Abstract: A phone appliance and method of use are provided where the phone appliance can be used to make VoIP communications calls. In a preferred embodiment, the phone appliance includes an RF connection for connecting to a computer or other computing device for facilitating the placement of the VoIP communications calls. The phone appliance further includes a display or portal for depicting advertisements provided by various advertisers. The advertisements provided can be used to defray all or part of the cost associated with making VoIP communications calls. The portal can also be used to communicate with businesses for ordering products, such as ordering a pizza, and to perform various services, such as purchasing stocks. In an exemplary system, the phone appliance is used to transmit to a control center information related to the user of the phone appliance, such as interests and buying habits, and queries for receiving additional information for various advertised products and services.

Abstract: Incoming call signal reception means receives an incoming call signal including a caller number, caller information, and ring type information. Image generation means generates, based on the incoming call signal, a caller information image including at least a portion of the caller information as character information. Telephone dictionary registering means registers the caller number, caller text information, and the caller information image in a telephone dictionary. Incoming call screen display means receives the caller number and acquires the registered caller text information and the caller information image corresponding to the received caller number from the telephone dictionary. Incoming call screen display means displays an incoming call screen including the caller text information and the caller information image.

Abstract: In a portable terminal device, it is possible to display information of caller and the like when a call is received. Incoming call signal reception means (11) receives an incoming call signal including a caller number, caller information, and ring type information. Image generation means (12) generates, based on the incoming call signal, a caller information image including at least a portion of the caller information as character information. Telephone dictionary registering means (13) registers the caller number, caller text information, and the caller information image in a telephone dictionary (14). Incoming call screen display means (15) receives the caller number and acquires the registered caller text information and the caller information image corresponding to the received caller number from the telephone dictionary (14). Incoming call screen display means (15) displays an incoming call screen including the caller text information and the caller information image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjustment of difficulty level, quantity, and/or other parameters of knowledge-based authentication. The questions may be asked of a consumer based on one or more generated risk scores associated with the consumer's behavior, which may be derived from information received from the consumer, a representative responsible for entering information regarding the consumer, and/or from the consumer's computing device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of data switches, a plurality of sensing electrodes, and a plurality of touch switches. The data lines and the sensing electrodes are arranged on the substrate. The plurality of data switches respectively have a first connection end and a second connection end, and the plurality of touch switches respectively have a third connection end and a fourth connection end. The first connection end of the plurality of data switches respectively couple to one of the plurality of the data lines. The third connection end of the plurality of touch switches respectively couple to one of the plurality of the sensing electrodes, and the fourth connection end of the plurality of touch switches respectively couple to the second connection end of one of the plurality of data switches.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein that comprise a multi-screen application which allows users to establish communication sessions with other users of the multi-screen application as well as allowing the user to request multimedia content using the same multi-screen application interface. The user makes a connection request to establish a multimedia session by entering a name or phone number. The multi-screen application uses a request string from the connection request to search a user's contact directory in order to determine possible user connection identifiers associated with the request string. The multi-screen application may additionally or alternatively transmit the request string to a directory server maintained by a service provider. The directory server may provide an endpoint for retrieving multimedia content associated with the string. The multi-media application may be used to allow a user to ‘call’ multimedia content using the same user interface used for calling another user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can present a service directory landing page comprising a plurality of selectable service category options associated with a plurality of pre-defined service categories. A search results page is presented, including one or more search results based on search criteria. Each of the one or more search results is associated with an entity page of a social networking system. The service directory landing page and the search results page are accessible without logging into the social networking system. Each entity page on the social networking system is accessible only when logged into the social networking system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjustment of difficulty level, quantity, and/or other parameters of knowledge-based authentication. The questions may be asked of a consumer based on one or more generated risk scores associated with the consumer's behavior, which may be derived from information received from the consumer, a representative responsible for entering information regarding the consumer, and/or from the consumer's computing device.

