Abstract: In one aspect, a first device may include at least one processor, a touch-enabled display accessible to the at least one processor, and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage may include instructions executable by the at least one processor to facilitate, at the first device, a telephone call with a second device. The instructions may also be executable to, during facilitation of the telephone call, present a graphical user interface (GUI) on the touch-enabled display. The GUI may include a selector that is selectable to command the first device to audibly provide, from the first device to the second device, information as part of the telephone call. The instructions may also be executable to receive user input selecting the selector and to, responsive to receipt of the user input selecting the selector, audibly provide the information to the second device as part of the telephone call.

Abstract: A method, client application and user terminal, the method including providing a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network and providing an instance of a client application enabling a first user terminal to access the packet-based communication system. The client application is configured so as when executed on the first terminal to receive an input from multiple different audio and/or video input transducers of the first terminal, to analyze those inputs in relation to one another, and based on that analysis to select at least one audio and/or video input transducer and/or output transducer of the first terminal for use in conducting a voice or video call with a remote user terminal via the packet-based communication system.

Abstract: A method includes establishing a modem connection, receiving an on-hold request over the modem connection, comparing a cumulative time that the modem connection has been on hold to a threshold value, and resolving the on-hold request based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A handsfree device is disclosed that offers additional wireless telephone services to the user of a wireless device in a minimally distracting manner. A call-waiting notification of a second call is presented acoustically via the handsfree device to a user. A responsive action by the user to request caller-ID information yields an audible presentation of caller-ID information related to the second call. The user may then elect to answer the second call.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention employ targeted speech detection as part of end-of-hold detection in an end-of-hold notification system. The targeted speech detector is configured to be particularly sensitive to specific words or phrases so as to increase the likelihood of detecting a correct end-of-hold condition while reducing the likelihood of false end-of-hold detection. Targeted speech detection may be used along with other detection mechanisms such as DTMF detection and/or background noise detection.

Abstract: A first voice call is put in an on-hold state in response to a resource being unavailable. In response to putting the first voice call in the on-hold state, a first data communication is transferred for delivery to the communication device. The first data communication drives the communication device to display an offer for a media service. A second data communication transferred by the communication device is received indicating that the offer has been accepted. The first data communication drives the communication device, in response to the acceptance of the offer, to transfer the second data communication and to retrieve media from the media service. The first voice call is terminated in response to receiving the second data communication. A second voice call is established with the communication device in response to the resource becoming available.

Abstract: A system for placing a telephone call on hold and presenting video to the user that has been placed on hold comprises video on hold arbiter that either is a part of the server or the switch of an IP telephony system. The video on hold arbiter comprises a hold monitoring module, a switch interface module and a media source interface module. The video on hold arbiter monitors calls between parties for the selection of a hold signal indicating that a first caller is placing a second caller on hold. The video on hold arbiter then determines the capabilities of the first caller and the second caller, a source video signal and switches the call to a video-on-hold status. In the video-on-hold status, the video on hold arbiter provides a video signal to the caller on hold from the determined source video and matching the capabilities of the party on hold. Video on hold arbiter and monitors for an off hold signal.

Abstract: A call notification system method, computer program and advertising method are disclosed. A call notification is generated at a recipient system (2) in response to receipt of initiation data on a call from an originating system (3). At least aspects of the call notification are controllable by the originating system (3).

Abstract: A mobile device includes a display module, an option module, a determination module, and a control module. The option module is operable to offer an answer option, a first rejection option, and a second rejection option to display on the display module. The determination module is operable to determine whether the answer option, the first rejection option, and the second rejection option are selected. The first rejection option is operable to operate a first incoming call during a current active call. If the first rejection option is selected, the control module rejects the first incoming call. If the second rejection option is selected, the control module rejects incoming calls after the first incoming call and ignores incoming call information indicating the incoming calls occurring after the first incoming call during the current active call.

Abstract: An auxiliary call control component is coupled to a computing system alerts the computing system of an incoming call in instances where the computing system is not capable of processing the incoming call. When the auxiliary call control component receives an incoming call, the auxiliary call control component determines whether the coupled computing system is in a proper state suitable for processing (e.g., “picking up”) the incoming call. If the computing system is not in the proper state, the auxiliary call control component accepts the incoming call, signals the computing system to enter the proper state, and informs the computing system of the incoming call. When placed in the proper state, the computing system may retrieve the incoming call to allow the user to receive to the incoming call at the computing system.

Abstract: One embodiment of a call handling method, among others, includes receiving a query from a switching system indicating that a called party telephone is busy; examining handling information for the called party to determine if the called party has voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service; and instructing the switching system to then route the analog call over a VoIP connection to the called party after the called party chooses to communicate using the VoIP service.

