Abstract: Caller ID information provided coincident to a Voice over IP (VoIP) call is validated by one or more network devices. An originating router detects an offered IP address associated with a calling party node, for example, upon receiving a SIP Invite message initiated by the calling party node. The originating router determines the validity of the offered IP address and hence determines the validity of the Caller ID information based on the validity of the offered IP address. The originating router sends indicia of the validity to a terminating router, connected to a called party node, by inserting a verification bit in the SIP Invite message and sending the transformed SIP Invite message to the terminating router. Alternatively, the terminating router may query the originating router for indicia of validity. Upon receiving the indicia of validity, the terminating router may notify the called party node and so inform the called party whether it can rely on the Caller ID information.

Abstract: An exemplary method in a wireless telecommunication system determines that a radio frequency (RF) communications link is not available to a wireless mobile. Information about a party originating a call to the wireless mobile is received and stored in a record associated with the wireless mobile. An alert flag associated with the wireless mobile is set. Upon determining that an RF link has become available to the wireless mobile and upon detecting the presence of the set alert flag, a communication action is automatically taken by which the party is made aware that an RF link is available to the wireless mobile, such as by sending a message to the party based on information stored about the party in the record.

Abstract: An exemplary wireless mobile device includes an RF transmitter and receiver where the receiver monitors signal strength of an RF signal from a base station. A control logic module compares the signal strength to a comparison level. The control logic module creates and stores a record in a memory module. The record includes a first signal strength level and parameters related to conditions existing at the time the comparing was done. The control logic module creates and stores the record if the level of said signal strength is less than the comparison level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for ending a call after a predetermined duration. A subscriber sets a call duration. When the call duration has been exceeded, the subscriber is alerted and the call is ended. The subscriber can, upon entering a feature code or a personal identification number (PIN), override the ending of the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for notifying a primary wireless unit in a group calling plan that a wireless unit in the group calling plan has call activity. An MSC determines if there is call activity on a wireless phone. The MSC determines if the wireless phone is a member of a call monitoring group. If so, the MSC records call information related to the call activity and sends the call information to the primary wireless unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method provide for the detection and location of people trapped in emergency situations. One embodiment of the apparatus may have: at least one detector having a predetermined location, the at least one detector structured to detect a respective predetermined event; a video camera operatively connected to the at least one detector; and a wireless communication device operatively connected to the at least one detector and to the video camera; wherein, upon detection of the predetermined event the detector activated the video camera and the wireless communication device to thereby transmit at least the occurrence of the predetermined event and video from the video camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for notifying a wireless unit that a wireline unit is in an off-hook state. A central office switch determines that a wireline phone is in an off-hook state. The central office switch determines if the receiver off-hook monitoring feature is active for the wireline phone. If so, the communication system sends a message to a wireless unit associated with the wireline phone to alert a user of the wireless unit that the wireline unit is off-hook. When the wireline unit goes back on-hook, the communication system sends an on-hook message to the wireless unit to indicate that the wireline phone has returned to the on-hook state.

Abstract: A system and method of routing calls made to a called party Universal Access Phone Number (UAPN) in a telecommunications network is provided. The method includes determining the time the call is made, determining the day the call is made, selecting a time/day-phone number for a destination phone number based on the time the call is made and the day the call is made, and routing the call to the called party terminal using the destination phone number. The system includes means for determining the time the call is made, means for determining the day the call is made, means for selecting a time/day-phone number for a destination phone number based on the time the call is made and the day the call is made, and means for routing the call to the called party terminal using the destination phone number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing a priority alert at a communication device for certain designated callers on a per call basis. Either a priority call is requested at call origination (302, 304, 306) or after a normal call is not answered (406). Where a priority call request is made at call origination, the caller must supply a valid identification designation that is verified before a priority alert is sent (312). A telephone switch (106, 110) that terminates services to the communication device determines whether the priority call is permitted and initiates the priority alerting at the communication device (316). Where a normal (non-priority) call is not answered (406), a terminating switch or voicemail system coupled to the terminating switch prompts the caller to make a priority request and enter a valid priority identification designation (410, 512).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveillance of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) communications is provided. A server (112) associated with a network provider receives information to identify communications associated with a party under surveillance (200). The server uses the information to direct communications associated with the party under surveillance to a surveillance server (130) (202). The communications are analyzed to identify any initial VoIP data (204). If initial VoIP data is detected, identifiers for subsequent related VoIP communications are determined from the initial VoIP data (206). The identifiers for subsequent VoIP communications are used to identify subsequent VoIP packets. Those subsequent VoIP packets are then stored and analyzed as needed by an agency conducting surveillance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for routing an emergency call from a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone to a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point). A VoIP service provider receives an emergency call request from a VoIP phone. The VoIP service provider identifies the location of the VoIP phone. The VoIP service provider determines a PSAP associated with the location of the VoIP phone, and routes the emergency call request to the PSAP associated with the location of the VoIP phone.

Abstract: A system and method of filtering SMS messages sent from an originating terminal to a subscriber terminal over a wireless communications network is provided. The method includes providing subscriber-provided authorization criteria, determining authorization of the originating terminal for sending the SMS message to the subscriber terminal using the authorization criteria, and filtering the SMS message based on the determining step. The system includes means for providing subscriber-provided authorization criteria, means for determining authorization of the originating terminal, and means for filtering the SMS message based on the authorization of the originating terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for disconnecting a CPE from a communication network. When a CPE goes off-hook, the CPE is automatically disconnected from the communication network. An alert is provided at the CPE that indicates that the CPE has been disconnected from the communication network. When the CPE goes back on-hook, the CPE is automatically reconnected to the communication network. The alerting is then stopped at the CPE.

Abstract: A mobile switching center of an apparatus in one example performs a barge-in that allows a first user to communicate with a second user of a mobile communication device that is engaged in a preexisting active call.

Abstract: A mobile switching center of an apparatus in one example allows a user of a mobile communication device to assign one or more members to a feature group that is employable by the mobile switching center to provide a communication feature to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide for providing a call waiting method for use in a telecommunications network in which a first caller is engaged in a current call with a second caller, and for processing an incoming call from a third caller to the first caller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for establishing a multi-user call in a communication system. The communication system receives a call request to establish a group call with a shared group of users. The communication system determines which of the plurality of individual users should be excluded from the call and connects each of the group of included users to establish a multi-user call. The communication system preferably indicates that a unit was not currently available, for example by playing a prerecorded message, playing a tone and also preferably indicates why a unit was not available.

Abstract: The method and system is for providing hands free system for operating a mobile terminal in a vehicle. An embodiment of the system may have: a processing module detachably coupled to a mobile terminal; an audio input device mounted substantially in a center area of a steering wheel of the vehicle, the audio input device operatively connected to the processing module; a switch located in a predetermined area of the steering wheel, the switch operatively connected to the processing unit; and an audio output system operatively connected to the processing module. The method implements use of the system.