Abstract: According to an example implementation, a method may include receiving, from a non-virtual reality application, a non-virtual reality event notification, and providing, in a virtual environment based on the non-virtual reality event notification, a non-textual indication of a status of the non-virtual reality application, wherein a characteristic of the non-textual indication is adjusted to indicate the status of the non-virtual reality application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products for scheduling and affecting appointment calendaring based on perceived user requirements. As such, the invention provides for a smart appointment calendaring based on the automatic and real time analysis of a user's financial information, transaction history, navigation history and the like. The system then identifies one or more relevant specialists and schedules one or more appointments. Based on needs identified from analysis of user information, the invention may create an appointment package for the user. Thus, the system may schedule appointments with one or more specialists based on the user's requirements.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing caller ID for a caller. An indication is received from a social networking site on which a caller has a profile that the caller has signed into the social networking site. A request is received from the caller to place a call to a callee. The system automatically associates at least one aspect of the caller's profile from the social networking site with the call request. The system then signals to the callee that there is a new call by displaying the call request with the at least one aspect of the caller's profile from the social networking site. A method is also provided for enhancing a callee's control over receiving a call. A method is also provided for facilitating web calling by a caller.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer product for: causing a first image to be displayed to a user, the first image comprising one or more selectable objects; receiving a first user input selecting at least one selectable object from the first image; subsequent to receiving the first user input, causing a second image to be captured; combining the at least one selected object and the second image to create a composite image; and causing the composite image to be stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjustment of difficulty level, quantity, and/or other parameters of knowledge-based authentication. The questions may be asked of a consumer based on one or more generated risk scores associated with the consumer's behavior, which may be derived from information received from the consumer, a representative responsible for entering information regarding the consumer, and/or from the consumer's computing device.

Abstract: Various examples provide a method, an apparatus and a storage medium for sharing information. According to the method, a user to be shared is identified in an address book in an instant messaging (IM) client; an electronic business card is generated by using basic information of the to-be-shared user in the IM system, and is sent to a receiving client. Various examples of the present disclosure also provide a method and an apparatus for receiving shared information.

Abstract: A method of establishing a communications session for communication of data with respect to at least two user devices in a data communications network. A client-server connection request is received from at least one of the at least two user devices. Call party details of a telephone call are received. The telephone call involves at least a first telephony user device and a second telephony user device. The call party details include a first identity associated with the first telephony user device and a second identity associated with the second telephony user device. At least one of the first and second identities comprises a telephone dialing number. A separate communications session is established on the basis of the first and second identities received in the call party details.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic device and an electronic device control method that can use address information on the basis of an inputted string. The disclosed electronic device is provided with: a memory (44) that stores an address book that has names and address information; input keys (14) for inputting strings; a display unit (21) that displays both an input string inputted via the input keys (14) and a conversion candidate string which is a conversion candidate for the input string; a search execution unit (46) that searches the address book on the basis of an input string inputted via the input keys (14); and a control unit (45) that has the display unit (21) display, as a conversion candidate string, a name or address information that corresponds to the input string and was searched for by the search execution unit (46).

Abstract: Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

Abstract: A control system is provided with a plurality of input operation devices that send drawing request information for updating display contents at a shared display device, a display control device that is connected to the input operation devices via a communication line, that stores the drawing request information sent from the input operation devices in a buffer, and that updates the display contents in the shared display device on the basis of the drawing request information stored in the buffer. Then, the display control device controls the shared display device so that the display contents based on the drawing request information stored in the buffer are displayed by being updated in order of priority level, which is predetermined for each type of the drawing request information.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for location based call routing to a subject matter specialist. A call request is received from a computing device which includes an identifier of a network page. A topic specialist for the network page is identified from the contents of the network page. The call request is completed by establishing a call between the computing device and another computing device which is operated by the topic specialist.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a directory search system. Searching can be provided in a very intuitive manner through a graphical user interface that is part of a search application provided on an electronic device. The search system can employ a first letter of a first name combined with a first letter of a last name to quickly find contacts to dial without the use of a keyboard. Each letter can be associated with a pointer that is slidable along alphabet identifiers. By filtering contacts within the directory using the first letter of the first name and first letter of the last names, the user can retrieve a short list of potential contacts that the user wishes to retrieve information about. With thousands of possible entries, filtering using the first letter of the first name and the first letter of the last name often returns a short list of matches.

