Called Line Or Station Condition Responsive (e.g., Recall If Busy) Patents (Class 379/46)
  • Patent number: 11736903
    Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining current location data for a non-traditional telephony endpoint for emergency calling purposes. An emergency services (ES) provider receives, from a telephony server responding to a telecommunication session establishment request from a telephony endpoint, a location registration request, the location registration request including telephony endpoint identification information and a mobile device telephone number. The ES provider may send a short message service (SMS) message to the mobile device telephone number, the SMS message including an executable registration link that when executed on a mobile device receiving the SMS message causes the mobile device to retrieve location data of the mobile device. The ES provider may then receive the current location data from the mobile device and store it and the telephony endpoint identification information for subsequent use should a 911 call be made from that telephony endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Bandwidth Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Pereira, Larry Reeder, Lydia Runnels, Adam Covati
  • Patent number: 8964945
    Abstract: A system and method for providing location information to a public safety answering point may include registering network access points with a gateway. The registration may include address location of each network access point to enable the gateway to look-up and communicate the address location of a registered network access point during an emergency 911 call. The network access points may be WiFi access points. The network access point address location information may be communicated using a type II caller ID data packets after the public safety answering point goes off-hook. By communicating both the access point address information and GPS location information, PSAPs that are configured as E911 Phase I and E911 Phase II may display address information of an emergency 911 caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Amar N. Ray
  • Patent number: 8855594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for managing an emergency call between a terminal and a network by using a non-access stratum protocol in a mobile communication network. A method for providing an emergency call service by a terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: enabling the terminal to transmit an access request message including an emergency call identifier to a mobility management entity; enabling the terminal to attempt to authenticate the mobility management entity after the step of transmitting the access request message; enabling the terminal to receive an access grant message including the emergency call identifier from the mobility management entity; and enabling the terminal which receives the access grant message, to provide an emergency call service through the mobility management entity. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Joo Suh, Song Yean Cho, Beom Sik Bae, Han Na Lim
  • Patent number: 8848878
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating emergency callbacks are provided. A request to permit the connection of a telephone call originated by a user device may be received by a call processing system. The call processing system may include any number of computers or computing devices. The telephone call may be identified by the call processing system as an emergency call. Based upon the identification, the call processing system may override one or more incoming call parameters to permit connection of a return call to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Timm Peddie, Michael Poffenberger
  • Patent number: 8817951
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a location via a called telephony communication device is disclosed. The method at the called telephony communication device includes receiving (304) a request from a calling telephony communication device. Further, the method includes determining (306) whether the received request is for monitoring the location. The method further includes automatically transmitting (308) audio/video data captured via the called telephony communication device to the calling telephony communication device when the received request is determined to be one for monitoring the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Glen P Goffin, Evan A. Groat, David Grubb
  • Patent number: 8792621
    Abstract: An active call between two parties can be marked as a non-preemptable call if one of the two parties is an authorized agency that desires to prevent premature termination of the call by a third party. The authorized agency sends a signal to a main switch to indicate that non-preemptable call status is desired. The newly established call status is then propagated to other nodes in the system to prevent premature call termination. Non-preemptable status can also be granted to some calls based on the destination of the called number, such as in 911 calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II, LLC
    Inventors: DeWayne Allan Sennett, Brian K. Daly
  • Patent number: 8724777
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, device and system for implementing emergency call override service; wherein the implementation method comprise: a first application server (AS) on a called side receives an initial request message, carrying a service identifier indicating an emergency call override service, from a second AS on a calling side; and the first AS implements the emergency call override service according to the service identifier. In the IMS network architecture, by adding a service identifier, indicating emergency call override service, in an initial request message based on SIP, an AS network element on a called side can implement emergency call override service according to the service identifier, thereby solving the problem that the emergency call override service cannot be implemented in the current IMS network architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Mei Zuo, Yongping Huang, Wenjie Ling, Jingzhu Tang
  • Patent number: 8705517
