Abstract: A request is received from a user of a communication device to block a use of a ring tone remotely selected by another user for an incoming call to the communication device. The ring tone remotely selected by the other user is blocked from being played to the user of the communication device on the incoming call to the communication device.

Abstract: In an exemplary method audible signals from participants of a conference call during the ongoing conference call are processed by a conference bridge. An incoming audible signal on a first line from a first participant is detected during the conference call with a plurality of other conference call participants coupled via corresponding other lines. The audible signal on the first line is automatically attenuated before information on the first line is summed into a common signal that is transmitted to the other conference call participants. This prevents the other participants from hearing the audible signal during the ongoing conference call.

Abstract: A switching system that provides conference call functionality can mute music played into the conference call by the muting of a conference call participant. The muting of conference call music can be accomplished by controlling the switch's connection to a music on hold source or by controlling the music on hold device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for linking caller identification data to a call that originates from a virtual private network is disclosed. Steps relating to the method receiving a call, including an identifier at a mobile switching center. The identifier would identify a termination point that initiated the call. The method also includes accessing a database with call identification information in response to a trigger and linking the call with caller identification data via the identifier. The method could also include that the call is received from a cellular VPN. The system implementing the method would include a database having stored within caller identification data corresponding to an identifier, a mobile switching center configured to receive the call from a VPN and an application server configured to access the database and link the call.

Abstract: A ring tone is played to a called party for a call that meets one or more criteria. The ring tone is remotely selected by a calling party or a third party.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal that can be used to sell commodities such as gasoline, is also used to wirelessly distribute content files, such as MP3 and video files. The content files are addressed to a particular wireless playback receiving device. Wireless distribution of content files at other merchant's sites whereat point of sale terminals can be used enables the contents of playback devices to be updated without having to couple the device to a computer. Receipt of payment or account information prior to file transmission helps protect against theft.

Abstract: This disclosure is a method and system for the linking of digital images to RFID devices. The method includes providing at least one radio frequency identification device, each radio frequency identification device having a electronic product code; linking one or more of the electronic product codes to a digital image file; and storing the linked digital image file into a memory. The disclosure allows users to easily access only images that are linked to their RFID device. Thereby, this disclosure allows a photographer easy access to potential customers while protecting user's privacy.

Abstract: A method that allows subscribed content to be available to all users of an account on all devices that are capable of carrying the content. An administrator may tap into the features of the centralized data store to assign personalized usage guidelines and restrictions for all IPTV services available. This includes all devices and users within an administrator's account (including spouse, children, employees. etc.) Thus, an administrator may configure all devices under their control from a convenient centralized location without the need to locally configure each device or user profile. The administrator may enable access controls on the devices in their profiles (or subordinate profiles) from a Web-based system (that is also access controlled). The Web-based system allows the administrator to set content access controls that pertain to any or all devices (such as content blocking˜no “adult” material on any device at any time).

Abstract: A method in one example comprises the steps of establishing a location database for a first network that associates Internet Protocol address information for VOIP telephony devices with physical locations for the VOIP telephony devices; upon detecting registration of a VOIP telephony device through a network port of the first network, determining physical location of the VOIP telephony device by identifying physical location of the network port through which the VOIP telephony device is connected, and updating the location database; and, upon detecting IP telephony activity originating from a remote VOIP telephony device connected to the first network through a VPN gateway, determining physical location of the remote VOIP telephony device connected through the VPN gateway by identifying physical locations of network resources of a second network to which the remote VOIP telephony device is connected, and updating the location database; such that updated location information is provided to a 911 server in the

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and controlling connections to conference bridges for proposed conference call participants to access a scheduled conference call. A first call is made to a conference bridge. Next, an attempt is made to contact the proposed conference call participant for the conference call via a telephone call, an SMS message, or both. If contacted, the proposed conference call participant has options such as a) connecting to the conference call, b) not connecting to the conference call, or c) recording the conference call. If the proposed conference call participant cannot be contacted or is unavailable, then the conference call can be recorded for listening at a later time.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: a VOIP telecommunications network; a VOIP telecommunication device operatively coupled to the VOIP telecommunications network; and the VOIP telecommunication device having a detector that recognizes a predetermined pattern in a data stream from the VoIP telecommunication device, and a call processor that initiates a predetermined call in a cellular telecommunication network in response to recognition of the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering emergency directions is provided. The disclosure includes the government delivering a warning message for potential evacuees on a gas station pump or automated teller machine point of service display screen. The method includes receiving an emergency alert from a government entity, constructing a warning message, including an evacuation route based at least in part on real time traffic data and the location of the display screen and displaying the warning message on the point of service display screen. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is authenticated. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is continuously updated to provide an effective escape route for evacuees.

