Abstract: Methods, devices, and storage media provide for receiving a message pertaining to setting up a telephone call; inserting in the message a branch identifier that indicates a branch office of an enterprise from which the message originated; transmitting the message including the branch identifier to a private branch exchange device; and generating billing information for the telephone call based on the branch identifier.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that use resources more efficiently for calls originating and terminating in a first address space that use services in an IP address space. A call is established from an originator in a first address space to an IP device within an IP address space. The IP device sends a message to a switch in the first address space indicating a new destination in the first address space. The established call is released and a second call is established from the originator in the first address space to the new destination in the first address space. In another implementation, a first leg of a call is established to an IP device from a first address space. The IP device establishes a second leg of a call to a destination in the first address space. The calls are bridged and resources released.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a telephone user with one or more of a plurality of possible voice scripts are disclosed. The voice scripts may be comprised of one or more individual voice modules which are dynamically selected for presentation to the user based on information known about the user. The information known about the user may include the user's identity, information obtained from the user on one or more previous calls, and/or demographic information obtained from third party sources. The user's identity may include the user's ANI, gender, and/or other identity data. The user's gender may be determined by analyzing the tonality of the user's voice.

Abstract: Interactive response systems (1) of call centers for giving users access to information comprise means (11, 31) for receiving activation signals via audio or video or audio/video calls from the users and means (12, 32) for transmitting menu signals to the users and means (13, 21, 33) for receiving selection signals from the users are provided with means (22, 34) for transmitting video signals to the users for providing video to the user. This video may have entertaining, explaining, supporting and/or commercial functions and makes the interactive response systems more-sided and user friendly. The users either use two different devices (4, 5) or use one device (6) for exchanging audio and for receiving video. The interactive response systems (1) further comprise means (14, 35) for receiving link signals that provide direct or indirect links from the interactive response systems (1) to the devices (5) or to video or audio/video calls with the devices (6).

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a user for conduct of a transaction initiated by the user via a data-enabled telephone is presented. Efficient use is made of keystrokes on the data-enabled telephone. The data-enabled telephone is capable of initiating telephone calls over a telephone network and of engaging in two-way data communication with a data server in a network and the server enables conduct of the transaction. Caller identification information is received at the server. The information is associated with a telephone call request initiated by the user via the data-enabled telephone to a service number. The caller identification provides basis for authentication of the user and the caller identification information received at the service number is used to address a message to the user. Included in such a message is a logon key for use by the user in accomplishing the transaction. Thus the user can use the logon key to enter into data communication with the server for conduct of the transaction.

Abstract: Two directional data exchange between a mobile navigation system and a listing system enables pricing models and analytics that are responsive to trips initiated in response to location based listings on the navigation system. The data exchange may include information to present the listing to the user, track whether the user elected to begin navigating to the destination based on that listing, intermediate status as the user progresses towards the destination, and an indication that the user arrived at the location. The data may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the listing in bringing customers to a physical location associated with the listing. The data may be applied in a performance-based pricing model by which pricing for the listing is based in full or in part on the number of trips initiated and/or completed as a result of the listing.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, exemplified as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data to selectively implement communication, as for consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to process data and selectively interconnect the video source with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to receive video communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic processing of toll free call service alarms are disclosed. For example, the method receives a trouble ticket by a service provider for a toll free call service alarm, and retrieves a calling to number and a calling from number from the trouble ticket. The method determines if the service provider is a responsible organization for the toll free call service for the calling to number, and determines if a customer network for the toll free call service is active if the service provider is the responsible organization for the toll free call service. The method notifies a work center if the customer network is not active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telecommunications processing and managing product data using voice and data networks. A purchase is recorded in a telephonic processing system. A warranty duration is determined for the purchased item. A warranty start and end date is established for the item purchase. Claims instructions are sent to a user including a first phone address. A call from a caller directed to the first phone address is received at a telephonic processing system coupled to at least one network, wherein the call is associated with call signaling information. An outbound call is generated from the telephonic processing system to a second phone address wherein the second phone address is determined at least in part from the signaling information associated with the received call. The received call is connected to the first outbound call. Call detail attributes associated with the connected calls are recorded.

