Abstract: This invention is directed toward a computer-implemented system and method for associating a contact with a telephone number. The method includes determining a set of candidate contacts from within a contact information database related to the telephone number, searching the set of candidate contacts for a matching contact and displaying a rich display of contact-related information obtained from the matching contact. In addition, the method may include linking to the contact-related information. Identifying the set of candidate contacts includes performing a Boyer Moore fast approximation. In addition, a tail end match may be performed to determine whether one of the candidate contacts matches the call ID.

Abstract: A method of automatically acquiring and/or updating a customer address within an interactive voice response system including establishing a telephony connection with a customer and identifying a telephone number associated with the customer. A directory assistance data store external to the interactive voice response system can be accessed. A reverse directory search based upon the telephone number can be performed to retrieve an address from the directory assistance data store. The retrieved address can be stored within an interactive voice response system data store.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a tariff for a real-time wireless service such as a prepaid service (PPS) for a wireless telephone call. A Local Number Portability Point (LNPP) provides an interface between service scripts in a Service Control Point (SCP) or application server, and an LNP database. When an Initial Detection Point (IDP) message is received by the service scripts, a query is sent through the LNPP to the LNP database to determine whether the call is made to or from a ported telephone number. If so, a routing number is returned. The scripts determine whether the routing number points to the network operator's own network or another, and notify a Service Data Point (SDP). If the routing number points to the operator's own network, the SDP applies a first tariff to the call. If the routing number points to another network, the SDP applies a second tariff.

Abstract: An interface device, method and computer-readable program includes a proxy operative as an agent for communicating with a plurality of mobile wireless devices using different operating protocols. A device information module is operative with the proxy and determines functional features of a wireless mobile communications device and selects a configuration file for configuring the proxy to interface with the device and enable communications of any desired alerts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening a communications port for communication over a wireless communication network. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for opening a virtual communications (VCOM) port that is configured with a particular profile over a Bluetooth network. After an attempt to open the VCOM port is received from a first application at a first electronic device, the process is suspended until a communication path is established over the Bluetooth communication network between the first electronic device and a remote electronic device within a Bluetooth network. The remote electronic device may be selected by a user from a list of available devices. In another embodiment, a user may pre-configure the VCOM port for a specific functional profile and pre-configure a remote electronic device to the VCOM port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sending and receiving e-mail from a terminal on a vehicle are provided. According to one embodiment, a passenger in a vehicle, such as an airplane, has access to a terminal and can send and receive e-mail messages between the terminal and a first server located on the vehicle. The first server wirelessly communicates e-mail messages with a second server external to the vehicle. The second server is configured to send and receive e-mail messages between the second server and a data network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring and intercepting messages to a voicemail system connected to an AIN or WIN network for screening calls incoming to a landline or wireless telephone. After a call is forwarded to voicemail system, the called party is provided an opportunity to monitor a message as it is spoken into a voicemail system. The called party may intercept the message at any time during delivery of the message to answer the telephone call.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier device controlled by a first gain control signal comprises a gain controlled amplifier having a gain and including a differential pair of first and second MOS type transistors configured to operate in a weak inversion region; and a control signal converter configured to convert the first gain control signal into a second gain control signal, and supply the second gain control signal to the gain controlled amplifier to exponentially vary the gain with respect to the first gain control signal.

Abstract: Techniques for generating interactive voice response systems are provided. Multiple interconnected general-purpose blocks can be configured for a specific IVR application. Each general purpose block can include prompts and logic for receiving input. By utilizing general-purpose blocks, complex IVR applications can be quickly and efficiently generated. Additionally, IVR applications can be upgraded and maintained during run-time.

Abstract: A method of displaying an advertisement on a display of a mobile communication terminal is provided. According to the method of displaying the advertisement, advertisement data is received through a wireless Internet network. The received advertisement data is compared with advertisement data stored in a storage device of a mobile communication terminal, to thus update the received advertisement data. It is determined whether the mobile communication terminal is activated and advertisement data to be displayed on a display of the mobile communication terminal is selected from the storage device according to the determination result. The selected advertisement data is displayed on the display of the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A home gateway system has a transceiver (70) capable of establishing a wireless local loop connection (72). A voice processing system (74) is coupled to the transceiver (70). The voice processing system (74) is capable of storing a message from an incoming call. A caller identification processing system (76) is coupled to the transceiver (70). The caller identification processing system (76) determines a telephone number of the incoming call and routes the incoming call to the voice processing system (74), if the telephone number belongs to a screened group of telephone numbers.

