Abstract: An electronic device is provided which automatically adjusts settings based on the environment of the electronic device. The settings of the electronic device which are adjusted may be security settings, filter settings, or status for instant messaging in dependence on the determined location of the electronic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a user signal transmission unit that transmits a user signal required for an end user to perform communication; a manager function implementing unit that implements a function provided to a manager of the present apparatus; a license monitoring unit that monitors a license of the present apparatus, and outputs a function limitation signal when the license has expired; and a function limitation unit that limits the function implemented by the manager function implementing unit when receiving the function limitation signal. In a communication apparatus that transmits a user signal required for an end user to perform communication, a function of the apparatus is limited when a relevant license has expired, while preventing an influence of the limitation upon the end user.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for searching chronologically stored related content objects for at least one requested search definition. The method includes retrieving a search request identifying the related content objects to be searched and the at least one requested search definition to be applied to the related content objects and determining whether any new related content objects have been stored after the searching has begun. If any new related content objects have been stored, one of the new related content objects is selected for searching and, if no new related content objects have been stored, an older stored related content object is selected for searching. The method also includes applying the at least one requested search definition to the content object selected for searching, and identifying which at least one requested search definition is found in the selected content object.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking telephone usage and notifying a user of his telephone usage includes a software program for tracking telephone usage based on the time and day that a phone call is made. The software program designates a timer for tracking phone usage. The timer has a time block and a time usage variable associated therewith. When a call is made, the time used by the call is recorded to the time usage variable if the call was made within the time block. The user may then be notified of how much time has been used. The software may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving a notification of a first communication number from a first prime provider of a first institution. The method also includes determining a first account associated with the first communication number. The method also includes determining whether the first account includes sufficient funding for a first communication session involving the first communication number. The method includes sending a first message to the first prime provider indicating that the first account comprises sufficient funding for the first communication session. Further, the method includes receiving a notification of a second communication number from the first prime provider of the first institution. The method also includes determining that the second communication number is associated with the first account. The method also includes sending a second message to the first prime provider indicating that a communication session to the second communication number may proceed.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the use of a communication device make a determination as to whether a communication may proceed. The determination may be based upon a time reference, such as a total amount of time that the communication may proceed or an interval of time when communication is not permitted. The determination may alternatively be based upon whether the user is authorized by entry of a personal identification number prior to placing the communication. Various other considerations may be accounted for including whether the communication is to a communication address and/or whether the communication is of a particular type. If the communication may not proceed, then the circuit between a communication device and the communication network is obstructed to terminate the communication following an audio or visual warning.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the use of a telephone make a determination as to whether a telephone call may proceed. The determination may be based upon a time reference, such as a total amount of time that a call may proceed or an interval of time when a call is not permitted. The determination may alternatively be based upon whether the user is authorized by entry of a personal identification number prior to placing the phone call. Various other considerations may be accounted for including whether the call is to a particular telephone number and/or whether the call is long distance. If the call may not proceed, then the circuit between a telephone and the telephone network is obstructed to terminate the telephone call.

Abstract: An asset/account activation device and method are provided. According to a first preferred method, an asset may be activated by a point of sale device utilizing multiple security mechanisms. Activation codes are sent by secure electronic transmission from an activation host to the activation device. Upon execution of the asset purchase, the activation device dispenses the activation code. Prior thereto, a physical representation of the asset, in the form of a card or the like, has printed thereon an asset ID. To activate the asset, the asset owner contacts a processing device wherein the activation code and asset ID are compared based on time constraints, retailer location constraints and other constraints. Other security checks may be incorporated to include velocity checks. The apparatus of the invention includes an activation host, an activation device, a processing device or VRU, and an activation database.

Abstract: A printing caller ID device includes an audio recording device for recording incoming telephone messages and telephone numbers, and also includes a printer for printing telephone numbers received by a caller ID system associated with the device. The present device combines both of the above features in a single compact unit, suitable for desktop use or use in another area of limited space. The device includes controls for audio playback for listening to messages received, and also includes a touch screen system for operating the caller ID printer functions. The printer can be set to print all caller IDs received from initial actuation, or may be programmed to print caller IDs received during a preselected time period, as desired. The user of the present printing caller ID device is thus freed from having to listen to a series of audio messages to retrieve any desired information.