Abstract: A call reminder system includes a transmitting module and a processing module. The transmitting module receives an outside signal to generate a call signal. The processing module is connected to the transmitting module to receive the call signal and generate a call message corresponding to the call signal. When an executed signal is not received by the processing module in a first predetermined time, and the call message is in compliance with a reminder condition determined by the processing module, the processing module will generate a first reminder signal and deliver the first reminder signal to an external electronic device by the transmitting module. Thereby, the function of reminding the user of unanswered calls may be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a user interface that allows users to change the active line on which an outgoing call may be placed. In example embodiments, upon detecting call screen interaction a line selection menu is displayed. The line selection menu contains a plurality of line identifiers, each line identifier uniquely identifying a corresponding one of the multiple communication lines accessible at the mobile device. A system and method is also presented for providing a call log for identifying call activity associated with a plurality of communication lines.

Abstract: An image generation apparatus includes: an extracting section to extract characteristic information of a hair region in a face image; an image specifying section to specify a hairstyle image on the basis of the characteristic information extracted by the extracting section; and a first generating section to generate a portrait image of a face in the face image by using the hairstyle image specified by the image specifying section.

Abstract: An IP text relay is described herein, to facilitate communication through the use of VOIP or internet telephone system between people of hearing impaired and non hearing impaired. This service and device will enable users to communicate with users of hearing via assistance of an operator who will transcribe.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for managing a plurality of simulated real-time conversations simultaneously with a plurality of callers. The disclosure includes personalizing a number of selectable audio responses associated with a call script in an agent-operator's own unique voice, interacting with a caller, and selecting an audio response for subsequent presentation to the caller, from the selectable audio responses when operating in the agent-operator assist mode. The call script includes a number of segments, including segments associated with the selectable audio responses. The interaction with the caller is selectable among an automated mode, an agent-operator assist mode, and an agent-operator mode.

Abstract: A text communication aggregator stores text communications between patrons and a contact handling system. The communications each include a tag identifying senders of the text communications. The aggregator further provides the stored text communications as threaded conversations. Each of the threaded conversations include text communications between a particular patron and the contact handling system, and each of the threaded conversations is associated with the particular patron. The aggregator further provides identifiers that identify threaded conversations having at least one new text communication from the patrons.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for location based call routing to a subject matter specialist. A call request is received from a computing device which includes an identifier of a network page. A topic specialist for the network page is identified from the contents of the network page. The call request is completed by establishing a call between the computing device and another computing device which is operated by the topic specialist.

Abstract: A method of establishing a communications session for communication of data with respect to at least two user devices in a data communications network. A client-server connection request is received from at least one of the at least two user devices. Call party details of a telephone call are received. The telephone call involves at least a first telephony user device and a second telephony user device. The call party details include a first identity associated with the first telephony user device and a second identity associated with the second telephony user device. At least one of the first and second identities comprises a telephone dialing number. A separate communications session is established on the basis of the first and second identities received in the call party details.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an originating communication device within a wireless communications system sends a call request to a server to initiate a communication session with a target communication device, and also sends, along with the call request, a session description request, the session description request requesting alerting data to be sent to the target communication device from the server in addition to a call announce message for announcing the communication session to the at least one target communication device, the alerting data describing a nature of the communication session. The server sends the call announce message and the alerting data to the target communication device. The target communication device receives the call announce message and the alerting data, notifies a user of the target communication device of the announced communication session and outputs the alerting data to the user of the target communication device in conjunction with the notification.