Abstract: System comprising a server of webpages (2) containing a form which is accessible from a remote computer (52) by the user, a main server (1) and a number of contact centers (4) which have, at least, a telephone terminal (43), a computer (44) and a webcam (41) connected to a videoconferencing server (42), to link an agent to the user, and a PBX or secondary automatic private center (3) connected to the main server (1) to establish a telephone connection between the user and the agent, and the main server (1) comprises routing means of the computer (44) and of the videoconferencing server (42) of the contact center (4). The procedure consists in that, once the form has been filled out, the PBX carries out a call to the user, and if picked up, searches for the most appropriate contact center, establishing a direct telephone communication, while the main server (1) creates a videoconference virtual room through which the unidirectional video transmission of the webcam (41) is routed exclusively for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging in wireless commercial transactions includes a mobile phone equipped with a dedicated actuator for initiating a commercial transaction, and an optical input for receiving information concerning prices of goods; a network hub for wireless exchange information between a commercial establishment and said mobile phone within the boundaries of the establishment; and a financial/authorization institution for associating a PIN number with said mobile phone and for authorizing transactions initiated by said mobile phone.

Abstract: A method of selective call initiation is disclosed and includes receiving data from a computer based auction site. Further, the method includes detecting a notification event by evaluating the data with respect to notification criteria associated with a user account. Also, the method includes initiating a voice based call over a voice network to a communication device identified in connection with the user account. A system is also disclosed and includes a first processing element that is coupled to a network interface to receive data from a computer based auction site. Also, the system includes a second processing element to detect a notification event by evaluating the data with respect to notification criteria associated with a user account. Moreover, the system includes a third processing element to initiate an outgoing voice based call over a voice network to a communication device identified in connection with the user account.

Abstract: A method of managing a communications network, managing secure transactions conducted by digital communications devices over a communications network and computer program product therefore. A Back to Back User Agent (B2BUA), for example, receives numerical input from a networked digital communications device, e.g., a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device, and determines when and whether the SIP device displays digits entered at the devices. The B2BUA analyzes received digits for an identification (ID) code and selectively couples the SIP devices with a media server capable of providing prompting the SIP devices. In cooperation with the media server, the B2BUA directs replacing sensitive codes (e.g., passwords or Personal Identification Number (PIN)) with placekeepers or suppressing display altogether. After sensitive code input is complete, digit entry display resumes.

Abstract: A new and improved method for marketing to customers based upon incoming telephone calls is herein disclosed. A marketing method for use with a broadcast featuring multiple performers for whom at least one audience member may vote, the vote being based upon a performer's performance, the vote being communicated by an electronic device includes receiving the vote from at least one audience member, the vote being cast for at least one of the performers, capturing contact information for the audience member who cast the vote, identifying the contact information with the performer, and communicating a marketing offer to the audience member, the marketing offer related to the performer.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing telephone directory assistance service in which a telephone user calls to the system and the system will, based on the requested number or type of service, hear a recorded advertisement. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements categorized within the category associated with the service, according to selection criteria. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual. The selection criteria can include the use of SIC codes.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a personal identification number (PIN) in the form of a receipt displayed and/or printed by a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, receipt templates, received from a server, for plural prepaid services from a plurality of prepaid service providers. The method further includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with one or more of the plural prepaid services. Requested PINs and other information associated with one or more of the plural prepaid services is then displayed and/or printed, in accordance with one or more of the receipt templates associated with the plural prepaid services, upon the receipt and dispensed by the client terminal. Related systems and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structured voice interaction system includes logic to communicate one or more voice prompts to a caller via a voice channel, and to communicate navigation information for the structured voice interaction system to the caller via a data channel. Voice prompts communicated to the caller via the voice channel connection are coordinated with the navigation information communicated via the data channel connection. Information not referenced by the voice channel prompts, but related to or associated with actions or options referenced by the voice channel prompts, is accessed, identified, and provided over the data channel connection.

Abstract: A ringback replacement system for modifying or replacing certain communications network signals and tones in a roaming, forked-call, forwarded-call, or mobility environment is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing third party advertisements with the use of a delayed call connection system, comprising an answering system configured to play an advertisement message after answering a call to a business; a plurality of advertisers' messages stored in memory and accessible by said answering system, whereby at least one of the advertisers is not related to the business; and a communication system configured to connect the telephone caller to the business after the plurality of advertisers' messages have been played.