Abstract: A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring access to the information corresponding to subscribers. A database stores the information corresponding to each of the subscribers, including their phone numbers. A dial string translator receives dial strings dialed by the plurality of requesters and translate them to a corresponding digit sequence associated with a service provided by the communication assistance system.

Abstract: A telephone call screening system screens telephone calls placed to a subscriber based upon a preferred caller database established by the subscriber from a networked caller registry database. A caller registration system allows callers to select a private identifier unique to the caller and registers the callers in a caller registry database. The subscriber establishes the preferred caller database by connecting to the caller registration system and selecting the preferred callers. The private identifiers associated with the selected preferred callers are then stored in the preferred caller database. When a caller calls the subscriber, the caller is asked to enter the caller's private identifier. A caller disposition process is initiated based on whether the private identifier is in the preferred caller database.

Abstract: A communication assistance system is provided for providing access to information corresponding to a plurality of subscribers. The system includes a telephone switch for receiving calls from a plurality of requesters desiring to access the information corresponding to subscribers. A first database stores the information corresponding to each subscriber, including their phone numbers. A closing prompt module is coupled to the first database so as to select a closing prompt code from a plurality of available closing prompt codes, where each of the closing prompt codes is associated with a desired closing prompt message so as to provide a selected closing prompt message, where anyone of the available closing prompt messages is provided to a requester.

Abstract: A method and system for accomplishing real-time drilling in conjunction with interactive, real-time, voice transmission of information to a user is disclosed. A voice-based communication between a user and a first system is established and a report is transmitted to the user. The report might comprise information and at least one request for user input based on said information. In response to the report, the user can request that additional information be drawn from the report via drilling. The requested information is extracted from the original report in real-time.

Abstract: An emergency call load handling system in a call network has an interactive voice response (IVR) unit associated with a switching apparatus to which calls may be diverted in special conditions, such as during emergencies or disasters when calls to certain destinations may suddenly increase dramatically. Calls are diverted depending on call destination and/or pre-programmed triggers, such as a call load threshold experienced by the switching apparatus or for a specific destination. The IVR unit in some cases negotiates with callers for priority to further route calls, and may play pre-recorded messages. Low priority calls are typically disposed of to for fire stations, hospitals, government emergency handling centers and the like. In some cases rules may be amended in real time by use of data network connections between call centers and the SCPs involved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to associated radio access networks and network elements for assigning values of service attributes to transmissions between a user equipment and a radio access network. In order to allow for an improved assignment of values of service attributes, it is proposed that, upon request of such a transmission by a user equipment of a subscriber registered with some radio access network the method comprises determining values of service attributes that are to be used for the transmission requested by said user equipment based on at least one value of at least one service attribute defined by a stored subscriber specific service profile, and based on at least one stored common value of at least one service attribute.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating and utilizing subscriber specific memory locations or storage folders for storing incoming voicemail messages in a telecommunications system voicemail system. A subscriber to voicemail services creates subscriber or user-specific memory locations or storage folders to which callers may direct a voice message. When a caller calls the subscriber's directory number and is forwarded to the subscriber's voicemail service, the caller is given the option to save the message in one of a number of previous created voice message folders. For example, the caller may receive a prompt like “Press 1 to leave a message for Jane.” If messages are inadvertently left in the wrong voice message folder, the user having authorized access to that folder may move the message to the appropriate folder. If desired, personal identification numbers (PIN) may be assigned to each voice message folder to control access to messages saved therein.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for recording a communication over a public network upon the request of a communicating party. The request is received for the recording service from a first communicating party and an identification number, received from the first communicating party, is verified. A number is received for a second communicating party from the first communicating party and a connection for a communication between the first and second communicating parties is established. Finally a recording of the communication is made and, after the completion of the communication is detected, the recording is converted to a standard audio file. The system may provide additional information with the recording, such as a time/date stamp and the telephone numbers associated with the communication, in order to authenticate the call.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customized announcements to callers based on the called party telephone number and the calling party telephone number. The system comprises a server system and a messaging system. The server system detects that a customized announcement is to be delivered and the messaging system delivers the announcement to the caller. The customized announcements may be provided in conjunction with voicemail systems or other services for processing calls when a called party is not available. In a preferred embodiment the customized announcements are provided via a service node in an advanced intelligent network.