Abstract: A method for generating digital events in response to inbound or outbound phone calls on analog phone systems is described. The method monitors a public switched telephone network (PSTN) phone line to detect a call. The analog audio signal of the detected call is amplified. The method acquires call information regarding the detected call from the phone line. The call information is sent to a server as a digital event over a network interface. Voice call recording for the call is initiated. The method uploads a data record that contains the voice call recording to the server over the network interface after the completion of the call. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Network-based methods and systems transfer caller ID information from a telephony network to an IPTV network. Embodiments integrate service provisioning, subscriber account and policy information between telephony services and IP-based television services. Voice call signaling may be intercepted to retrieve caller ID, caller name information, and other call management information, at the call server in the network to deliver an appropriate notification message to the IP-based TV network at its notification server, which in turn sends a message notification to the called party's TV screen. Call log information may also be retrieved and displayed. SIP call forking and IP multimedia subsystem approaches are described.

Abstract: A method for communication using a digital photo frame, including rendering a digital photo with a plurality of different objects appearing in the photo, the digital photo having one or more name tags associated therewith, wherein a name tag for a digital photo corresponds to an object appearing in the photo, receiving a user input phone call command for any selected one of the name tags associated with the rendered digital photo, and in response to the receiving: automatically determining a phone number for the object corresponding to the selected name tag, and automatically dialing the phone number for the object corresponding to the selected name tag.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying and producing computer based documents seamlessly to users that relate to their telephone calls is provided. The invention is able to be used with social media, where the mobile station searches for the social media page of the caller based on the Caller ID and displays it to the recipient of the call on the mobile station screen, possibly with other Internet search results. The method and system allow the user to obtain the newest public information about the person who calls him or he decides to call, or any documents that might be intermittent between the people. The system adds “bandwidth”, i.e. speed, efficiency and more dimensions to personal communication, as the users of the inventive system can also visually see by documentation what is going on in the relationship between two or more people.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extensible phone application that uses extensions to interact with other applications executing in a mobile communication device. The extensible phone application is operable to handle wireless communication for the mobile communication device. Another application may interact with the extensible phone application by incorporating an extension. The extensible phone application enables the extension to register with the phone application for receiving a notification associated with an event. In response to the event, the extensible phone application sends the notification to the extension.

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: In a method for dialing phone numbers using a portable communication device, the device includes a keypad including numeric keys and an LED driver. Each of the numeric keys is equipped with a first color LED light and a second color LED light. The LED driver drives the first LED light under each of the numeric keys to emit a first color light. The LED driver turns off the first LED light under the numeric key and turns on the second LED light under the numeric key to emit a second color light according to an LED control signal. The LED driver further turns off the second LED light and turns on the first LED light to emit the first color light when the digit input from the keypad is in a digital group.

Abstract: A method for establishing a communication connection between a first communication device and a second communication device, the method comprising requesting contact information for a second communication device, during a first communication connection established between a first communication device and a third communication device; receiving the contact information from the third communication device, in response to a third party interacting with the third communication device during the first communication connection; and establishing a second communication connection between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the contact information received from the third communication device, wherein the second communication connection is established by way of the first communication device independently initiating communication with the second communication device.

Abstract: A voice channel connection and a data channel connection are established with a structured voice interaction system. Navigation information for and provided by the structured voice interaction system is received over the data channel connection. The data channel navigation information is coordinated with navigation information provided by the structured voice interaction system over the voice channel connection.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying information operate during a call service based on an IPTV system. When a first user terminal calls a second user terminal, a person-to-person communication enabler in the IPTV system obtains identity information of media streams of a ring tone service corresponding to the first user terminal and/or the second user terminal. The obtained identity information of the media streams of the ring tone service is sent to an Internet Protocol Television service terminal corresponding to a first user and/or a second user, for playing corresponding media streams of the ring tone service.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods, systems and handheld electronic communications devices for selecting and displaying a caller ID image from an image database configured to respond to user input and selectively display images on a display. The image database stores at least one tag identifier data corresponding to each image. An address book database stores at least one individual identifier and at least one corresponding address. A caller ID image corresponding to at least one caller ID is selected from the images and displayed on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating electronic calendar information. Speech is received from a user at a vehicle telematics unit (VTU), wherein the speech is representative of information related to a particular vehicle trip. The received speech is recorded in the VTU as a voice memo, and data associated with the voice memo is communicated from the VTU to a computer running a calendaring application. The data is associated with a field of the calendaring application, and stored in association with the calendaring application field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contact list with means to attach memo to contact list entry. Memo comprises of one or more of data, voice, image, and video files. Memo is displayed on communication device when corresponding contact list entry is activated, such as when contact list entry is selected to initiate outgoing communication; and when incoming communication is received from entity corresponding to contact list entry. Present invention provides users means to remember desired conversation points at the time communication is initiated with an entity.

