Abstract: Phonebook systems and associated methods are disclosed that provide a mechanism for protecting private information of a contact from being published in a network-based phonebook. A typical network-based phonebook service allows subscribers to set up network-based phonebooks, where each phonebook includes one or more contacts and associated contact information. Before contact information for a contact is included in a network-based phonebook for a subscriber, a phonebook system identifies privacy criteria for the contact. The privacy criteria may be predefined by the contact, predefined by the service provider, or predefined by another entity. The phonebook system then processes the privacy criteria to identify the contact information for the contact that is authorized to be included in the network-based phonebook.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus to control instant message (IM) traffic. A receiver terminal/device provides a filter function to an instant message server. The server checks the filter function to determine whether the receiver is willing to receive a message from a sender terminal/device, and transmits or blocks the message accordingly. The filter function can be modified dynamically, in real time, in response to the needs of the receiver customer. Advantageously, IM traffic can be adapted to emergency conditions.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide a voicemail blocking service. A communication network of the invention comprises a network node and a voicemail system. The network node receives a call from a calling party to a subscriber of the voicemail blocking service, and attempts to connect the call to a communication device of the subscriber. If the subscriber does not answer the call, then the network node processes voicemail blocking information for the subscriber to determine whether the call is allowed to be routed to the voicemail system. If a determination is made that the call is not allowed to be routed to the voicemail system, then the network node blocks the call from being routed to the voicemail system. If a determination is made that the call is allowed to be routed to the voicemail system, then the network node routes the call to the voicemail system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling user access to websites. A user profile is stored for each user. The profile includes a restriction requirement. Each accessible website has an associated restriction rating. If a user tries to access a website, the restriction requirement of the user is compared with the restriction rating of the website; access is only allowed if the result of the comparison indicates that access is allowable. Advantageously, this arrangement permits users to define the restriction requirement to be met by the restriction rating of websites to which the user is allowed access.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for registering and routing incoming calls to a dual mode user equipment operable in a plurality of mobile communications networks. A latest registered network indicator is maintained and updated to indicate the network with which the user equipment has most recently registered, such as cellular network or IP-based network. Incoming calls are routed to the indicated network even where the user equipment was previously registered with a non-indicated network to resolve dual registration issues between different network types without having to attempt call delivery in both networks.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a wireless communication network (10) including a plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e). Each of the nodes has a user database and is equipped to conduct authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) functions for the network (10). The method includes employing a subset (optionally, two) of the plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) as active nodes. The active nodes use their respective user databases to conduct the AAA functions for the network (10). Changes to the user databases for the active nodes are logged to thereby update the same to reflect changes in information contained therein, and the user databases of the active nodes are synchronized. The active nodes are monitored to detect if one becomes disconnected from the network, and, if one of the active nodes becomes disconnected from the network, another of the plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) is employed as an active node.

Abstract: A technique and system are provided to allow home subscriber servers (HSSs) to retrieve a subscriber's dynamic location/state information from a legacy home location register (HLR). For example, a mobile application part (MAP) operation ATI (AnyTimeInterrogation) messaging technique may be used by the home subscriber server (HSS) to query the legacy home location register (HLR) and obtain the requested location/state information.

Abstract: A routing technique for supporting an internet protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Subscriber Locator Function (SLF) is provided. It is, in part, based on using a user's identification information, e.g. a user's realm, to facilitate the routing of information. This technique enables the implementation of a distributed subscriber location function (SLF) in an IMS network. The subscriber locator function (SLF) ultimately allows for accommodation of more users through multiple home subscriber service (HSS) elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for anonymous call redirection in a wireless network. More particularly, the invention is directed to providing an anonymous call redirection service for wireless service subscribers by implementing service logic within the wireless network to intercept incoming calls for which no calling name or number is available and redirect the calls to an intelligent peripheral device for further processing. In one embodiment, anonymous calls are directed to an intelligent peripheral such as a network-based recording device, which records the caller's name and then repeats or plays this name to the called party, before the call is connected to allow the called party to accept or reject the call.

