Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising receiving, from a user-operated telecommunications device, a user-initiated communication to a non-911 communications address. The method can comprise automatically providing a user with a current location of a user-associated telecommunications device. The method can comprise requesting, from the user, verification of the current location of the user-associated telecommunications device.

Abstract: A subscriber (12, 14, 16) initiating an Internet telephony call may receive specific content targeted to that subscriber in accordance with a match between at least one of the dialed number and the calling party number. Upon receipt of the subscriber's Internet telephony call, an Internet Telephony Service Provider server (18) searches each of a dialed number database, a calling party number database and a default database to establish a match between the calling party number, the dialed number or a range of either numbers. Upon finding a match, the Internet Telephony Service Provider server retrieves corresponding content, typically in the form of a URL that links to an associated web site, to provide to the subscriber who may elect to retrieve that information at the subscriber's discretion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing authentication are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a customer to access a service via a first user endpoint device, and sends a first authentication request to the customer for first authentication information. The method then sends a second authentication request to the customer for second authentication information via a second user endpoint device if the first authentication information is received, wherein the first user endpoint device is different from the second user endpoint device. The method then enables the customer to proceed with accessing the service if the second authentication information is received.

Abstract: The specification describes systems, and operation thereof, allowing parents or other parties to monitor mobile device activities of a child. In addition, parent can dynamically control mobile device activities of the child. Software, or network adjuncts, can link a mobile device to a station set or mobile phone under the control of the parent. Calling traffic to and from the mobile device may be routed to a receiver at a location monitored by the parent. In some embodiments, software allows the parent to intervene in the communications of the child. The intervention may take a variety of forms, such as interrupting a call in progress, terminating call activity, interrupting or terminating Internet access. Where the mobile device is provided with pre-programmed restraining software, the intervention may be modifying the restraining software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing authentication are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a customer to access a service via a first user endpoint device, and sends a first authentication request to the customer for first authentication information. The method then sends a second authentication request to the customer for second authentication information via a second user endpoint device if the first authentication information is received, wherein the first user endpoint device is different from the second user endpoint device. The method then enables the customer to proceed with accessing the service if the second authentication information is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a disposition of an electronic device as installed, in-need-of-repair, or in-storage are provided, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices on the electronic devices and a sensor which detects disposition. Diagnostic test results and locations of installed devices may also be communicated to the RFID associated with the device and provided in a response to an interrogation. Shared memory on the device is integrated with the RFID device to store utilization and health history on the device for later retrieval. The disposition data is provided in a response to an interrogation of each device. Optionally, a communications device on a chassis housing electronic devices provides the disposition and location of all installed devices in response to an interrogation. The device disposition and location information is communicated to the communications device upon installation via a processing unit integral to the chassis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

Abstract: A network is defined with several alternative softswitches/proxies, which may be used for communication. Each softswitch/proxy has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. The softswitches/proxies receive configuration data from a centralized user-profile server, which maintains user-profile information. A centralized call-detail record (CDR) server also is connected to each softswitch/proxy and maintains CDRs on each user on each softswitch/proxy. Based on the network configuration, an end-device configuration system generates a provisioning file. The provisioning file includes the IP addresses of each softswitch/proxy. The provisioning file is communicated to user devices. Each user device accesses the provisioning file and uses the IP address for communication. Should the communication fail for any reason, the user device may autonomously access the provisioning file and initiate another call using the next IP address in the provisioning file. This process may continue until a call is completed.

Abstract: The specification describes systems, and operation thereof, allowing parents or other parties to monitor mobile device activities of a child. In addition, parent can dynamically control mobile device activities of the child. Software, or network adjuncts, can link a mobile device to a station set or mobile phone under the control of the parent. Calling traffic to and from the mobile device may be routed to a receiver at a location monitored by the parent. In some embodiments, software allows the parent to intervene in the communications of the child. The intervention may take a variety of forms, such as interrupting a call in progress, terminating call activity, interrupting or terminating Internet access. Where the mobile device is provided with pre-programmed restraining software, the intervention may be modifying the restraining software.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a disposition of an electronic device as installed, in-need-of-repair, or in-storage are provided, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices on the electronic devices and a sensor which detects disposition. Diagnostic test results and locations of installed devices may also be communicated to the RFID associated with the device and provided in a response to an interrogation. Shared memory on the device is integrated with the RFID device to store utilization and health history on the device for later retrieval. The disposition data is provided in a response to an interrogation of each device. Optionally, a communications device on a chassis housing electronic devices provides the disposition and location of all installed devices in response to an interrogation. The device disposition and location information is communicated to the communications device upon installation via a processing unit integral to the chassis.