Abstract: An embodiment according to the invention provides automatic discovery, via Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Voice Biometrics, of the identification of a caller, when the caller is making a phone call from, for example, a residential line. The caller may, for example, initiate a phone call by voice request to a computer or other device. The device initiates the call, but rather than using the conventional technique of determining Calling Name via lookup to the Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) database, the embodiment uses a technique of ASR in tandem with voice or other biometrics to recognize who within the residence is making the call, and to use the name associated with the requesting caller's voiceprint for determining the Calling Name to display to the called party. Other forms of biometrics, such as image biometrics (e.g., facial or iris biometrics), may alternatively be employed.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying information to a user of a telephone during a telephone call may include requesting information from a plurality of applications in response to receiving data indicative of a telecommunications device during a telephone call. The information may include information associated with a second user of the telecommunications device. The information received from the applications may be displayed for the first user to view during the telephone call.

Abstract: A mobile personal-computing device may categorize a selected contact by collecting from the user information related to the selected contact's behavior and/or personality style. After obtaining communication hints for effectively communicating with similarly categorized individuals. The mobile personal-computing device modifies a remote or local contacts database such that when the user communicates with the selected contact, the mobile personal-computing device will automatically provide the communication hints to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to receive an incoming call message via a data interface upon activation of a trigger established with a voice communication network and activated when the voice communication network receives an incoming call to a destination identified by a pre-determined subscriber account; generate a call notification in response to the incoming call message; obtain a list of set-top boxes corresponding to the predetermined subscriber account; and route the call notification to the set-top boxes on the list.

Abstract: A caller may initiate a phone call to a device. A call preview system may send a preview message in conjunction with the phone call. The preview message may contain preview information that identifies the caller. The call preview system may use a text or media messaging service to send the preview message. Callers can manage their own preview information relieving each user from continuously updating contact information in personal contact directories. The call preview system may use different schemes for initiating phone calls. In one example, the call preview system may initiate or forward phone calls in conjunction with sending the preview message. In another example, the call preview system may delay calling a phone number or delay forwarding the phone call until a message is received acknowledging the preview message or accepting the phone call.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable video enhancements identifying the calling party of an incoming telephone call. In an aspect of some such tools, a video message from the calling party is sent to the receiving party through a communication channel in the provider network. Upon receiving an incoming telephone call at the provider network, the video message can be associated with the incoming telephone call, and routed to a set-top unit (also referred to herein as a “set-top box”) associated with the receiving party. The set-top unit might communicate with a visual display screen (e.g., a television), and/or cause the visual display screen to show the video message for the receiving party as an indication of the incoming telephone call and identification of the calling party.

Abstract: Caller Name Identification, or CNAM Caller ID, is a telecommunication end-user feature that appeared for PSTN landline customers in the late 1980s. The rapid development of cellular mobile and VOIP telephony systems lead to the frequent omission of the CNAM Caller ID feature. Described is an independent end-user system that obtains the CNAM Caller ID after the call page transmission. The system operates on the user's smartphone or on a TCP/IP connected computer. A user with multiple telephone devices (i.e. a smartphone, landline, and VOIP line) may share use of this system between all devices.