Abstract: A way of reducing undesirable audio signals is provided. A portable device is provided that comprises a sensor to sense an audio signal and a control unit that is communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control unit is provided to receive a first audio signal from a storage unit and to generate a second audio signal based on at least a portion of the sensed audio signal to reduce an undesirable audio signal. The control unit is further provided to combine the first audio signal and the second audio signal and to provide the combined signal through a speaker.

Abstract: A private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch is configured to establish connections for at least first and second calls associated with an external endpoint, using respective first and second trunks. Upon detection of a voice path connection between the first and second calls in a network external to the switch, the switch conferences the first and second calls together within the switch and drops at least one of the trunk connections. The switch may detect the voice path connection using an active approach in which a designated signal is generated on one of the first and second trunks and a determination is made as to whether the designated signal is detected on the other trunk. As another example, the switch may detect the voice path connection using a passive approach which involves monitoring the first and second trunks to determine whether they are connected in the external network.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of providing security for a conference call. The invention identifies a conference call participant as opposed to identifying a caller's telephone. The invention allows the host to selectively include or exclude specific conference call participants. The additional security is accomplished through the use of two computer programs: a host program and a caller program. In the host program, each participant selects a personal user ID and passcode. The host then selects the conference call participants from a database and enters any participation restrictions. In the caller program, the callers call into the conference calling center and attempt to access the conference call. The caller is connected to the conference call only if he enters the correct conference call ID and passcode as well as his authorized user ID and passcode. The host may then restrict the participant as indicated in the host program.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for managing at least one capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3), which is subject to license or for managing at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3), which are subject to license, of a switching system of a telecommunications network. According to the invention, at least one use counter (C, E1, E2) at a time is assigned to the at least one capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3) and/or to the at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3). Said use counter indicates the current number of uses of the capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3) or of the group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3). A typical use of the invention involves the sharing of a switching system by an number of service providers.

Abstract: A call management method includes receiving an incoming call and transferring the call to an intended recipient device. If the recipient device does not answer the incoming call, the call is transferred to an intranet gateway. If the intended recipient is logged on to the intranet or is otherwise accessible on the network, the intranet gateway determines the network location of the intended recipient and transfers the call to the intended recipient. If the intended recipient is inaccessible, the incoming call is transferred to a call recordation system.

Abstract: To support a changing volume of a voice-grade traffic in an access network having a local exchange with a limited capacity, provide two or more access networks each having subscribers and associated local exchange with a limited capacity; each capable of dividing traffic, outgoing from its subscribers, into the voice-grade traffic portion and data traffic portion, and capable of directing the data traffic portion to a packet network while directing the voice-grade traffic portion to a PSTN network via associated local exchange. Second, detecting the overload condition on one local exchange (LE1). Third, find a remaining one (LE2) of the local exchanges in normal load condition. Fourth, partially diverting the voice-grade traffic intended for the local exchange LE1 and passing the diverted voice-grade traffic to its destination via the packet network and the local exchange LE2.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling a virtual physician office (VPO) that uses a network-based physician practice application and leverages the assets of a shared, communications network of legacy systems. A data connection is established with a rule-based application dataserver of a telecommunications network facility to control access, sharing, notification, security, and/or management of electronic healthcare communications. Typically, the rule-based application dataserver is associated with a central office (“CO”), a mobile telephone switching center (“MTSO”), or a combination CO/MTSO.

Abstract: Headset cellular phones which may be worn continually and use voice recognition/speech activation for dialing telephone numbers and controlling other aspects of operation. Cell phones according to the present invention can include a microphone and preferably include both internal and external speakers to allow the user to communicate unobtrusively, check voice mail and conduct other activities while at the same time being able to hear ambient noise in the environment. Voice recognition/speech command functionally may also be used to generate and send touch tone or DTMF tones such as in response to call trees or voice recognition/speech activation functionality used by airlines, credit card companies, voice mail systems, and other applications.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically routing calls made to an unavailable number to a directory assistance service for further assistance are disclosed herein. An intercept system intercepts these erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service then can inform the caller of the unavailable status of the telephone number the caller is attempting to dial. Likewise, the directory assistance service can provide any additional information associated with the unavailable subscriber associated with the unavailable number, such as alternate numbers. The directory assistance service also can provide information regarding other subscribers having similar characteristics to the unavailable subscriber that the caller is attempting to reach. Additionally, the directory assistance service can be adapted to provide general or targeted advertisements to the caller before, during, and/or after providing directory assistance to the caller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a presence system capable of monitoring state information derived from a plurality of sources over any number of disparate networks. The sources of state information are devices, which are frequently used by a user throughout a normal day and configured to provide state information to the presence system. The sources monitor normal user interactions and automatically provide corresponding state information to the presence system without requiring the user to enter or otherwise provide information bearing on their status or availability. Based on a profile provided by the user, the presence system evaluates the state information from one or more sources to create presence information to deliver to subscribers. The state information bears on the presence or availability of the user and may take many forms. The presence information may range from complex analysis of state information from many devices to simply the states of selected devices.