Abstract: A network is defined with several alternative softswitches/proxies, which may be used for communication. Each softswitch/proxy has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. The softswitches/proxies receive configuration data from a centralized user-profile server, which maintains user-profile information. A centralized call-detail record (CDR) server is connected to each softswitch/proxy and maintains CDRs on each user on each softswitch/proxy. Based on the network configuration, an end-device configuration system generates a provisioning file. The provisioning file includes the IP addresses of each softswitch/proxy. The provisioning file is communicated to user devices. Each user device accesses the provisioning file and uses the IP address for communication. Should the communication fail for any reason, the user device may autonomously access the provisioning file and initiate another call using the next IP address in the provisioning file.

Abstract: A subscriber (12, 14, 16) initiating an Internet telephony call may receive specific content targeted to that subscriber in accordance with a match between at least one of the dialed number and the calling party number. Upon receipt of the subscriber's Internet telephony call, an Internet Telephony Service Provider server (18) searches each of a dialed number database, a calling party number database and a default database to establish a match between the calling party number, the dialed number or a range of either numbers. Upon finding a match, the Internet Telephony Service Provider server retrieves corresponding content, typically in the form of a URL that links to an associated web site, to provide to the subscriber who may elect to retrieve that information at the subscriber's discretion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling.

Abstract: Enhanced audio communications is provided in an interactive environment, such as a gaming environment, having multiple participants. An input audio signal, such as a speech signal, that is originated by one of the multiple participants is received. In addition, one or more instructions that correspond to the input audio signal are received. Based on the one or more instructions, an output audio signal is generated from the input audio signal. The output audio signal is designated for transmission to one or more of the participants.

Abstract: A method that permits a user to select a telephone number contained in an e-mail, web page, or other text page displayed on the screen of a computing device and store that telephone number in memory for later use. Other information may also be selected and stored, such as the name or e-mail address of a person associated with the telephone number.

Abstract: A system relays a call from a calling party to a called party and, upon termination of the call by the calling party, a post-call announcement is played to the called party. Attributes of either the calling party, the called party, or both are passed to a database. The database performs a look-up query based on the call attribute information. An announcement indication is transmitted from the database to an announcement frame indicating which post-call announcement, if any, is to be played to the called party. The announcement frame plays the particular post-call announcement, if any, to the called party when the calling party has disconnected from the call.

Abstract: A subscriber (12, 14, 16) initiating an Internet telephony call may receive specific content targeted to that subscriber in accordance with a match between at least one of the dialed number and the calling party number. Upon receipt of the subscriber's Internet telephony call, an Internet Telephony Service Provider server (18) searches each of a dialed number database, a calling party number database and a default database to establish a match between the calling party number, the dialed number or a range of either numbers. Upon finding a match, the Internet Telephony Service Provider server retrieves corresponding content, typically in the form of a URL that links to an associated web site, to provide to the subscriber who may elect to retrieve that information at the subscriber's discretion.

Abstract: When an entity (such as a customer using a communication device 131, 141, 151 . . . ) attempts to communicate with a target (such as an employee), an arrangement indicates to the customer, “status” information describing at least the employee's present and future ability to communicate with the entity (such as by returning his call). At least one sensing device 111-119 is configured to provide sensing information concerning the target employee's status in response to an action of the target employee with respect to the sensing device. A monitoring server 102 is configured to receive the sensing information and to govern communication to the entity (customer) of the target's “status.” In one implementation, a particular sensing device (such as a cash register 111, computer terminal 112, or time clock 113) is configured to perform both (A) a primary function that is not related to providing the sensing information, and (B) the secondary function of providing the sensing information.