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing directory assistance service in which a user sends a request to the system and the system will, based on the request, return advertisements, which may be in a visible or audible form. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements categorized within the category associated with the service, according to selection criteria. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for initiating and/or conducting a transaction that is associated with at least two corresponding declarations of intent, in particular a payment transaction, between at least two transaction parties via a processing unit (3), in which payment transaction at least one of the transaction parties uses a land line telephone or mobile telephone (1, 2) or a mobile communications device for transmitting data. The method is characterized by the transmission of data to the processing unit by at least two transaction parties within a limited time frame, and by the fact that the initiation of the data transmission of these transaction parties is effected actively by the transaction parties and not by the processing unit (3), while the data transmitted during initiation contain features that enable correlating the declarations of intent with one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for allowing users to efficiently create new accounts in an online service. The new account creation scheme allows users to begin using aspects of the online service before creating an account. The user is provided a temporary account and, in the event they choose to finalize joining the service, the user is permitted to save settings from their temporary account. For example, in some embodiments, the user is permitted to perform various functions, such as, browsing the online service, navigating external links, and viewing various pages of other users and groups. The user may also be allowed to collect information on other members that they are interesting and may be offered a temporary homepage where the user can view the activities of these other members. The temporary home page allows the potential new user to immediately begin using the services of the social network service without having to specifically request a new account.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a transaction using a telephone with a printer, includes: establishing a plurality of communications sessions between a first party and a second party to the transaction, where the first party comprises the telephone with the printer; conducting the transaction over a first communication session; and receiving a note by the first party from the second party over a second communication sessions, wherein the note comprises information about the transaction. In one embodiment, the first and second communication sessions exist simultaneously. In one embodiment, the first communication session is a voice session, and the second communication session is a data session. The note is then printed using the telephone with the printer, and a confirmation is sent from the first party to the second party to confirm the printing of the note.

Abstract: A telephone call processor for processing telephone calls comprising voice signals and data signals, the call processor comprising a first telephone interface and a second telephone interface, the call processor being operable in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface and to transmit voice signals and data signals via the second telephone interface. In the second mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface, to block data signals from being transmitted via the second telephone interface and optionally to transmit voice signals via the second telephone interface.

Abstract: Transaction data is entered by the user in response to prompts in a template. The template and entered data are accumulated into data transactions which are exploded and sent to an external database servers for processing and storage. Each database server may explode the data transaction to produce ancillary records which are then stored, and/or forwards the data transaction or some or all of the ancillary records to other database servers for updating other databases associated with those database servers. The database server(s) may also return data streams for use in completing the fields in the data transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for automating customer slamming and cramming complaints includes an automated reporting system having one or more receiving devices and a complaint module. Customers who want to report a slam or cram access the automated reporting system and report the complaint without having to speak with a customer service representative. The complaint module obtains the customer telephone number and retrieves customer account information using the customer telephone number. Using the customer account information, the complaint module extrapolates a type of complaint for the customer complaint and prompts the customer for information regarding the customer complaint and the type of the complaint. The customer provides customer responses to the prompts and the complaint module provides an indication to the customer regarding each customer response.

Abstract: A telecommunications advertising means is disclosed. The telecommunication advertising means includes an advertisement database coupled to a processing means. The advertisement database stores subscriber specific or third party advertisements that are selectively associated with communications in a telecommunications network. The selective association is carried out by the processing means. In one embodiment, a router is coupled to the advertisement database. The router routes communications from source to destination within the telecommunications network. The router also routes advertisements that have been associated with the communications to the sources and destinations of the communications. A telecommunications system is also disclosed. The telecommunications system comprises a network subsystem, which includes a telecommunications advertising means. The telecommunications advertising means comprises an advertisement database and a processing means.

Abstract: Secure transactions are achieved over a public network by using a private network to handle the sensitive information of the transaction. When a client requests a product from a vendor server over a public network, the vendor server notifies a facilitation server on the public network. This results in the client receiving a set of computer readable instructions from the facilitation server. The set of instructions provide access instructions to a transaction server system on the private network so that sensitive transaction information is sent to the transaction server system on the private network rather than over the public Internet. Where the sensitive information is credit card information, the transaction server system may obtain authorization for the transaction from a financial institution and then notify the vendor accordingly.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system including a factor engine, an audio clip sequencing engine and an announcement engine. The factor engine is configured to identify an ordered set of menu options based on a plurality of weighted factors. The audio clip sequencing engine is responsive to the factor engine and is configured to generate an ordered sequence of audio clips based on the ordered set of menu options. The announcement engine is responsive to the audio clip sequencing engine and is configured to play the ordered sequence of audio clips.

Abstract: A system and method for purchases of stored electronic content stored on an electronic display device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for the sharing of information in which a request for information is transmitted along with an indication of a reason for which the information is sought and, in response to the request, a subset of the information available is provided on the basis of a characteristic of the event.

Abstract: A user-dedicated storage area (97) of a cellular phone (10) is retained in a storage server (9) on a network (6). Software purchased by a user via a sales server (12) is not transferred directly to the user's cellular phone (10) but is stored in the user-dedicated storage area (97) of the user. The user downloads the software from his or her own dedicated storage area (97) to his or her own cellular phone (10) before using the software.