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing a forced hold service such as is used for an emergency services call, which is supported at least in part over a packet network. The forced hold service acts to effectively hold a connection for the call with a called party, even when the caller takes an action that would normally end a call, such as going on hook, pressing end, or the like. When the caller takes an action that would normally end the call, the forced hold service allows the caller to automatically reconnect to the emergency services provider over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like. Alternatively, the emergency services provider can effectively re-engage the call wherein the caller is reconnected over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Rockstar Consortium US LP
    Inventors: David P. Ress, William D. Gentry, Brian Stucker, Olga Wagner
  • Patent number: 8693642
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for handling of an emergency call as it affects an authentication procedure in a communication network. For example, it is assumed that, in a communication network, a first computing device comprises user equipment and a second computing device comprises an authentication function. Thus, a method comprises the following steps. A first type call indicator message is received at the second computing device from the first computing device. A decision is made to proceed with or drop an authentication procedure for the first computing device at the second computing device based on the first type call indicator message. The second computing device may enable a first type call to be placed for the first computing device. The first type call may be an emergency call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Alec Brusilovsky, Frank Alfano
  • Patent number: 8594279
    Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises: a disaster information receiving section connected to a communication line for receiving disaster information therefrom; a microphone; a speech recognizing section for recognizing speeches input from the microphone; a communication section; and a control section. When the disaster information receiving section receives disaster information from the communication line, the speech recognizing section starts recognizing speeches from the microphone. When the speech recognizing section recognizes the presence of the speeches from the microphone, the control section controls the communication section to make a call to a predetermined destination of communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Takuno, Satoru Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8588375
    Abstract: A communication system to handle call-back calls from emergency services to callers comprises a communication network and a call processing system. The communication network is configured to receive an emergency call for an emergency service from a communication device operated by a caller, and receive an incoming call for the communication device. The call processing system is configured to, in response to the emergency call, modify call controls associated with the caller, and process the modified call controls associated with the caller to determine if the incoming call is allowed. The communication network is further configured to connect the incoming call if the incoming call is allowed, and to block the incoming call if the incoming call is not allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Ashwin Shashindranath, Daniel V. Steinel, Anthony Charles Wells
  • Publication number: 20130230153
    Abstract: An active call between two parties can be marked as a non-preemptable call if one of the two parties is an authorized agency that desires to prevent premature termination of the call by a third party. The authorized agency sends a signal to a main switch to indicate that non-preemptable call status is desired. The newly established call status is then propagated to other nodes in the system to prevent premature call termination. Non-preemptable status can also be granted to some calls based on the destination of the called number, such as in 911 calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: DeWayne Allan Sennett, Brian K. Daly
  • Patent number: 8520806
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to implement forced answer communications by receiving a request to permit emergency activation of a first telephone in response to a call placed by a second telephone having a defined telephone number, receiving the call placed by the second telephone to the first telephone, wherein the first telephone is either on hook or turned off, and establishing a voice communication path between the first telephone and the second telephone. The path may be established by either sending an off hook command to the first telephone if the first telephone is turned on and on hook, or sending a combination of turn on and off hook commands to the first telephone if the first telephone is turned off. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventor: Debashis Banerjee
  • Patent number: 8520805
    Abstract: E911 call routing technology that employs pseudo Automatic Number Indicators (pANI) is enhanced to provide video E911 services. Digital photos or video from a camera-equipped phone are associated with a pseudo Automatic Number Identification (pANI), e.g., an emergency service routing key (ESRK), or an emergency service query key (ESQK) in the VoIP scenario, and a dedicated email address is associated with each pseudo Automatic Number Indicator (pANI) for the emergency caller to email the image content to. A video E911 web database containing associations between pANIs and staged image content associated with the emergency caller relating to the pANI, is maintained at an appropriate video E911 web site hosted by a mobile positioning center (MPC) or VoIP positioning center (VPC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20130216028