Abstract: An exemplary method automatically identifies the location of a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) telephone relative to the structure of a building upon the VOIP telephone making a 911 call. The identity of the VOIP telephone is transmitted to a database accessible by the VOIP system upon a 911 call origination. Records have been previously created and stored in the database that link each VOIP telephone located in or associated with a building to a text based description of an area of the building. A node instructs the database to find the stored record associated with the VOIP telephone. The identity of the VOIP telephone and the text based location information of the location of the VOIP telephone relative to the structure of the building are transmitted to the 911 call center. This enables a 911 call center operator to immediately discern the location of the 911 caller relative to the structure of the building.

Abstract: An exemplary method facilities obtaining travel information. A request for travel information is received from a user by a point-of-sale gas pump at a service station or a wireless router operated in the vicinity of the pas pump. At least a location of a specified destination is received at a server at the service station, where the location of the specified destination is input by the user. Travel information based on the location of the specified destination is determined and conveyed to the user.

Abstract: In an exemplary method audible signals from participants of a conference call during the ongoing conference call are processed by a conference bridge. An incoming audible signal on a first line from a first participant is detected during the conference call with a plurality of other conference call participants coupled via corresponding other lines. The audible signal on the first line is automatically attenuated before information on the first line is summed into a common signal that is transmitted to the other conference call participants. This prevents the other participants from hearing the audible signal during the ongoing conference call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for linking caller identification data to a call that originates from a virtual private network is disclosed. Steps relating to the method receiving a call, including an identifier at a mobile switching center. The identifier would identify a termination point that initiated the call. The method also includes accessing a database with call identification information in response to a trigger and linking the call with caller identification data via the identifier. The method could also include that the call is received from a cellular VPN. The system implementing the method would include a database having stored within caller identification data corresponding to an identifier, a mobile switching center configured to receive the call from a VPN and an application server configured to access the database and link the call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for providing updated VOIP terminal location information to emergency call service providers, in which RFID tags are positioned at various locations within an enterprise and coded with unique tag data. A database is provided with a mapping of RFID tag data and tag locations in the enterprise, and the VOIP phone terminals are equipped or otherwise connected with RFID tag readers. The VOIP phones read the tag data upon initiation of a 911 or other an emergency call and report the tag data to a network server that determines the VOIP phone location according to the tag data and provides the phone location to the emergency call service provider.

Abstract: A node in the telecommunication network supports location and direction services that are especially suited for wireless subscribers. Location coordinates such as determined by the global positioning satellite system are entered by a subscriber from the location to be marked. The node stores the coordinates and compares the marked location to the current coordinates of a subscriber making a request for directions to find the first location, e.g. the subscriber's parked car. The node provides the requesting subscriber with directions for proceeding from the current location to the first location. Subscribers other than the subscriber entering the location coordinates may also access the stored location information and obtain directions to the marked location to facilitate a meeting of subscribers at a location previously marked by a subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering emergency directions is provided. The disclosure includes the government delivering a warning message for potential evacuees on a gas station pump or automated teller machine point of service display screen. The method includes receiving an emergency alert from a government entity, constructing a warning message, including an evacuation route based at least in part on real time traffic data and the location of the display screen and displaying the warning message on the point of service display screen. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is authenticated. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is continuously updated to provide an effective escape route for evacuees.

Abstract: A method to reroute a call with a first and second termination point based upon Quality of Service (QoS) is disclosed. The method comprises establishing a quality of service threshold, connecting a first communication path between the two termination points through the network elements, testing said quality of service along said first communication path and generating a quantitative value based at least in part on said quality of service. The method continues with establishing a second communication path between the network elements if the quantitative value is not up to the level of said quantitative quality of service threshold; and rerouting said data transmission through the newly established second communication path between the network elements while maintaining said termination points.