MSC) where the mobile terminal is operating determines whether the mobile terminal is available. If not, the G-MSC sends a short message service (SMS) point-to-point (PTP) message to a message center (MC) and includes the CLI information. The MC is notified when the mobile terminal becomes available. The MC then forwards the CLI information to the V-MSC in a SMS PTP message. The V-MSC sends the CLI information to the mobile terminal in a IS-136 R-DATA message or other appropriate data message.

Abstract: A telecommunication system enables a called party having a caller identification device to learn the identity of a calling party although the calling party is a credit card caller, a calling card caller, a caller using an Intelligent/Agent service, a caller using a pager, or a caller connected to a PBX system. If the calling party's automatic number identification (ANI) does not fully identify the calling party, information stored in a database is used to supplement the ANI so that the calling party can be identified.

Abstract: An Address Presentation Restricted Indicator within an Initial Address Message (IAM) call setup signal includes a value indicating that a requested call connection is an emergency call. In response, even if the terminating subscriber has an Anonymous Call Rejection (ACR) subscriber feature activated, the terminating end office overrides the activated feature and effectuates a call connection towards the terminating subscriber without displaying the directory number associated with the originating subscriber. A memory register associated with a CLASS Automatic Recall (CAR) subscriber feature is further not updated with the incoming directory number to preclude a call back to the originating subscriber from the terminating subscriber.