Abstract: A curfew timer apparatus for selectively disconnecting a signal line from an appliance. The apparatus includes a base and a timer coupled to the base. The timer is preferably a seven day timer configured to disconnect the signal line from the appliance during said preselected time periods and prevent usage of the appliance. The apparatus also lockable cover coupled to the base to protect and reduce the likelihood of tampering with the switch, the timer, the coupling means, and the connecting means. The base includes a flange surrounding an outer periphery of the base. The flange is configured to extend below a bottom surface of the base to abut a wall surrounding the wall outlet to reduce further the tampering risk. The apparatus further includes a three way switch for selectively continuously disconnecting the signal line from the appliance, continuously connecting the signal line to the appliance, or connecting the signal line to the appliance through the timer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically monitoring and recording incoming and outgoing telephone call parameters and forming a call record in response thereto. The apparatus has a signal conditioning device connected to the telephone line; incoming and outgoing call decoders; line status detector device; clock; and a computation device. The incoming call record comprises the incoming call data such as caller's identity and number, the call start and end times, and the call duration, the outgoing call record comprises the outgoing call data, the call start and end times, and the call duration. The records may be printed immediately as the call is concluded or stored an printed later by account number.

Abstract: A telephone and a method of controlling thereof for cost control are disclosed. The telephone includes a processor that controls operation of the telephone, and a memory which stores user defined parameters used to control this operation. The parameters include call allowance categories and numbers, and call restriction categories and numbers. The call restriction categories and numbers have maximum durations independent of each other. The processor allows calls associated with the call allowance categories and numbers, and times calls associated with the call restriction categories and numbers. The processor interrupts a restricted call when one of the maximum durations associated with the restricted call is reached. Further, the processor provides an alarm prior to interruption of the restricted call. An elapsed time of the restricted call is initialized when a security code is entered prior to interruption of the restricted call.

Abstract: A method and system of telephone call processing that provides direct control of telephone usage based on customer established budgets. According to one aspect of the present invention, customer specific information including pricing data and budget parameters for a customer are stored, as is summary information relating to customer telephone usage. A call setup query is received from a network switch. A call setup response is generated based on the budget parameters and the summary information and the call setup response is transmitted to the network switch. In order to generate the stored summary information, a plurality of records are received wherein each record describes a telephone call. A priced call value for each call is determined using the record and the customer specific information. Summary information for the customer is determined using the record, the priced call values and the budget parameters. The summary information is then stored.

Abstract: A calling location and a receiving location are analyzed by called party number analysis means by processing a called party number for specifying a communication terminal at the receiving side transmitted by a communication terminal at the calling side is processed, a charging unit price is determined by charging unit price determination means by referring to contents of a table memory storing a table of charging unit price using the calling location and the receiving location as parameters, and the information of charging unit price is informed to a communication terminal through a charging unit price determination/information apparatus, whereby a communication fee according to the receiving destination can be informed to the caller, or the receiver.

Abstract: A call management system is disclosed for choosing the optimum telecommunications carrier for telephone calls made by a user. The system can interface with an existing PBX or with ordinary analog telephone lines. The system intercepts digits dialed by the caller or user and determines an optimum route for the call based on a plurality of parameters. The optimum route includes a particular carrier through which the call is to be placed. The system then dials the prefix for the carrier and subsequently places the destination digits originally dialed by the user onto the telephone line. A data server constructs a carrier selection table optimized for a user's location, calling habits, preferences, personal data, etc. The carrier selection table is downloaded via a communications network to a local computer. In one embodiment, the local computer receives call progress signals and the user's dialed digits from one or more line units.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a display control device adapted to be used in a communication apparatus providing an information for transmitting the information to a display and transmitting the information to a second device when the information is required by the second device, which includes a buffer device storing therein the information, a decoder electrically connected to the buffer device for decoding the information stored in the buffer device and outputting the decoded information to the display, a bidirectional transmission device electrically connected to the buffer device for transmitting the information to the display and transmitting the information to the second device when the information is required by the second device, and a controller electrically connected to the bidirectional transmission device for controlling a transmission between the bidirectional transmission device and the second device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a telephone management system having a CPU, rate data storage, random access memory, program storage, telephoe interface, memory bus, printer, numeric and functinal keypads, speaker and at least two display monitors.

Abstract: Subscriber units (26) in a satellite communication system (10) send and receive data messages at optimum times. Each subscriber unit (26) has a pre-programmed database that includes a collection of messages (302), such as data (314), fax (316), pre-recorded voice (318), pager (320), or video files (322). Pre-programmed times include low traffic times (404) and/or most economical times (406) at the point of origination and/or destination. Low traffic time information (404) and most economical time information (406) are stored in the subscriber unit (26) and may be updated by the communication system (10). The subscriber unit (26) sends and receives messages at either a pre-programmed or low traffic time (404) or most economical time (406). The satellite communication system (10) calculates message delivery time when different from a user's time zone. A user is notified when a message is sent and received. The subscriber unit (26) stores the messages for future access.

Abstract: An access controller is placed in series with a subscriber's telephone set and includes an off hook detector, a ring detector, a central office simulator and DTMF circuitry which cooperate with a microcontroller or microprocessor suitably programmed to select one of a multiple providers of services by generating an access code corresponding to one of the service providers in accordance with an algorithm which provides a desired distribution of usage by the subscriber. The controller inserts a five digit prefix, namely the access code into the dialed number. The access code allows the call to be routed through a specific long distance service provider telephone network. By inserting the access code into the dialed number the device selects a particular long distance carrier for the duration of the call. Access codes are stored in a memory list of the access controller.

Abstract: An system and apparatus records and displays information received from a premises such as ambient temperature or information received over a telephone network. A wireless transmitter generates and transmits a packet of telephone information received from the telephone network. The generated signals can be radio, infrared and ultrasonic. A packet receiver is spaced distant from the premises recording unit but within range of the packet transmission generated for receiving and storing the packet of telephone information. The packet receiver displays at least a portion of the packet of telephone information.

Abstract: An apparatus that after a time period settable by the user automatically returns an off-hook telephone to an on-hook condition. This apparatus thus electrically hangs up a telephone handset that is inadvertently left off-hook and allows normal handling of outgoing and incoming calls at other telephone extensions and in some embodiments, even allows calls to ring-in to the telephone having the inadvertently off-hook handset. The apparatus also senses when the inadvertently off-hook handset is returned on-hook and rapidly restores the automatic-return-to-an-on-hook condition switch to normal operation.

Abstract: A communication method and apparatus which provides information in an intelligent network. The communication method and apparatus allows a user to enter a connection number of the user terminal, a connection number of an information provider terminal and time to receive information from the information providing service into a user database provided in a transmission layer. The data registered in the user database is read into a service control database provided in the intelligent layer. The service control database is referred to in order to automatically connect the user terminal and the information providing service when a service start time is reached and automatically disconnect the connection therebetween when a service end time is reached.

Abstract: A telephone time recording system is provided in which the opening part only of the voice communication that takes place during a telephone conversation is recorded, along with, amongst others, information relating to the total time of the call. The latter information may be generated as a synthesized speech and as such recorded on the same record medium as the opening part of the voice communication. The information recorded in this manner can later be used to identify the parties who participated in the call and the matter in question, and this can then be correlated with the information relating to the total time of the call, for billing purposes.

Abstract: An automatic call distributor reporting system (100) and method is provided wherein data reports representative of operation of an automatic call distributor (ACD) (102) are transmitted to a remote electronic display device, such as a pager (120) or telephone (126), over a telephone network (118). The ACD (102) collects data relating to its operation in a well known manner and sends the data to a data reporting system which formats the data for proper transmission by the telephone network (118). The data reporting system comprises a data reporting computer (110) for organizing the data into data reports which are designed for each supervisor. Each report with an unique supervisor identification number is then sent to a remote maintenance computer (112). The remote maintenance computer (112) matches the supervisor identification number with a table in a pager database (116) which contains a table for each supervisor. The old data report is erased from the table and the new data report is entered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a billing system which provides the most cost-effective long-distance telephone service for long-distance telephone calls made by an account by analyzing long-distance telephone calls in the aggregate, comparing the cost thereof between at least two different providers, and charging the account based on the lowest cost. Providers of long-distance telephone services aggregate those long-distance telephone calls for which an account is responsible and determine the cost of service based either on mileage or aggregate time. In a first embodiment, the billing system compares the costs of service associated with two different service plans, both of which determine the cost of service based on mileage. In a second embodiment, the billing system compares the costs of service associated with two different service plans, one which determines the cost of service based on mileage, the other of which determines the cost of service based on aggregate time.

Abstract: A method and system for updating a database stores billing rate parameters for call rating devices associated with a calling station. The calling station calls at a predetermined date and time a rate provider, which includes billing rate parameters for a plurality of calling stations. The call rating device transmits over the telephone network to the rate provider the phone number of the calling station, and the date and time of the last updated database. The rate provider verifies that the billing rate parameters of the calling station should be updated, then transmits back over the telephone network to the calling station the updated database. The rate provider also sends data as to the new date and time for the call rating device to place a call to the rate provider.