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for providing a signal to a communication system comprising an interface between a communication link and the communication system, like an alarm system, wherein the interface receives a signal from the communication link and provides a signal indicative of the availability of the communication link for use by the communication system. Alarm systems operations may be facilitated so that Residential Gateway components (such as voice terminal adapters) may simulate traditional telephone network systems that run on 48 VDC powered telephone lines. The system also comprises an input port associated with the interface for receiving the signal from the communication link, a transformer or a voltage regulator and an output port associated with the interface for providing the conditioned signal to the communication system. A ring voltage received from the communication link may be passed through to the alarm system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
  • Patent number: 8472430
    Abstract: A method and system for prioritizing data packets relating to a conversation over a VoIP communication channel is provided. An individual client or a service provider may specify priority information corresponding to incoming conversations. When several calling clients send data packets to one called client, the predefine priority information of the called client may be exchanged as part of contextual information. Based on the predefined priority information, priority levels are assigned to the received data packets. Subsequently, an existing communication channel may be terminated, interrupted, altered, and/or suspended in order to transmit data packets with higher priority than other data packets. A new communication channel may be established for a two-way communication, or a one-way communication between two clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Milstein, Linda Criddle, Scott Forbes
  • Patent number: 8422640
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting emergency messages is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device, of a communication system, having a controller element to send a selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted to one or more associates of a subscriber corresponding to the communication device; and receive an emergency alert message of a public emergency alert system for a zone of coverage, wherein the subscriber is in the zone of coverage and wherein the emergency alert message is transmitted to one or more associate communication devices of each of the one or more associates according to the selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Ostermeier, Budd L. Schubert
  • Patent number: 8391458
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a communication system is described. A communication interface receives a first user request for a voice service from a communication device. In response to receiving the first user request, the communication interface transfers an initial message requesting access to the voice service. The communication interface receives a response to the initial message that indicates that the voice service is not available. After receiving the response, the communication interface receives a second user request from the communication device. A processing system processes the second user request to determine if the second user request indicates an emergency service. If the second user request indicates the emergency service, then the communication interface transfers a call request for the emergency service. If the second user request does not indicate the emergency service, then the communication interface notifies the communication device that the voice service is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Michael Bloomcamp, Russell E. Huntsman
  • Patent number: 8385516
    Abstract: A smart ringback blocking and replacement system for delivering and/or selectively blocking signal content from a communications network is disclosed. Communications devices interact with the smart ringback blocking and replacement system to allow for modifications of the network service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: eClips, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Radziewicz, Mark R. Gregorek, Jeffrey C. Dillow
  • Patent number: 8361166
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting electronic device security and tracking information. A method includes but is not limited to making accessible at least one first webpage capable of presenting a category for an electronic device registered with an electronic device security and tracking system and method (ESTSM) service; making accessible at least one second webpage capable of accepting a report that the electronic device has been stolen; and making accessible at least one third webpage capable of accepting at least one item of information pertaining to enablement of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Softex Incorporated
    Inventors: Apurva Mahendrakumar Bhansali, Manoj Kumar Jain, Shradha Dube, Gayathri Rangarajan, Mehul Ramjibhai Patel, Rayesh Kashinath Raikar, Kamal Mansukhlal Dhanani, Ranjit Kapila, Elza Abraham Varghese, Thomas David Tucker
  • Patent number: 8284906
    Abstract: If a communication client disconnects from a call, an interworking service node may receive from the communication client a disconnect message indicative of an attempt to disconnect the call and send a forced hold message to place the call on forced hold in response to receiving the disconnect message. A portion of the call extending toward a public service access point and through the PSTN is placed on hold. When an operator wants to reestablish the call to the communication client, the interworking service node will receive over the PSTN a reconnect request message to reestablish the call with the communication client. The reconnect request message may be an integrated services user part message. In response to the reconnect message, the interworking service node will generate and send a session initiation message, which is configured to reestablish the call toward the communication client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Rockstar Bidco, LP
    Inventors: Brian Stucker, Olga Wagner
  • Patent number: 8233591