Abstract: A modular communication support system includes a plurality of modular components configured to be secured to one another in a vertical arrangement, with one of the modular components having a communication device mounting member configured for supporting a communication device. The plurality of modular components are configured such that they may be assembled in a plurality of vertical arrangements.

Abstract: A text messaging based alert notification and feedback method based on the Amber Alert system used in child abduction situations is disclosed herein. A mobile subscriber receives a public service text message that was broadcast to a large number of mobile subscribers. Law enforcement working in coordination with one or more cellular carriers compose and send out the public service text message containing facts about an exigent circumstance such as a child abduction. If a subscriber possesses information and wishes to reply to the public service text message, his mobile phone automatically generates a reply message to the public service text message. The reply message contains, at a minimum, a header portion that includes a time/date stamp, an identification stamp (e.g., mobile phone number), and if possible a location stamp. The reply message also allows for the inclusion of a data portion. The data portion includes the option of attaching additional text and an audio or video attachment to the reply message.

Abstract: A method is provided that identifies and categorizes the reason a customer contacts a customer service center, i.e. the customer's goal or problem. In addition, the method allows the customer to be categorized into a set of behavior-based groupings. This integration of goal and customer categorization establishes the foundation to optimally direct the customer's request through an appropriate center. This method can collect information regarding the customer's behavior and can use that behavioral information to determine the optimal manner for handling the customer request.

Abstract: A designated service provider of a customer having slamming protection on their account may not be changed without authorization from the customer to remove the slamming protection. When a customer's telephone company receives a request to change the customer's long distance provider and subsequently determines that the customer has slamming protection on their account, the telephone company notifies the requester that the requested change may not be provisioned due to the slamming protection. The customer's authorization to remove the slamming protection is provided by the requester in the form of an audio file that is reviewed by the telephone company. If the telephone company or an agent of the telephone company listens to the audio file and approves the request, then the customer's slamming protection is removed.

Abstract: An approach for providing interactive voice response services is disclosed. A voice response platform receives a call and generates an automated menu in response. The menu, according to one embodiment, includes an option to transfer the call to an available agent and in response thereto the voice response platform transmits a request for the available agent to an intelligent call router (ICR) over a communications network. The intelligent call router receives the request for the available agent and transmits identification information for the available agent to the voice response platform. The voice response platform then transfers the call to the available agent based on the identification information for the available agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of software-based services in communication networks. More particularly, it includes systems and methods for maintaining and utilizing routing data to handle event notifications generated by call handling in a service logic execution environment. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and transported among a plurality of NIUs so that paid-for services follow the SIM Each NIU may receive data from a single source and distribute appropriate telephony, data and video services to telephones, computers and televisions, respectively, based on the level and duration of the services requested by a user/subscriber. Thus, services access and billing are user-associated and location-independent. The SIM can be renewable or disposable, and can be programmed before or after purchase by a subscriber.

Abstract: A switchboard apparatus and method for a telecommunications system, for switching incoming calls through to subscribers, with an input device for entering connection data of a required subscriber, a condition device for determining the telephone condition of the required subscriber, and a switching device, which automatically forwards the incoming call to the required subscriber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an administration device (1) for administering and modifying operating functions of exchanges (6a . . . 6n) in a telephone network. The operating functions are administered and modified by means of administration commands. Said device comprises co-ordination means (2) for co-ordinating operating functions concerning several exchanges (6a . . . 6n). The invention also relates to a method for administering and modifying operating functions of exchanges (6a . . . 6n), used in this administration device (1).

Abstract: In a folding portable terminal equipped with the imaging camera, in order to prevent deformation-induced damage to an imaging camera when the folding portable terminal is dropped and gets a strong shock, each face of a camera module housed in an imaging camera casing is retained in place in the camera casing by cushioning members made of a material having excellent shock absorbency, thereby preventing deformation-induced damage to the camera module.