Abstract: A telephone system that has the ability to provide a caller with additional information (beyond a busy signal or a ring tone) concerning the called party when the called party's line is busy: The called party can control the amount and type of additional information provided to the calling party. In one embodiment, when the called party is notified that someone is trying to place a call (by a mechanism such as by conventional caller ID) the called party has the option of providing the calling party with a variety of different information, such as whether or not the called party is on a conference call and the number (and name if available) of the party to whom the called party is speaking.

Abstract: An apparatus for intelligently responding when a user refuses an incoming message at a telecommunications terminal is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor that prompts the user to optionally specify (i) one or more acceptable alternative message delivery mechanisms (e.g., email, text chat, etc.), and/or (ii) one or more alternative devices (e.g., pager, PDA, etc.) when a user refuses an incoming message. For example, a user in a noisy environment who refuses a voice telephone call might specify the following as alternative delivery mechanisms and devices: short message service (SMS) on the user's pager, text chat on the same device as the first message, and email on the user's personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A call notification system method, computer program and advertising method are disclosed. A call notification is generated at a recipient system (2) in response to receipt of initiation data on a call from an originating system (3). At least aspects of the call notification are controllable by the originating system (3).

Abstract: A modem uses information from prior calls in a current call if the current communication line is similar to the communication line of a prior call. During modem training, the current communication line is compared to a communication line used during at least one prior call. If the characteristics are substantially similar, stored data mode information from the prior call(s) is used to design a signal constellation for use during the current call's data mode. If the number of prior calls exceeds a value, then the signal constellation may be designed using previously stored data mode information without using information from the current call's training mode. If the number of prior calls does not exceed the value, then the signal constellation may be designed using the previously stored data mode information and information from the current call's training mode.

Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating a telephone call to a telephone line that is connected to a modem and an answering machine, the modem being configured to connect to the telephone call prior to the answering machine, determining whether the modem has connected to the telephone call, determining, if the modem has not connected to the telephone call, whether the answering machine has connected to the telephone call and providing a first indication to a user if neither of the modem nor the answering machine has connected to the telephone call.

Abstract: Methods and systems allow an application capable of online communication to monitor the availability of different electronic communications sources and provide transition between online and offline operation and between different electronic communications sources. When a change occurs in connectivity source status, such as when the user disconnects from a wireline connection or goes offline or when a connection is otherwise lost due to mechanical failure or loss of wireline or wireless signal or when a reduction in bandwidth or connection speed is detected, the application is automatically transitioned between online and offline status and between different types of connectivity source without user action and without interruption of use of the application. If an online connection may not be obtained via TCP/IP connection, a determination is made as to whether the application and computer operating system are configured for RPC/HTTP connectivity.

Abstract: Conventionally, when a mobile phone receives an incoming call and no response is made to the call, the user can only recognize the name or phone number of a caller, plus the incoming time, by the incoming call history list. Also, if no response is made to an incoming call in the call waiting function, the user cannot identify the caller later. The present communication apparatus displays an image of a caller of an incoming call to which no response has been made after reception of the incoming call ends. This makes it possible for the user to identify the caller by the image. Further, the present communication apparatus displays an image of a caller of an incoming call in the call waiting function after the conversation ends. This enables the user to identify the caller later.

Abstract: A wireless mobile telephone for connecting to multiple networks that includes a cellular module for routing calls through a cellular telephone network, a wireless network module, operably connected to the cellular module, for routing calls on a wireless local area network (WLAN). The mobile telephone provides simultaneous connectivity to a cellular network and a WLAN and automatically detects and configures the mobile telephone to the WLAN when the mobile telephone enters a WLAN broadcast area using pre-programmed operating profiles for each different WLAN.

Abstract: A method and system provides for notification of a called party of an incoming voice phone call intended for the called party even while the called party is engaged in data communications via a dial-up modem. In response to a calling party placing a call, a telecommunications network determining whether the called number is busy. If the called number is busy, the telecommunications network determines whether the called number is engaged in data communications. If the called number is engaged in data communications, the telecommunications network further: determines a data communication protocol being used by the called party to access the data network via a modem device, retrieves from a user profile of the called party one or more user notification addresses associated with the data communication protocol, and transmits an incoming call notification message to the one or more user notification addresses of the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving information regarding a telephony platform and for retrieving the object of the services provided by the telephony platform corresponding to the information received. Customer premises equipment is connected to the general switched telephone network and to a supplemental service network via a central office switch. A telephony platform is connected to the general switched telephone network for providing accessory services such as voice mail, electronic mail and facsimile services. An event identifier is generated to identify a calling event. The event identifier may be attached to a message having caller identifier information. The event identifier is used if the caller is transferred to voice mail. If a voice mail message is left, an information indicator is attached to another caller identifier message that is maintained for display on the customer premises equipment to allow the user to determine which callers left messages.

Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Abstract: Telephone tones such as dialing tones and busy or engaged tones differ in different countries and in traditional telephone networks it has been possible to deal with this because national telephone networks have been used. However, with the advent of next generation communications networks in which telephone services are transmitted over a packet network, a need has arisen to manage telephone tones in a more sophisticated manner. To address this, a tone service provides telephone tone information to tone recipients such as media gateways, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones and virtual media gateways. In the event that a new tone recipient is added to the packet network, the tone service is able to automatically provide appropriate telephone tone information to that new tone recipient. Similarly, if telephone tones need to be upgraded or rolled back, the tone service is able to automatically provide appropriate telephone tone information to each of the tone recipients.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing Internet Call Waiting (ICW) Messaging Services. In an embodiment, a calling party places an incoming call to a called telephone number having an active ICW session and data connection. A telecommunications system allows a calling party to communicate an ICW message to a computer system engaged in the ICW session and data connection. The telecommunications system may also allow a called party (e.g., the user of the computer system) to communicate a response to the ICW message and, thus, allow interactive ICW messaging.

Abstract: A quick startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the quick connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a quick initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for notifying a called station of an incoming call. The called station has a busy status as a result of a connection to a data network via an access server. Because the called station is connected to the data network, and thus “busy,” the method receives an Internet Call-Waiting message from the access server. The Internet Call-Waiting message includes information representing the telephone number of a calling station. The method queries for additional information representing the calling station, and the method presents the telephone number and the additional information to a user at the called station. The telephone number and the additional information notify the called station of the incoming call.

Abstract: A system and a method for submitting a message (MSG) to a telecommunications terminal (2) of an addressee, which message has been deposited by a caller in an inbox (12) of a messaging server (1) of the addressee. The method comprises the following successive steps: a step of sending a request to search for an illustration (8) from the voice messaging server (1) to a directory device (3), a step of sending said illustration (8) from the directory device (3) to the messaging server (1), a step of sending the deposited message (MSG) and said illustration (8) from the messaging server (1) to a multimedia messaging server centre (MMSC), and a step of sending a multimedia message (MMS) containing at least said deposited message (MSG) and said illustration (8) from the multimedia messaging server centre (MMSC) to the terminal (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides technical advantages as systems, devices and methods that enable a person to remotely identify the origin of an incoming call.

Abstract: A method for a telephone dialing apparatus to deliver a message to a customer premise is described. The method includes the steps of: initiating a telephone call by dialing a telephone number; enabling the apparatus to receive an off-hook signal; enabling the apparatus to detect a first tone if the off hook signal is received; enabling the apparatus to detect a second tone if the first tone is detected; terminating the call if the second tone is detected and transmitting the message to the customer premise if the second tone is not detected.

Abstract: A method for delivering a priority call waiting alert service to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party while the telephone line is already engaged in a first communication between the subscriber and a third party, the calling party is solicited to supply a priority code. If the priority code is recognized by a service control point, a call waiting tone or a priority alert signal associated with the priority code is played to alert the subscriber that a priority call has been received.

Abstract: A method of operating a call management system enables a subscriber to acknowledge a call, without taking the call. When the system receives the call, it identifies the called subscriber, obtains caller information, and presents the caller information to the subscriber when notifying the subscriber of the pending call. Caller information is information relating to the caller or to the call, such as the caller's name and telephone number. If the subscriber chooses to acknowledge the call, the system records an acknowledgement message from the subscriber. The system then plays the acknowledgement message to the caller. After playing the acknowledgement message, the system offers the caller an opportunity to leave a message for the subscriber. The system may allow such message exchange between the caller and subscriber to continue, enabling the subscriber to acknowledge the caller's additional messages, and the caller to leave messages in response to the acknowledgements.

Abstract: An Internet Call Waiting (ICW) service provides single-line subscribers (100) connected to the Internet with incoming call information, call screening and voice messaging capabilities. An incoming call is terminated at an ICW server (154). The caller is prompted to leave a voice message and the voice message is relayed in real-time over the Internet connection (138) to permit the subscriber to monitor the message. The subscriber can choose to answer the call at any time before the caller disconnects. Subscriber profile options specify how calls are treated. Calls may be forwarded to a second directory number, directed to a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection, or the Internet connection may be dropped and the call completed to the subscriber's directory number. The subscriber benefits from being able to screen voice messages in real-time, which assists the subscriber in determining how the call should be terminated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for accessing messages in one communication system by another communication system. In some embodiments, a request to access data is received from a second communication system. The data is located at a first communication system. The first communication system is configured to communicate using a first standard communication protocol, while the second communication system is configured to communicate using a second standard communication protocol. The received request is converted to a command of the first standard communication protocol. Using the command, the data at the first communication system is accessed.

Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods selectively limit a duration of an individual modem-on hold session. A network device receives and holds data for an individualized on-hold timeout time limit for each user, such as an ISP subscriber.

Abstract: Phone system for a digital subscriber line integrated call waiting service are provided. A representative phone system includes a digital subscriber line routing system operable to check an application server for accessibility of a called party digital subscriber line associated with a called party. The application server is coupled to the internet and is operable to prompt the called party to answer the incoming call over the called party digital subscriber line when the called party digital subscriber line is accessible. The voice call is connected upon the called party choosing to answer the incoming call over the called party digital subscriber line.

Abstract: A method for handling an off-hook event can include the step of detecting an off-hook event with a modem communicatively linked to a circuit loop in which the off-hook event occurs. The detection can be based upon audible information conveyed within the circuit loop. At least one programmatic action can be initiated with a computing device communicatively linked to the modem. An off-hook notification can be conveyed as a result of the programmatic action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: Devices, softwares and methods limit the total Modem-On-Hold (“MOH”) timeout time of a single log-in session. When a logged in user requests a Modem-On-Hold session, a server counts the cumulative time spent during individual MOH sessions. Once a limit is exceeded, then subsequent MOH requests are denied.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting announcement to a called party that is busy on a first call and receives a second call. Information provided by a second calling party is recorded and played back to the called party after the first call is over. The called party is not interrupted during the duration of the first call.

Abstract: A portable telephone terminal 1 has a built-in memory 18, in which either the content of a new call arrived is recorded while continuing prevailing communication or recording of the content of the prevailing communication call is started while answering the new call. After the end of the communication, reproduction of the record in the built-in memory 18 in the portable telephone terminal 1 is made possible immediately or at an appropriate time.

Abstract: Reliable detection of a call-waiting tone is provided by employing a correlation based technique. A modem or other device employing such a technique need not rely on carrier drop detection and is generally insensitive to other energy or noise on the line.

Abstract: A quick startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the quick connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a quick initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving information regarding a telephony platform and for retrieving the object of the services provided by the telephony platform corresponding to the information received. Customer premises equipment is connected to the general switched telephone network and to a supplemental service network via a central office switch. A telephony platform is connected to the general switched telephone network for providing accessory services such as voice mail, electronic mail and facsimile services. An event identifier is generated to identify a calling event. The event identifier may be attached to a message having caller identifier information. The event identifier is used if the caller is transferred to voice mail. If a voice mail message is left, an in formation indicator is attached to another caller identifier message that is maintained for display on the customer premises equipment to allow the user to determine which callers left messages.

Abstract: A communication method and system for use by a local modem and a host, while the local modem is in communication with a remote modem through a central office. In one aspect, an alert signal is received by the local modem from the central office indicating an incoming call. In response, the local modem acknowledges the alter signal by sending a tone to the central office. Next, the local modem notifies the remote modem of a modem-on-hold state, the local modem collects caller identification received from the central office and informs the host of the call waiting event. Next, the local modem receives an in-band caller identification request from the host requesting the caller identification. In response, the local modem transmits the caller identification to the host using an in-band caller identification message. Next, the local modem receives an in-band answer request from the host to answer said incoming call.

Abstract: A local communication layer is placed in communication with a remote communication layer via a communication link established between a local modem and a remote modem. The communication layers may, for instance, be PPP layers. The communication is then interrupted, for example, by being temporarily paused or being placed on hold. In one scenario, the communication is placed on hold by the remote modem, as a result of a call-waiting alert received by the remote modem. After the communication has been placed on hold, the local modem monitors PPP frames from the local PPP layer and spoofs the local PPP layer by way of responses to the local PPP layer requests as if such responses were made by the remote PPP layer.

Abstract: Methods for displaying caller identification information on an integrated display/telephone system capable of displaying images are disclosed. One or more signals are received and one or more images are displayed on a display of the integrated display/telephone system. An incoming telephone call is received with the integrated display/telephone system, and data corresponding to the incoming telephone call is received by the integrated display/telephone system. A caller identification display signal is generated, and the caller identification display signal is based on the one or more received signals and the data corresponding to the incoming telephone call received by the integrated display/telephone system. The caller identification display signal includes the one or more received signals and signals from a generator that generates character signals and background display signals.

Abstract: When voice communications are to be established using the telephone having the telephone number displayed on the application during the data communications, a temporary line disconnection unit disconnects a line being used for the data communications. The application is not notified of this, and the line is connected between the terminal and the telephone. The user on the mobile computer side can voice-communicate with the user of the telephone using the terminal. When the voice communications terminate, the temporary line disconnection unit connects the line between the fixed computer side and the mobile computer side to resume the data communications. Since the application is not notified of the temporary disconnection of the line, the session is set active and the data communications are not started from the very beginning.

Abstract: A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.