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing a forced hold service such as is used for an emergency services call, which is supported at least in part over a packet network. The forced hold service acts to effectively hold a connection for the call with a called party, even when the caller takes an action that would normally end a call, such as going on hook, pressing end, or the like. When the caller takes an action that would normally end the call, the forced hold service allows the caller to automatically reconnect to the emergency services provider over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like. Alternatively, the emergency services provider can effectively re-engage the call wherein the caller is reconnected over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rockstar Bidco, LP
    Inventors: David P. Ress, William D. Gentry, Brian Stucker, Olga Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120178403
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for connecting a caller to an alternate telephone number, such as 911, when a call to a private response center does not result in immediate assistance. In one example, when the call to the private response center does not connect, the communications device used to make the call may prompt the user to indicate that the call relates to an emergency, and the communications device may call the emergency services telephone number. Failure to connect may result when the call does not connect to a receiving party, or upon failure to timely reach a customer service representative. In another example, the call to the private response center may connect, but the private response center may signal the communications device that the call will not be handled immediately. The communications device may then prompt the user to indicate whether an alternate telephone number should be called.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GreatCall, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Sieg, Kotaro Matsuo, Dean Williams
  • Publication number: 20120178405
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for connecting a caller to an alternate telephone number, such as 911, when a call to a private response center does not result in immediate assistance. In one example, when the call to the private response center does not connect, the communications device used to make the call may prompt the user to indicate that the call relates to an emergency, and the communications device may call the emergency services telephone number. Failure to connect may result when the call does not connect to a receiving party, or upon failure to timely reach a customer service representative. The communications device may prompt the user to indicate whether an alternate telephone number should be called.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GreatCall, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Sieg, Kotaro Matsuo, Dean Williams
  • Publication number: 20120163561
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, device and system for implementing emergency call override service; wherein the implementation method comprise: a first application server (AS) on a called side receives an initial request message, carrying a service identifier indicating an emergency call override service, from a second AS on a calling side; and the first AS implements the emergency call override service according to the service identifier. In the IMS network architecture, by adding a service identifier, indicating emergency call override service, in an initial request message based on SIP, an AS network element on a called side can implement emergency call override service according to the service identifier, thereby solving the problem that the emergency call override service cannot be implemented in the current IMS network architecture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mei Zuo, Yongping Huang, Wenjie Ling, Jingzhu Tang
  • Publication number: 20120163562
    Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises: a disaster information receiving section connected to a communication line for receiving disaster information therefrom; a microphone; a speech recognizing section for recognizing speeches input from the microphone; a communication section; and a control section. When the disaster information receiving section receives disaster information from the communication line, the speech recognizing section starts recognizing speeches from the microphone. When the speech recognizing section recognizes the presence of the speeches from the microphone, the control section controls the communication section to make a call to a predetermined destination of communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Shinji Takuno, Satoru Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8199885
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting emergency messages is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device, of a communication system, having a controller element to send a selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted to one or more associates of a subscriber corresponding to the communication device; and receive an emergency alert message of a public emergency alert system for a zone of coverage, wherein the subscriber is in the zone of coverage and wherein the emergency alert message is transmitted to one or more associate communication devices of each of the one or more associates according to the selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Ostermeier, Budd L. Schubert
  • Patent number: 8182548
    Abstract: An electronic device security and tracking system. A system includes one or more clients, wherein the clients are electronic devices; and a server computer system connected to each of the clients, wherein the server computer system is capable of tracking and locating each of the clients. In one aspect, the server computer system includes one or more web servers coupled to each of the clients, wherein the web servers include a website for the electronic device security and tracking system; one or more file transfer protocol servers coupled to each of the web servers; and one or more database servers connected to each of the web servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Softex Incorporated
    Inventors: Apurva Mahendrakumar Bhansali, Manoj Kumar Jain, Shradha Dube, Gayathri Rangarajan, Mehul Ramjibhai Patel, Rayesh Kashinath Raikar, Kamal Mansukhlal Dhanani, Ranjit Kapila, Elza Abraham Varghese, Thomas David Tucker
  • Patent number: 8180024