Abstract: A system for personalizing interactive services provided to users of voice and data enabled communications devices, including users of SMS, MMS and WAP enabled communications devices. The system is designed to access source information associated with a particular requester for a service and to map the source information to personalization information associated with a user of the system. The source information is extracted in various embodiments from different types of communications channels. The personalization information is employed by the system to influence the behavior of the system while providing an interactive service to the user.

Abstract: A prepaid card management method and system which can comprehensively manage an issuance of personal identification numbers (PINs) of various affiliated prepaid card companies and even when each generation system of each PIN is different for each affiliated prepaid card company, can adaptably issue the PIN. A prepaid card management method and system according to the present invention can adaptably issue PINs of prepaid cards of various affiliated prepaid card companies by including an operation system to comprehensively manage a plurality of PIN issue systems.

Abstract: A telecommunications advertising means is disclosed. The telecommunication advertising means includes an advertisement database coupled to a processing means. The advertisement database stores subscriber specific or third party advertisements that are selectively associated with communications in a telecommunications network. The selective association is carried out by the processing means. In one embodiment, a router is coupled to the advertisement database. The router routes communications from source to destination within the telecommunications network. The router also routes advertisements that have been associated with the communications to the sources and destinations of the communications. A telecommunications system is also disclosed. The telecommunications system comprises a network subsystem, which includes a telecommunications advertising means. The telecommunications advertising means comprises an advertisement database and a processing means.

Abstract: A telecommunications advertising means is disclosed. The telecommunication advertising means includes an advertisement database coupled to a processing means. The advertisement database stores subscriber specific or third party advertisements that are selectively associated with communications in a telecommunications network. The selective association is carried out by the processing means. In one embodiment, a router is coupled to the advertisement database. The router routes communications from source to destination within the telecommunications network. The router also routes advertisements that have been associated with the communications to the sources and destinations of the communications. A telecommunications system is also disclosed. The telecommunications system comprises a network subsystem, which includes a telecommunications advertising means. The telecommunications advertising means comprises an advertisement database and a processing means.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for routing contacts in a contact center based on a number of factors including the value or nature of items in an order of the customer associated with the contact. The invention is particularly useful in E-commerce web-sites in which electronic orders are generated by the customer.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Abstract: A method and system to conduct financial transactions over a communication network is provided. Data associated with a mobile communication device user is received and stored, and a user mobile airtime account is allocated to the user. A purchase request is received from the user via a mobile communication device, the purchase request being for a purchase from a merchant for a purchase amount. The communication network provides the user access to the network to make the purchase request without debiting a financial account of the user or the user mobile airtime account for the access to the communication network. A payment service provider now automatically debits the financial account of the user with the purchase amount, automatically allocates a service fee which is associated with the purchase amount to the mobile service provider and credits an account of the mobile service provider with the service fee.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a personal identification number (PIN) from a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, PINs for plural prepaid services. The method also includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with a desired prepaid service corresponding to one of the plural prepaid services. A PIN request is then sent, from the client terminal, to a server when less than a predefined number of PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are stored at the client terminal. In response, one or more PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are received at the client terminal. The method further includes dispensing at least one PIN corresponding to the desired prepaid service from the client terminal.

Abstract: A system facilitates the purchase of telecommunication services from a variety of sellers. The system stores a set of responses to purchase requests for telecommunication services associated with a plurality of service providers, each response reflecting at least one telecommunication service offering associated with one of the service providers and a related cost for the telecommunication service offering. The system establishes a session for considering the purchase of telecommunication services. A purchase request is input, including information indicating a requested telecommunication service. The system accesses the stored set of responses to purchase requests for at least one response reflecting at least one telecommunication service offering capable of satisfying the requested telecommunication service, and permits a requester to accept the response during the session.

Abstract: A method for operating a server includes receiving a page request for a web page from a client computer via the Internet, the web page including an icon, retrieving the web page from a storage of the server, sending the web page to the client computer via the Internet, receiving a request from the client computer to initiate a telephone call via the Internet in response to a selection of the icon on the web page, initiating a real-time communications channel between the client computer and the server via the Internet in response to the request, determining a telephone number in response to the request, using a voice modem, coupled to the server and to a telephone line, to dial the telephone number, receiving packets of voice data from the client computer from the Internet, reassembling the packets of voice data into a stream of digital voice data, converting the stream of digital voice data to a stream of analog voice data, outputting the stream of analog voice data to the voice modem, and outputting the stre

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating targeted marketing over a telecommunications network that includes a central controller which receives a data request from an originating party to a terminating party. The identity of the terminating party is established and targeted marketing material, for example, a coupon for the terminating party or a competitor of the terminating party, is offered to the originating party.