Abstract: A method includes recording, at an electronic device utilizing a microphone of the electronic device, ambient noise of an environment the electronic device is disposed in; electronically analyzing, utilizing one or more processors, the recorded ambient noise of the environment to determine one or more frequency bands to avoid; dynamically adapting, based on the electronic analysis, an auditory alert to be played at the electronic device, such adaptation including frequency equalization adjustments based on the determination of one or more frequency bands to avoid; and playing, at the electronic device utilizing one or more speakers of the electronic device, the adapted auditory alert.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for adapting a ringtone in accordance with ambient noise. In one embodiment a method includes processing an ambient noise signal to determine an ambient noise volume. When there is an incoming communication and it is determined that the ambient noise has a low ambient noise volume, a method can include generating a ringtone having a ringtone volume that is initially a low volume and increasing the ringtone volume over a predetermined period of time. A method can include applying a filter to the ringtone signal to increase a signal-to-noise ratio, the filter configured to increase an amplitude of a frequency that is not one of the predominant frequencies of the ambient noise and that the transducer is configured to output according to the transducer frequency response. In another embodiment, a second transducer may generate a ringtone output in addition to the first transducer.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic terminal and a ringtone prompt method for the electronic terminal. A control module of the electronic terminal instructs a ringtone sound source module to play a test ringtone signal, and instructs a ringtone channel switch system to switch all sound channels one by one to output the test ringtone signal; a sound collection module collects an exterior sound signal while each channel is outputting the test ringtone signal and feeds it back to a signal processing module; the signal processing module processes the intensity of the test ringtone signal therein; the control module determines the output channel of a prompt ringtone signal according to the processing result of the collected signal, instructs the ringtone channel switch system to switch to the determined output channel, and instructs the ringtone sound source module to play the prompt ringtone signal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing custom alerts including a processor configured to retrieve a custom alert from a custom alert provider, a receiver configured to receive, from a user, a request to initiate communication with a communications agent, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals over a network to communicate with the communications agent, wherein transmitting the one or more signals includes transmitting the custom alert for output at the communication agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for implementing a CLIP service, which includes: a resource storage entity used for storing multimedia resources subscribed by a calling terminal; a resource playing entity used for downloading the multimedia resources from the resource storage entity and playing the multimedia resources; a CLIP service management entity used for obtaining a storage address of the multimedia resources and sending the storage address of the multimedia resources to the resource playing entity. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method and apparatus for implementing the CLIP service. The system, method and apparatus for implementing the CLIP service in the embodiments of the present invention enable the calling terminal to subscribe to the multimedia resources for a called terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing a ringback tone (RBT). The system for providing an RBT to a user comprises: a sound file storage for storing a sound file; a user database receiving sound selection information from a user terminal, recording a sound identifier of the sound file corresponding to the sound selection information, receiving output position information of the selected sound file from the user terminal, and recording the sound position information; and an RBT providing unit reproducing a region which corresponds to the output position information from the sound file corresponding to the sound identifier with reference to the sound file storage and the user database so as to be provided as an RBT.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications terminal to notify its user of the arrival of a message via an acoustic or visual signal whose properties are based on attributes of the message. A network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a private branch exchange [PBX], a server, etc.) receives a message directed to a terminal and sets the values of ringtone properties (e.g., tempo, volume, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on attributes of an incoming message (e.g., the sender, a priority, a subject, the location from which the message was sent, etc.). In a first illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the instantiated ringtone to the terminal, while in a second illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the property values to the terminal, and the terminal plays a locally-stored ringtone in accordance with the property values.

Abstract: When a number of users share one telephone number, the present invention indicates who the callee (the person the caller wants to talk to) is, with personalized rings and information shown on a display, so as to allow each user to quickly identify calls directed to him/her. A mobile phone user could inform the callee his/her intent and/or the urgency level of the call by selecting from options provided by the callee reflecting the callee's preferences.