    Abstract: In the present invention, a caller is presented with the state of the call as detected by the network, along with a number of potential options, such as: request sequential or parallel call notification to one or more other stations; end the call but leave a voicemail for the caller even if the called party does not subscribe to voicemail; end the call but leave a text message for the caller if the station is capable of receiving the text message; send a text or voice message as e-mail to the called party, if the called party permits such a service; request the network to leave a missed call notification along with a number to dial back; request to notify the caller when the original called party is idle or willing to accept a call; or any number of other options the service provider is capable of supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Babu Mani
  • Patent number: 8165273
    Abstract: Customer premises equipment may include a memory, a modem/router, and a communications device at a customer premises. The memory may be configured to store an address for a public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises. The modem/router may be configured to provide a data connection between the customer premises equipment at the customer premises and a data network. The communication device may be configured to detect a request for an emergency call being placed from the customer premises equipment, to retrieve the address for the public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises from the memory responsive to detecting the request for the emergency call, and to establish a voice communication through the modem/router between the customer premises equipment and the public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises after retrieving the address for the public safety answering point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120082302
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating emergency callbacks are provided. A request to permit the connection of a telephone call originated by a user device may be received by a call processing system. The call processing system may include any number of computers or computing devices. The telephone call may be identified by the call processing system as an emergency call. Based upon the identification, the call processing system may override one or more incoming call parameters to permit connection of a return call to the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timm Peddie, Michael Poffenberger
  • Publication number: 20120033544
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating and suppressing performance alerts in a packet network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for handling alerts in a packet network includes receiving a plurality of alerts relating to one or more faults in the packet network, wherein the plurality of alerts is generated from information contained in a plurality of call detail records, correlating the plurality of alerts into one or more sets of performance alerts, each of the one or more sets of performance alerts being associated with a common one of the one or more faults, and suppressing at least one further alert relating to at least one of the one or more sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: YU-LEIN KUNG, Jeffrey Stein
  • Patent number: 8098798
    Abstract: A method of logging call data for failed emergency calls includes: receiving from a calling party an emergency call that is to be routed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (40) over a telecommunications network (20); determining if the received emergency call is connected to the PSAP (40); and, if the received emergency call fails to be connected to the PSAP (40), then capturing selected call data regarding the failed emergency call and recording the captured call data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Stuart O. Goldman, Richard E. Krock, Bernard L. Malone, III, Karl F. Rauscher, James P. Runyon
  • Patent number: 7844035
    Abstract: A message broadcast system is disclosed for quickly delivering a relatively large amount of content to customer premises devices. A dial-out voice server initiates a plurality of telephone calls to a plurality of telephone numbers associated with customer premises alerting devices. The dial-out server also transmits a control data signal to the alerting devices, which indicates an incoming voice message to the alerting devices. The customer premises devices are connected to the telecommunication network via a communication channel and are configured to continuously monitor the communication channel for the control data signal. In response to receipt of a control data signal, an alerting device automatically configures itself to receive the incoming voice message. After delivering the voice message to the alerting device, the dial-out voice server may disconnect and place another call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Stanley Pietrowicz
  • Publication number: 20100266107
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for handling of an emergency call as it affects an authentication procedure in a communication network. For example, it is assumed that, in a communication network, a first computing device comprises user equipment and a second computing device comprises an authentication function. Thus, a method comprises the following steps. A first type call indicator message is received at the second computing device from the first computing device. A decision is made to proceed with or drop an authentication procedure for the first computing device at the second computing device based on the first type call indicator message. The second computing device may enable a first type call to be placed for the first computing device. The first type call may be an emergency call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Alec Brusilovsky, Frank Alfano
  • Patent number: 7805151
