Abstract: Groups of consenting users such as families can track where other members of the same group are under agreed upon access arrangements. The locating system can operate in a passive mode. Users do not have to actively sign-in or check-in to the locating system for the locating system to obtain individual location determination estimates. The locating system collects communications device usage information from a plurality of communications networks, e.g., landline, cellular, Wi-Fi, DSL. The locations of communication devices and infrastructure are known. Members of locating groups are associated with various communication devices detected are being used. Approximate locations of an individual member or members of a locating group are inferred from detected device usage information. A location report is generated, e.g., in a map, table, or audio format, indicating the determined location of individuals, and optionally including time tags. The report is provided to authorized members of the locating group.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a monitoring portal configured to receive state information descriptive of usage of a plurality of communication services provided on a plurality of communication networks of different types and to make the state information available to a subscriber of the plurality of communication services, in substantially real time.

Abstract: Schemes for routing a call using caller identification are described herein. These schemes are termed “real caller ID” and can be capable of determining the identity of a calling party independent of a telephone number from which the call originated. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of routing a call from a calling party to a receiving party may include accessing a database containing a plurality of voice templates of prior calling parties. Each voice template may have correlated therewith a call disposition parameter defined by the receiving party. Next, a voice response from the calling party may be compared with one of the plurality of voice templates stored in the database. Subsequently, the call may be routed to the receiving party based on a match between the voice response and the one of the plurality of voice templates.

Abstract: A method and system for administering calls on a voice network allows a user to selectively determine which calls will be accepted and assists the user in placing calls to other users on the network. The user may establish a list of users whose calls will be accepted and may also establish a list of users whose calls will not be accepted. The method and system may provide unwanted callers with an option to speak with the user for a fee. Users may establish “business card” headers, or profiles, which serve to identify the user to a called party. The user may also maintain profiles for received calls by using the “business card” header provided by the caller, or by inputting caller profiles. The method and system may also be used in conjunction with a scheduling system, such that calls amongst two or more users will be initiated at an agreed upon time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for administering calls on a voice network allow a user to selectively determine which calls will be accepted. The methods and systems may provide unwanted callers with an option to speak with the user for a fee. The methods and systems may provide an initiator of the communication to accept the fee, to confirm acceptance of the fee and to provide payment information for the fee prior to completing the communication. If the initiator does not accept the fee, the communication can be terminated. The methods and systems may verify the payment information and display a verification notice to the user prior to completing the call. The fee to be paid and the method of payment, or payment information may be prescribed by the user.

Abstract: Schemes for routing a call using caller identification are described herein. These schemes are termed “real caller ID” and can be capable of determining the identity of a calling party independent of a telephone number from which the call originated. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of routing a call from a calling party to a receiving party may include accessing a database containing a plurality of voice templates of prior calling parties. Each voice template may have correlated therewith a call disposition parameter defined by the receiving party. Next, a voice response from the calling party may be compared with one of the plurality of voice templates stored in the database. Subsequently, the call may be routed to the receiving party based on a match between the voice response and the one of the plurality of voice templates.

Abstract: Schemes for routing a call using caller identification are described herein. These schemes are termed “real caller ID” and can be capable of determining the identity of a calling party independent of a telephone number from which the call originated. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of routing a call from a calling party to a receiving party may include accessing a database containing a plurality of voice templates of prior calling parties. Each voice template may have correlated therewith a call disposition parameter defined by the receiving party. Next, a voice response from the calling party may be compared with one of the plurality of voice templates stored in the database. Subsequently, the call may be routed to the receiving party based on a match between the voice response and the one of the plurality of voice templates.

Abstract: A method and system for administering calls on a voice network allows a user to selectively determine which calls will be accepted and assists the user in placing calls to other users on the network. The user may establish a list of users whose calls will be accepted and may also establish a list of users whose calls will not be accepted. The method and system may provide unwanted callers with an option to speak with the user for a fee. The method and system may also display phone or other messages to the user on a video display.