Abstract: A broadcast programming guide is generated based on either designation by or a habit of a user. The programming guide may determine one or more favorite channels of the user based on habitual viewing. The programming guide may suggest channels of interest, based on genres of programming shown on the favorite channels.

Abstract: A method for handling an initiated communication includes receiving, from an initiating party, an initiated communication directed to a communication destination address assigned to a receiving party. Before the initiating party is provided access to the communication destination address, the initiating party is provided with a first menu of selectable options including an option to obtain information particular to a physical geographic location identified during the initiated communication. A selected option to obtain the information particular to the physical geographic location is received from the initiating party. The information particular to the physical geographical location is provided, and after providing the information particular to the physical geographical location, the initiating party is provided with access to the communication destination address.

Abstract: A method for handling an on-hold communication includes receiving an incoming communication from an initiating party directed to a communication destination address assigned to a receiving party. When the incoming communication is placed on-hold, the initiating party is provided a menu of selectable options including an option to obtain information particular to a physical geographic location identified during the incoming communication. The on-hold initiating party selects the option to obtain the information particular to the physical geographic location, and the information particular to the physical geographical location is provided while the incoming communication is on-hold.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed recognizing gestures. A sequence of images is captured by a camera and compared to a stored sequence of images in memory. A gesture is then recognized in the stored sequence of images.

Abstract: The present invention automatically establishes a connection to each participant of a teleconference. Conference call set up and connect information may be provisioned in a variety of ways, including via a menu-based Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) mechanism and via a form or formatted file sent from a subscriber. Additionally, a conference participant is not tied to one telephone number or other such address. The present invention queries a profile database to determine a conference participant's current location before connecting the participant to the conference. Therefore a conference participant who happens to be working from home on a particular day need only update one database, and any conferences in which the telecommuting worker is expected to participate will automatically be connected to the worker's home telephone number, rather than the worker's office telephone number.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed recognizing gestures. A sequence of images is captured by a camera and compared to a stored sequence of images in memory. A gesture is then recognized in the stored sequence of images.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a broadcast programming guide. Based on either designation by or a habit of a user, a programming guide comprising one or more favorite channels of the user is created by a microcomputer of a receiver. The programming guide comprises programming information. Preferably, the programming information is obtained from one or more external sources. The programming guide preferably also comprises one or more suggested channels based on the favorite channels. The programming guide is presented to the user when the receiver is powered on or when the programming guide is requested by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a caller-controlled demarcation service is described. An embodiment of the present invention is advantageously implemented as an advanced service in an intelligent telecommunications network. An embodiment of the present invention allows the user to specify an interval for a telephone communication. A telecommunication switch times the communication and when the interval expires, the switch either plays a tone to signal the expiration or disconnects the call. The switch may enforce the interval for calls originating or terminating at the subscriber's phone.

Abstract: A method for handling an on-hold communication includes receiving an incoming communication from an initiating party directed to a communication destination address assigned to a receiving party. When the incoming communication is placed on-hold, the initiating party is provided a menu of selectable options including an option to obtain information particular to a physical geographic location identified during the incoming communication. The on-hold initiating party selects the option to obtain the information particular to the physical geographic location, and the information particular to the physical geographical location is provided while the incoming communication is on-hold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing selectable options to a calling party while the calling party is on hold. A call from the calling party is received and the calling party is placed on hold. While on hold, the calling party is provided with a plurality of selectable options. Each of the plurality of options corresponds to a predefined operation. A selected option request, corresponding to one of the plurality of options, is received from the calling party. The predefined operation corresponding to the selected option request is then performed. A system is also provided having instructions thereon for providing selectable options to a calling party while on hold.

Abstract: A method for delivering a priority call waiting alert service to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party while the telephone line is already engaged in a first communication between the subscriber and a third party, the calling party is solicited to supply a priority code. If the priority code is recognized by a service control point, a call waiting tone or a priority alert signal associated with the priority code is played to alert the subscriber that a priority call has been received.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed recognizing gestures. A sequence of images is captured by a camera and compared to a stored sequence of images in memory. A gesture is then recognized in the stored sequence of images.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for operating home appliances using gesture recognition. A sequence of video images is received and compared to a stored sequence of gesture images. A gesture image is associated to an operation of an appliance.

Abstract: Systems for providing a tune master caller identification (ID) device include a telecommunications network and a caller device configured to provide caller identification information for an incoming telephone call, and a tune master caller ID device that is coupled to a telephone device. The tune master caller ID device receives caller identification information, associates a tune with the caller identification information, and plays the tune associated with the caller identification. The telephone device coupled to the tune master caller ID device provides telephone call processing capabilities. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for providing a tune master caller identification (ID) device include a telecommunications network and a caller device configured to provide caller identification information for an incoming telephone call, and a tune master caller ID device that is coupled to a telephone device. The tune master caller ID device receives caller identification information, associates a tune with the caller identification information, and plays the tune associated with the caller identification. The telephone device coupled to the tune master caller ID device provides telephone call processing capabilities. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for a caller to control a tune notification for a telephone call includes a service switching point and a service control point. The service switching point is operable to receive a tune notification service access code and a called directory number, and to issue a query in response to receiving the service access code. The service control point is operable to receive the query and issue a response including a tune notification signal to the service switching point. Upon receiving the response from the service control point, the service switching point processes the call so that the tune notification signal causes the tune notification to be applied to a called telephone line associated with the called directory number.

Abstract: Systems for providing a tune master internet protocol (IP) device includes a communications network configured to provide caller identification information for an incoming telephone call and a processor that is coupled to the communications network. The processor is configured with telephony capabilities and to receive the caller identification information for an incoming telephone call, to access a storage device having tunes, to associate a tune with the caller identification information, and to play the associated tune as notification of the incoming telephone call. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for operating home appliances using gesture recognition. A sequence of video images is received and compared to a stored sequence of gesture images. A gesture image is associated to an operation of an appliance.

Abstract: A credit alert system. The system includes an account server for receiving an alert regarding at least one of available credit and credit status for a credit account. The system also includes an account database in communication with the server for storing information assigned to the account. The system further includes an application module in communication with the account server for receiving credit alerts for preparing a message to communicate to a wireless device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for operating home appliances using gesture recognition. A sequence of video images is received and compared to a stored sequence of gesture images. A recognized gesture is associated to a home appliance and to an operation of the home appliance. An appliance controller causes a response to the recognized gesture to perform the operation of the home appliance.