Abstract: An incoming call is detected from a calling entity. If the incoming call is associated with a subscription to presence information media data associated with the subscription can be output through an output unit in the telephone terminal. If the incoming call is determined to be associated with a subscription to presence information, it is determined whether the media data is present in the terminal, and if the media data is present in the terminal, the media data is output through an output unit in the telephone terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for associating communication information with a geographic location-aware contact entry. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include identifying a geographic location. The method may also include receiving a communication including identification information and originating from the geographic location. Further, the method may include associating the identification information with a contact entry.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an output device configured to output a ringing tone, a vibrator configured to generate vibration, and a first controller configured to detect a missed call indicating that an incoming call response operation is not performed, and a second controller coupled to the first controller. The second controller is configured, if the first controller detects the missed call, to notify a missed call notification at predetermined time intervals by at least one of the ringing tone output from the output device and the vibration generated by the vibrator, the missed call notification indicating that a response operation for the missed call is not performed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating a first signal; generating vibrations in a mobile device based on the first signal; and sensing, using a microphone associated with the mobile device, sound generated by the vibrations. The method further includes generating an output based on the sound sensed by the microphone, measuring a level of the sound based on the output, and detecting a resonant frequency of the mobile device based on the level of the sound.

Abstract: A system and method for providing custom alerts including a processor configured to retrieve a custom alert from a custom alert provider, a receiver configured to receive, from a user, a request to initiate communication with a communications agent, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals over a network to communicate with the communications agent, wherein transmitting the one or more signals includes transmitting the custom alert for output at the communication agent.

Abstract: A device may receive a telephone call, automatically create a ring tone in response to receiving the telephone call, and cause the ring tone to be audibly provided to a user.

Abstract: A method for increasing ring tone volume is provided. The method includes steps of: reading an audio file which is set as a current ring tone; determining whether the ring tone is a MP3 audio file or a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) audio file; adjusting frequencies by using an equalizer technique to increase volume of the ring tone if the ring tone is the MP3 audio file; adjusting a volume level of the ring tone to be the highest volume level, and adjusting timbre of the ring tone to increase the ring tone volume by simulating a musical score of the ring tone by using different instruments if the ring tone is the MIDI audio file. A related system is also provided.

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: Methods and systems for enhanced Colorful Ring-Back Tone (eCRBT) services by mixing multiple digital content streams in real time are provided, including audio, video, data, text-based message, and hypermedia object streams. One or more properties of the content streams, such as volume or pitch of an audio stream, or brightness and layout of a video stream, are gradually altered such that a prominence of the an individual content stream is dynamically and seamlessly changed relative to other content streams with time. An eCRBT controller controls mixing and playing of digital content either based on an internal algorithm in an application server, or selections received from subscribers through provisioning interfaces. Personalized content streams can be mixed and played in real time based on interactive response received from a calling subscriber. Content may also be personalized based on caller by service provider.

Abstract: A method or device includes a telephone with an audio or video effects generator to produce audio or video effects that are transmitted as part of a signal from the telephone.

Abstract: A method includes previously downloading, to a device of a user, media content chosen by a buddy of the user and an indication that it is to be associated with the buddy, passing the downloaded media content to the device as the media content to be associated in a contact list with the buddy and playing the media content in response to an identification of the buddy.

Abstract: The automatic adjustment of audio alert characteristics of an alert device using ambient noise levels is described. In one aspect of the invention, a machine-readable medium has executable instructions to cause a machine to perform a method to receive an audio sample of ambient noise and adjust a characteristic of the audio alert, such as, the volume level of the audio alert, based on the ambient noise level.

Abstract: A method for intercepting signals so as to change the ring mode of a mobile device includes the following steps. Initially, a signal about to enter a predetermined area is intercepted. Then, a specific ring mode is added to the signal according to contents of the signal. Next, the signal having the specific ring mode is sent to a mobile device located in the predetermined area. Subsequently, the mobile device uses the specific ring mode as the ring mode of the mobile device upon receipt of the signal. A device applying the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Audibly identifying an event includes enabling selection of a first sound based upon an identifier. The identifier enables identification of an entity related to the event. A notification of an occurrence of the event is received. The notification includes the identifier. An intended recipient is alerted of the event by playing, in response to the notification, at least a portion of the first sound and at least a portion of a second sound that is related to the event.

Abstract: An IP telephone system includes a source IP telephone apparatus, a destination telephone apparatus, a Web server and an ENUM server. The IP telephone apparatuses function as base stations for multi-handset telephone systems and are connected to an IP network. The Web server stores ring tone information corresponding to a telephone number assigned to the source or destination IP telephone apparatus. The ENUM server stores a NAPTR resource record in which a URI specifies link data related to the ring tone information stored in the Web server. In the IP telephone system, the IP telephone apparatus that has received a call transmits, to the ENUM server, a query for a NAPTR record corresponding to an intended recipient's telephone number.