Abstract: An intelligent-networked telecommunication system for audio playing of Electronic Mail (“E-Mail”) messages uses the Service Control Point (SCP) of the Intelligent Network (IN) to route e-mail messages directed to subscribing customers to the customer's telephone number when the e-mail header matches the limitations stored in the subscribing customer's profile. The text of the e-mail message is converted to an audio message which can either be heard by the customer when a call is answered, or stored on an answering machine or in a voice mailbox.

Abstract: An elapsed time reminder system for a telecommunication network provides elapsed time reminder service to a party participating in a call in the network. A call state processing component processes requests for elapsed time reminder service from the requesting party. An elapsed time reminder interval may be specified by a requesting party, or a default interval may be used. When the service is invoked, a timer is reset to monitor call duration. When the reminder interval is reached, an elapsed time reminder announcement is played to the requesting party.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a wireless communication network (10) including a plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e). Each of the nodes has a user database and is equipped to conduct authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) functions for the network (10). The method includes employing a subset (optionally, two) of the plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) as active nodes. The active nodes use their respective user databases to conduct the AAA functions for the network (10). Changes to the user databases for the active nodes are logged to thereby update the same to reflect changes in information contained therein, and the user databases of the active nodes are synchronized. The active nodes are monitored to detect if one becomes disconnected from the network, and, if one of the active nodes becomes disconnected from the network, another of the plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) is employed as an active node.

Abstract: An intelligent-networked telecommunications system allows a customer to make a free telephone call after listening to a product or service advertisement. The customer reaches a product/service menu after dialing a telephone number with a special prefix reserved for Advertisement With Bonus Call (AWBC) service. The customer then chooses the advertisement of interest. After listening to the advertisement, the system allows the customer to enter a destination number for a free bonus telephone call. In the preferred embodiment, the bonus call is limited to a predefined duration monitored by a timer reset at the beginning of the bonus call. When the time limit is near, the system broadcasts this fact to both the calling party and the called party. At the expiration of the time limit, the call is automatically disconnected, and the customer can be returned to the AWBC product/service main menu.

Abstract: An Advanced Internet Call Session Manager service system allows a service subscriber to screen telephone calls while connected to the Internet with improved efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, only for those callers who enter a Personal Identification Number established by the subscriber, and only if other calling ID and screening criteria established by the subscriber are met, will an incoming call (while the subscriber is connected to the Internet) be treated as an Internet Call Waiting call (which the subscriber may choose to connect to or ignore). No other calls disturb the subscriber's usage of the Internet. That is, the subscriber does not receive any pop-up messages or audio reminders. A log (including any voice messages) is kept of all incoming calls—whether or not they were presented as Internet Call Waiting calls—for later review by the subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone calling card (prepaid or postpaid) service system with an intelligent network (IN) for automated call processing novelly associates a Virtual Destination Number (VDN) with each calling card account to significantly broaden service options to calling card account subscribers. As a result, a calling card customer can combine calling card service with voice mail service and call forwarding service, which was heretofore not possible. More particularly, the additional services include: the ability of a calling card customer to check a voice mailbox associated with the calling card VDN; the ability of a calling card customer to create and change voice mail greeting options; the ability of a calling card customer to establishing a call forwarding number; and the ability of third parties dialing the VDN to either be connected to a call forwarding number if established, or access the calling card account subscriber's voice mailbox.

Abstract: A telephone calling card (prepaid or postpaid) service system with an intelligent network (IN) for automated call processing has a bailout capability for bailing out a call placed directly to the IN, to an operator for assistance upon the occurrence of predefined contingencies. A service control point (SCP) in the IN interfaces with a switch containing a service switching point (SSP) for switching a call to its destination via the ETSI INAP or ITU INAP protocol. The switch also contains an operator service position system (OSPS), and an originating call processor (OCP) coupled to both the SSP and OSPS. After the occurrence of a bailout condition (resulting from a call being unauthorized as determined by the SCP), the SCP sends a destination routing address to the SSP including a network routing address (NRA) indicating which OSPS to direct the call for eventual operator assistance (via the SSP).