    Abstract: Provided, inter alia, is a system for generating substantially simultaneous alerts, in which a plurality of user devices is accessible via at least one publicly available network. Each such user device has installed on it an alert-based client. A server is configured to download identical alert information, including a message that has been encrypted, to the plurality of user devices. The alert-based clients are configured to receive the alert information and, in response: (i) to store the message in encrypted form until just prior to a specified delivery time; and (ii) to decrypt and deliver the message substantially at the specified delivery time. By virtue of the foregoing arrangement, substantially simultaneous delivery of the message to the user devices is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Vergence Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Feeney, Brent W. Barkley, Jeff E. Haas, Gregory J. Pinter
  • Patent number: 7756254
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a signaling message to be sent in response to an emergency call, e.g., an E911 call, set up message to provide information as to whether or not the E911 call has been successfully completed are disclosed. An indicator of a failed call setup will trigger the call to be re-originated transparently to an emergency center where live operators can handle the call on a 24hours/day basis. In one embodiment, an emergency center is a call center that is operated by a network provider or a third party provider to support emergency calls when a PSAP cannot be reached by a caller for various reasons. The emergency center is capable forwarding a call to the appropriate PSAP for call termination on behalf of the E911 caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Patent number: 7715821
    Abstract: In the method of updating a unique call back number for a wireless unit having originated an emergency call, a unique call back number for the wireless unit is updated (e.g., changed or added to a list of unique call back numbers) based on a received unique call back number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas H. Rollender
  • Patent number: 7698435
    Abstract: A distributed service node includes a voice browser, media resources, such as automatic speech recognition (ASR) engines and text-to-speech (TTS) engines, and a resource manager. A media gateway converts between a pulse code modulation (PCM) format used in a circuit-switched telephone network and a real-time packet media format used by the distributed service node. A caller places a call to telephone number associated with the media gateway, and a real-time packet media session is established between the media gateway and the distributed service node. The voice browser queries a location server to determine the location of an interactive application associated with the called telephone number and then queries an application server corresponding to the location to obtain the interactive application as a voice extensible markup language (VXML) document. The browser interprets the VXML document and responsively invokes the media resources to provide an interactive media service to the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Paterik, Virender Kumar
  • Publication number: 20100027764
    Abstract: A network device, configured with common and emergency call resources for connecting a telephone terminal to a local exchange, includes a storage module, a control module, and a digital signal processor. The storage module stores a plurality of emergency call numbers. The control module detects a public switched telephone network (PSTN) dialing signal from the telephone terminal and determines if the common call resource has been exhausted upon detecting the PSTN dialing signal. The digital signal processor receives a PSTN call number from the telephone terminal upon the condition that the common call resource has been exhausted, determines if the PSTN call number matches with one of the emergency call numbers, and redials the PSTN call number to the local exchange via the emergency call resource upon the condition that the PSTN call number matches with one of the emergency call numbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUI-CHANG FU
  • Publication number: 20090296901
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to implement forced answer communications by receiving a request to permit emergency activation of a first telephone in response to a call placed by a second telephone having a defined telephone number, receiving the call placed by the second telephone to the first telephone, wherein the first telephone is either on hook or turned off, and establishing a voice communication path between the first telephone and the second telephone. The path may be established by either sending an off hook command to the first telephone if the first telephone is turned on and on hook, or sending a combination of turn on and off hook commands to the first telephone if the first telephone is turned off. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Debashis Banerjee
  • Patent number: 7587031
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing a forced hold service such as is used for an emergency services call, which is supported at least in part over a packet network. The forced hold service acts to effectively hold a connection for the call with a called party, even when the caller takes an action that would normally end a call, such as going on hook, pressing end, or the like. When the caller takes an action that would normally end the call, the forced hold service allows the caller to automatically reconnect to the emergency services provider over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like. Alternatively, the emergency services provider can effectively re-engage the call wherein the caller is reconnected over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: David P. Ress, William D. Gentry, Brian Stucker, Olga Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090147929
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving emergency service are provided to solve the problem that the user maliciously performs emergency registration with the emergency user ID to receive the unauthorized service. The method for initiating callback in the emergency service includes forwarding the request message to the callee connection network and informing the callee connection network of the identity of the initiator identity after the callback initiator side authenticates the identity of the initiator of the received request message. The method for receiving callback in the emergency service includes: recognizing, by the callee connection network, the identity of the initiator who initiates the callback request message transmitted from the call initiator-side network and performing post-processing according to whether the identity of the initiator is a valid PSAP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peng Zhao
