Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses that operate with different communications devices, different users, and/or different communications networks to generate, enable, disable, transmit, and/or otherwise control an Emergency Third Party Communications Signal. According to embodiments of this invention, a communications network establishes an emergency communications link between a calling party and an emergency response call center. Thereafter, the communications network automatically associates a third party to add to the emergency communications link and uses the Emergency Third Party Communications Signal to establish an emergency conferencing communications link between the third party, the calling party, and/or the emergency response call center.

Abstract: Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a desirable subscriber by utilizing past subscriber content choices as well as subscriber is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a content-access information database and a subscriber attribute database are merged to create a subscriber information database. A data analyzer, such as a data-mining application, provides tools for identifying desirable subscribers within the merged database.

Abstract: A remote control device including a processor and a motion detector in communication with the processor. The device also includes at least one in put device in communication with the processor and a directional mode indicator in communication with the processor, the directional mode indicator for indicating the mode of operation of the device based on a signal generated by the motion detector.

Abstract: This document discloses systems and methods for enabling viewers to control and manage programming and to control external consumer electronic devices through the use of a STB or other device. This invention provides command information that is embedded into an EPG signal and transmitted from a headend or transmission facility through a distribution network to the end user. By way of example, the program data includes volume, lighting, internet or environmental tag information for controlling external devices, such as a surround sound entertainment system, home environment system, personal computer, etc. A set top box or other properly configured consumer electronics device either receives data from the external device to effect programming or transmits data to the external device to optimize the viewing experience or to supplement information produced by the EPG.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the auditory differentiation among forwarded phone calls within a phone network, and in particular an advanced intelligent phone network. Unique distinctive forwarded ring alerts and distinctive forwarded call waiting alerts are assigned to selected subscriber phone numbers in the phone network. Upon the forwarding of one or more of these subscriber phone numbers to a target phone number within the telephone network, auditory differentiation between the forwarded phone numbers and the target phone number can be achieved by a customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed.