Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods, systems and apparatuses for conducting secure transactions over a call. Users can initiate a secure transaction over a call, such as a telephone call, in which the identities of up to all participants can be validated prior to sending or receiving of payment, financial or other sensitive information. A transaction module collects and verifies all necessary transaction information and resources. User can be prompted to confirm or approve the transaction prior to completion of the transaction. Summaries of the transaction can be sent to users or stored in record keeping.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a media to keep a record of its usage, and for the record to belong to the user of the media, are disclosed. The media includes a media content, and a media content processor for retrieving the media content in response to a media content retrieval request. The method and system further includes a usage record for storing at least one media usage record, where the media usage record comprises information about the media content retrieval request. The usage record belongs to a user of the media, where the user directly accesses the usage record via a usage record retrieval request for retrieving information from the usage record. The processing of the media content retrieval request and the usage record retrieval request are performed in separate transactions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining the location of a caller during an emergency or other telephone call. Before or during a call, a phone system can obtain from one or more sources a subscriber access line identity associated with a subscriber location record that includes a subscriber access line identity attribute and a subscriber location attribute. A phone system can send a query that includes the subscriber access line identity to a subscriber location query system that returns a subscriber location record or a subscriber location to the phone system. The phone system can then display the caller location information to a phone system, an agent or operator so that emergency services can be quickly and accurately dispatched. Using similar procedure and a memory, phone systems can also determine if a subscriber phone has or is changing location. Methods for testing the emergency call capabilities of a subscriber access line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods of one-key test function in a Control Console in a network device. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a console controller, a display module and an input module with a test-key on a network device so that a user can test status, operation or management at a network device with a single touch of a button. In another embodiment, the present invention includes remote activation of one key test function from a remote test module. In another embodiment, the present invention includes password authentication or user approval of remote activation of one key test function.

Abstract: A preset credit media includes: a document part, and availability information and credit for the document part. The document part is all or less than all of an audio file, a visual file, a text file, or a data file. The availability information includes a monetary cost or time availability for the document part. The credit includes a monetary credit, a time credit, or a transaction credit for the document part. To play the document part, it is determined if enough credit exists for the document part to be played, based on the availability information and the credit. If so, the document part is retrieved from the preset credit media and played. The credit is modified accordingly. To change a preset credit media, a change request is received and verified. Any combination of the document part, the availability information, and the credit may be modified according to the change request.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses for a console controller in a network device. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a console controller, a display module and an input module in a network device so that a user can view, enter, or program network or network device settings at the network device. In another embodiment, the present invention can be programmed to include automated out-of-the-box initial setup procedures to guide a user in the setup, management and operation of a network devices such a DSL/Cable modems or routers, VoIP routers, wireless access points or gateways with or without remote or onsite technical support or update services.

Abstract: A voice portal and a method for operating a voice portal are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, voice a voice portal is connected to multiple telephones of various protocols by both a voice signal interface and a data signal interface. The voice portal is also connected to one or more telephony networks. The voice portal is capable of receiving requests for functions from the telephones; retrieving the requested functions from memory and sending the functions back to the telephone for execution. The functions supplied by the voice portal are programmable and customizable and control all functions of the telephones.

Abstract: A web programmable telephone and a method for operating a web programmable telephone are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a voice module of a wireless household telephone is controlled by an internal web module that can retrieve and execute data operations from a remote portal or server thus adding data functionality to the conventional functions of a telephone. The programmable web module controls all functionality of the web programmable telephone so that every function of the telephone can be programmed and customized by a user.