Abstract: The automatic adjustment of audio alert characteristics of an alert device using ambient noise levels is described. In one aspect of the invention, a machine-readable medium has executable instructions to cause a machine to perform a method to receive an audio sample of ambient noise and adjust a characteristic of the audio alert, such as, the volume level of the audio alert, based on the ambient noise level.

Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes receiving, by a mobile client device, an incoming call sent by a caller, a caller ID being associated with the incoming call. A node connected to a packet-based network is accessed to obtain information about the caller. Information about the caller is then received from the node by the mobile client device. This information is applied to a set of client rules that selects a specific ring tone from a plurality of ring tones stored on the mobile client device. Finally, the specific ring tone is generated on the mobile client device to announce the incoming call.

Abstract: An incoming call notification is performed based on a caller number extracted from a call-in signal and a user status stored in a user status storage unit, and thereby, the incoming call is notified adequately in accordance with the user status and a caller. For example, the contents of the incoming call notification is changed in accordance with a busyness of a user or an importance of the caller, and thereby, a flexible response by the user becomes possible.

Abstract: In order to provide unbalanced ringing when an exchange line card provides a balanced ringing output the interface provides a ringing detector in circuit with a customer pair. On detecting balanced ringing signals from the line card, the interface takes over the customer line pair and provides unbalanced ringing signals to the customer and monitors for customer answer. By inserting the interface in circuit at the main distribution frame of an exchange, legacy customer premises equipment which is unable to respond to balanced signalling can be provided with an appropriate ringing signal without the necessity to provide differing line cards at the exchange.

Abstract: A tone advisor, a tone assisting system and a method of associating tones with callers. In one embodiment the method includes: (1) monitoring calls to and from a user, (2) obtaining information based on the calls and (3) categorizing a caller associated with at least one of the calls into a contact group according to the information and (4) assigning a genre of tones to the contact group.

Abstract: An IP telephone system includes a source IP telephone apparatus, a destination telephone apparatus, a Web server and an ENUM server. The IP telephone apparatuses are connected to an IP network. The Web server stores ring tone information corresponding to a telephone number assigned to the source or destination IP telephone apparatus. The ENUM server stores a NAPTR resource record in which a URI specifies link data related to the ring tone information stored in the Web server. In the IP telephone system, the IP telephone apparatus that has received a call transmits, to the ENUM server, a query for a NAPTR record corresponding to an intended recipient's telephone number.

Abstract: A method or device includes a telephone with an audio or video effects generator to produce audio or video effects that are transmitted as part of a signal from the telephone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for managing ring-back sounds in a subscriber-based ring-back sound service. The method includes the first step of storing common ring-back sounds and reporting details of use of the common ring-back sounds, the second step of storing individual ring-back sounds and reporting details of use of the individual ring-back sounds, and the third step of statistically compiling the reported details of use and determining whether to maintain storage of the ring-back sounds based up the statistically complied details. A method and apparatus for presenting and changing ring-back sounds based upon the ring-back sound managing method and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for processing a calling tone of a wire/wireless telephone, if an RF signal corresponding to a ring receiving generation control signal is transmitted to a portable device from a fixed device after a ring signal is received in the fixed device of the wire/wireless telephone, the portable device measures the distance between the fixed device and the portable device according to electric field strength of the RF signal transmitted by the fixed device. If the measured distance is less than a preset reference distance, the portable device disables generation of the calling tone and the calling tone is generated in the fixed device only. Thus, when the fixed device is near the portable device, only the fixed device processes the calling tone for receiving a ring signal, and the problem of user inconvenience caused by lack of harmony between melody chords generated in the fixed device and the portable device is solved.

Abstract: Incoming call tones and program numbers as numbers used to specify respective incoming call tones are stored in a memory of a cellular phone so as to be set in correspondence to each other. The program numbers are used to specify corresponding incoming call tone melodies, data of which is stored in the memory. A control circuit of the cellular phone, whenever an incoming call is received, increments a value of a counter indicating the corresponding program number by one, and uses an incoming call tone corresponding to the program number corresponding to the value of the counter.

Abstract: A system and method of message indicating that enable the sender of a message to chose the ringing tone of the receiver's cellular telephone upon arrival of the sender's message. The sender has the ability to either choose or create the ringing tone to be played on the receiver's cellular telephone. The sender also has the ability to create either SMS or multimedia messages to be sent with the ringing tone. The ringing tones may also be chosen or downloaded from Internet sites.

Abstract: The ring relay control unit of an FXS includes a main control unit for controlling relay interrupt command; a relay control device for generating a relay control signal in accordance with a relay interrupt command transferred from the main control unit, an SLIC for interfacing a call signal to a subscriber's phone, a ring signal generator for generating a ring signal transferred to the subscriber's phone, and transferring a synchronous signal, which generates a relay control signal, to the relay control device, and a relay for selectively transferring the call signal and the ring signal to the subscriber's phone from the SLIC and the ring signal generator.

Abstract: A system and method that allows a ringer of a telephone to be silenced on demand without preventing outgoing calls to be placed. In an embodiment of the invention, there is a ring control device comprising a switch, a voltage control device in electrical series with the switch, and a first plug for receiving a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal comprising a first voltage and a second voltage, the first plug disposed in series with and before the voltage control device. The ring control device also includes a second plug for outputting at least one of the first and second voltages of the first electrical signal, the second plug disposed in series with and after the switch. In the ring control device, the voltage control device prevents one of the first and second voltages from passing to the second plug when the switch is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A digital circuit for driving an audio transducer that provides consistent tonal quality over a range of volume levels, without requiring a variable gain analog amplifier. A fixed amplitude ringer tone is multiplied, or amplitude modulated, by a higher frequency digital pulse train to produce a transducer driving signal. The timbre of the transducer driving signal is similar to that of the fixed amplitude ringer tone, but the volume of the sound produced by the transducer varies with the mark-space ratio of the pulse train.

Abstract: A circuit where the same amplifiers and the same volume adjustment circuitry are used for the ringer mode as well as for the audio mode of a mobile phone is achieved. The volume adjustment in the audio and ringer mode is provided by a precise amplitude setting via the gain control stages of an inverting voltage amplifier used in a bridge circuit through a current-voltage conversion. This volume adjustment circuit avoids the high power dissipation of a volume control through pulse width modulation (PWM) and avoids the risk of over-and undershooting of the amplifier's output signal due to a high slew rate in combination with the inductance of the loudspeaker. The current-voltage conversion is performed by a series of resistors activated by a series of correspondent switches. High impedance current less sense paths are eliminating the parasitic effect of the resistance of low cost standard switches to adjust the volume of the loudspeaker in the audio and the ringer mode.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer (1) includes a ringing signal generation means (20) for generating a ringing signal (CS) and an electroacoustic transducer (9) for the acoustic reproduction of the ringing signal (CS), in which the ringing signal generation means (20) includes at least two fundamental tone signal generation stages (GT1, GT2, . . . GTn), which are each adapted to generate a fundamental tone signal (GS1, GS2, . . . GSn) of a given frequency (f1, f2, . . . fn), which frequencies (f1, f2 . . . fn) are in a rational ratio to each other, and in which the ringing signal generation means (20) has a control means (21) with the aid of which each of the fundamental tone signal generation stages (GT1, GT2, . . . GTn) can be activated for a given time interval, namely in such a manner that at least two fundamental tone signal generation stages (GT1, GT2, . . . GTn) are activated simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and a method for the transmission and reception of digital data wirelessly using acoustic tones comprises a device having an encoder, a modulator system, a demodulator system, and a decoder. The modulator system uses a plurality of acoustical tones with a fundamental frequency and multiple harmonics that are amplitude modulated. The received signal is demodulated and detected by quadrature detectors comprising replicas of the acoustical tones. An extended Golay code based decoder is used for correcting errors occurring during transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication receiver provided with a loudspeaker and/or a microphone and means for automatically adapting the volume of the loudspeaker and/or microphone according to the local acoustic environment of the receiver and in particular the degree of confinement of the environment. Confinement detection means are provided and comprise adaptive filtering means for modeling the acoustic channel of the receiver by means of the pulse response of an adaptive filter and calculation and comparison means for calculating a power ratio between a partial power and the total power of said pulse response to compare it with reference values and to derive therefrom an estimation of said degree of confinement. Application: Mobile telephony.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer program product for providing a flexible ringer for multiple deskset phones. A controller detects a flag message that precedes an incoming telephone call, and selects one or more frequencies based on a local expectation of a ringing telephone at the geographic location, or according to a user preference. A digital signal processor (DSP) generates a digital ringer signal based the selected frequencies. An audio code converts the digital ringer signal to an analog ringer signal and sends the analog ringer signal to multiple deskset phones using a receive cable. The analog ringer signal is amplified to drive a speaker that converts the analog ringer signal into an audible ringer sound at each deskset phone. The audible ringer sound can be customized for multiple geographic locations by modifying the selected frequencies used in the digital ringer signal.