Abstract: A presence device operable in a first mode and a second mode is associated with a communication device. In the first mode, a user using the presence device is biometrically authenticated and a presence confirmation input is received from the communication device. In the second mode, a user-entered log-in input is received from the communication device. A central presence database is updated to indicate that the communication device is active for the user. A received message which is to be routed to the user is sent to the active device indicated by the central presence database.

Abstract: A method of providing access to content is described and includes receiving a selection of content. The method includes determining whether access is allowed to the content. A PIN entry screen is presented at a television. Further, a request permission soft button is presented at the television. When a correct PIN is received, access is provided to the content. The method also includes receiving a request for permission to access the content. Particularly, the request for permission is received after the request permission soft button is selected. Also, the method includes determining whether a guardian is available to receive the request for permission. The request can be transmitted to an end user terminal of the guardian after determining that the guardian is available. The method can also include indicating that access to the content is denied after determining that the guardian is not available.

Abstract: A service enhancement to emergency-911 capability involves a new entity termed an EESP which implements and operates a system that communicates subscriber-specific emergency information portably linked to subscriber identity in a timely fashion to emergency care providers.

Abstract: An application that resides on a subscriber PC with a constantly updated back-end knowledge base provides solutions to specific problems. The resident application, termed Computer Health and Performance Check (“CHPC”), performs preventative maintenance tasks on the subscriber's PC, such as checking for adware/spyware, viruses, determining whether the disk needs to be defragmented, and the like. In its various embodiments, the system includes a client-side resident PC diagnostic and health performance check tool that is used in conjunction with live customer assistance to provide in-home managed PC support services. Additionally, or in the alternative, customer support is automated with a knowledge base. The system supports VoIP SIP clients to automate and set up certain features.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for enhanced ringing features on communications terminals. Flexible user-established rules, customized in a subscriber profile database, enable the ring-tone to vary based on caller-id, caller priority, call-urgency (as determined by caller), call context and so forth. Call set-up logic applies the profile rules prior to completing the call set-up. “Buzz-tones” extend the basic distinctive ringing feature to the “silent” mode that is currently available on cell-phones, which is of particular utility to subscribers with hearing disabilities. Other kinds of alerts (audio/motion/visual) like flashing colors on a display, moving pictures and the like, and any combination of notification modes, are contemplated by alternative embodiments.

Abstract: A third-party profile service based on a proxy server model is described, where a user's profile service resides at a URL, in contrast to a profile service that requires federation identity. A profile service is provided that augments location-based services offered by service providers targeting mobile users via, for example, wireless and Wifi Networks. Additional personalization is driven by identity/profile services. Participants in the scenario are not required to share an identity or profile (i.e., static federation is not required). The user establishes a single profile with a trusted provider, hands-off solicitations to a profile agent that operates on behalf of the user to apply policies and preferences. The agent also provides privacy and anonymity (opaqueness).

Abstract: A system and method for accessing network and data services are disclosed. In one embodiment of a system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure, a wireless networking hub may be communicatively coupled to a global communications network. A remote authentication engine may be communicatively coupled to the wireless networking hub. The authentication engine may be capable of receiving an initial set of credentials from a user seeking access to network transport services and data services. In preferred embodiments, the system may include an authorization engine capable of granting access to both the network transport services and the data services in response to authorization of the first set of credentials.

Abstract: A request is received from a parent or guardian of a minor to sign up for an Instant Messaging (IM) service on behalf of the minor. The parent or guardian creates a profile comprising one or more control policies for usage of the IM service by the minor using a Web-based profile administrator interface. Thereafter, a request is received by an IM server from the minor to log on to the IM service using a client device. The IM server communicates information from the profile to the client device to modify the functionality of the client device to comply with at least one policy in the profile.

Abstract: Multiple network-enabled devices each having a respective agent module are associated with a user. Each agent module is to determine if its associated network-enabled device is capable of rendering content associated with a notification message received thereby, to advertise its services and capabilities to at least one other respective agent module, to discover at least one other respective agent module, and to communicate information with at least one other respective agent module. A notification service node is to receive notification messages from at least one Instant Messaging network and to forward each of the notification messages to a current device of the network-enabled devices. For each notification message, the respective agent module for the current device directs the current device to render content associated therewith if capable of same, and if incapable, negotiates with another one of the network-enabled devices to render the content.