  • Patent number: 7545916
    Abstract: Methods of placing emergency telephone calls using customer premises equipment at a customer premises may be provided. In particular, a data connection may be provided between the customer premises equipment at the customer premises and a data network, and a request for an emergency call being placed from the customer premises equipment may be detected. Responsive to detecting the request for an emergency call, an address for a public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises may be retrieved from memory at the customer premises. After retrieving the address for the public safety answering point, a voice communication may be established between the customer premises equipment and the public safety answering point corresponding to the customer premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I
    Inventor: Eric Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7480374
    Abstract: An emergency routing number (ELRN) is assigned to each switch in a wired communication network. When a switch of the wired communication network routes an emergency call to a Public Service Answering Point (PSAP), the switch sends the ELRN as the calling party number and provides the PSAP with a hardware identifier (HID). The HID identifies, at the switch, the landline connecting the switch to the wired phone initiating the emergency call. If the emergency call drops, the PSAP performs a call back using the ELRN as the called party number. The switch that routed the emergency call to the PSAP receives the call back. The PSAP also sends the HID to the switch. When a switch receives its ELRN as the called party number, the switch recognizes an emergency call back situation and routes the emergency call back on the landline identified by the HID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas H. Rollender
  • Publication number: 20080292065
    Abstract: A computer/telephony integrated single-point-of-contact system (CISS) enabling a user to contact another using multiple devices with a single contact attempt is disclosed. A plurality of computer programs residing in a computer use a subscriber database, authorization database, priority list database, and device attributes database to determine how to respond to a request to contact a subscriber. If the request is an emergency, the computer repeatedly contacts all of the subscriber's devices until a response is received. Otherwise, the computer contacts the subscriber's devices in a sequential order determined by the subscriber. The computer can also delete redundant un-received messages from a subscriber's devices and create a real-time connection between the requester and the subscriber, if it is technically possible, at the subscriber's request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Yen-Fu Chen, John Hans Handy-Bosma, Nancy Sun, Keith Raymond Walker
  • Patent number: 7383039
    Abstract: A radio communication system includes ID control equipment, a operation control unit, line controller, pieces of base station, and radio terminals. In the radio communication system, environment information about identification information (IDs) etc. set for the radio terminals is managed effectively. In the ID control equipment, an ID information setting means sets information about IDs for the radio terminals. In the ID control equipment, the operation control unit or the line controller, an ID information storage unit (e.g. memory 4) stores the information about IDs set for the radio terminals by the ID control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Nakamura, Hidetoshi Nishiyama, Koichi Kawahata
  • Patent number: 7336166
    Abstract: The invention provides a remote monitoring system which has a simplified configuration and is capable of remotely monitoring the current state of a person needing care and detecting an abnormality in the person's behavior and then addressing the abnormality, and further provides a method using the remote monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 7280834
    Abstract: A radio communication system has a base station(s), a plurality of mobile stations, and a line controller connected to the base station. The line controller has a first memory for keeping track of each communication channel for each base station as to whether the communication channel is occupied or idle. The base station has a second memory for storing an idle communication channel stored in the first memory as a reserved channel. The base station is responsive to a connection request issued from an arbitrary calling mobile station and including designation of a called mobile station to designate a reserved channel stored in the second memory of an associated base station as a communication channel for the calling and called mobile stations to establish a connection with the mobile stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Shohei Takarabe
  • Patent number: 7046986
    Abstract: An emergency communication system connected to a plurality of user communication terminals through public lines comprises a receiver and transmitter section for receiving information from a plurality of user communication terminals and for transmitting information to a plurality of user communication terminals, an ID memory section for storing ID of each user, an ID confirmation section for confirming user ID by reference to ID data stored in the ID memory section when information is received from the each user communication terminal and permitting receipt of the information from the user in case that the received ID is compatible with the stored ID, an information accumulation section for accumulating information received from user in case that the ID confirmation section permits receipt, and an information addressee registration section for registering at least one addressees to which the information accumulated in said information accumulation section is communicated through public lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Image Partner, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Amano, Takayuki Morimura