Abstract: A telephone exchange apparatus for plural extension telephone units is capable of interchanging, in response to a predetermined operation from one of the extension telephone units, the extension numbers of two extension telephone units and the associated information stored in advance for these extension telephone units, such as individual one-touch dialling data, abbreviated dialling data and re-dialling data. In response to the predetermined operation, the exchange apparatus interchanges the data areas in a memory respectively corresponding to the physical addresses of the extension telephone units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associatable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing telecommunication-time data representative of a prepurchased amount of telecommunication-time available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: A radio telephone apparatus having a time specifying unit, a time measuring unit, a call controller, and an auxiliary power supply. The time measuring unit measures an elapsed period of time to detect the lapse of a specified period of time previously inputted to the time specifying unit. When it is found, as a result of the measurement, that the specified period of time has elapsed, the call controller limits call origination. Also, when the main power supply is off, the time specifying unit and the time measuring unit are powered from the auxiliary power supply, thereby measuring the lapse of time regardless of the on or off state of the main power supply. Consequently, call origination can be limited according to the lapse of a specified period of time or the arrival of a specified point in time.

Abstract: A device interconnects within the phone line coming from a first phone and routes telephone calls along a least cost route originating from the first telephone to a second telephone via the network. A housing forms an enclosure and has a first jack for interconnection to the phone side of the phone line and a second jack for interconnection to the network side of the phone line. The housing forms an enclosure which includes a switch for disconnecting the first phone from the network. The device generates a source of current through the switch to the first phone corresponding to the amount of current provided by the phone network. A database stores billing rate parameters for determining various communication paths of different carriers based on parameters such as the time and date of the call. Phone calls from the first phone are detected and stored. The database is addressed and a plurality of communication switch paths are identified as well as the cost rate of each path.

Abstract: A method and system for real time selection of an inter-exchange telephone carrier for a telephone call. The system includes a processing, storage and routing equipment capable of performing the method steps of generating a call information signal, storing a carrier rate for each of the plurality of carriers, each carrier rate including a toll, calling day and calling time, processing the call information signal and the carrier rates to select the carrier having the least expensive toll for the day and time the call is placed, and routing the call through the carrier selected.

Abstract: A telephone exchange apparatus for plural extension telephone units is capable of interchanging, in response to a predetermined operation from one of the extension telephone units the extension numbers of two extension telephone units and the associated information stored in advance for these extension telephone units, such as individual one-touch dialling data, abbreviated dialling data and re-dialling data. In response to the predetermined operation, the exchange apparatus interchanges the data areas in a memory respectively corresponding to the physical addresses of the extension telephone units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections between first and second telecommunication devices operably associatable with the telecommunication lines of a telecommunication switching network. In general, the method involves storing telecommunication-time data representative of a prepurchased amount of telecommunication-time available for payment of telecommunication connections in the telecommunication switching network. At the initiation of the first telecommunication device, a telecommunication connection is established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The telecommunication connection between the first and second telecommunication devices is terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process. The time duration of the telecommunication connection is measured.

Abstract: A portable telephone of a type to which a plurality of subscriber numbers are registered comprises an air timer for measuring a calling period of time from start of calling and end of calling and a memory device for saving and integrating results of measuring by the air timer for each subscriber number. The portable telephone also includes a last call timer, a user timer and a system timer. The memory device includes a RAM. In the RAM, memory areas for the last call timer, user timer and system timer are provided for respective subscriber numbers. As a telephone communication is finished, a calling period of time measured by the air timer is saved in the last memory area to which the subscriber number just used is assigned and this calling period of time is also added up into the user timer memory area and/or system timer memory area for the just used subscriber number.

Abstract: A call billing method and apparatus establishes an ISDN connection between the network and a called location which enables the called location to specify call billing information to the network, via the ISDN connection, on a call-by-call basis. The method provides the called party real time access to network rate tables to specify call billing parameters needed to generate a separate billing record for each call made to the called location. Other features enable the caller or called location to provide various types of information for call billing purposes.

Abstract: A dial unit is detachably mounted on a public telephone for equal access and includes a keypad section, a registration table section, a determination processing section, and a transmitting section. The keypad section key-inputs a dial signal. In the registration table section, area codes corresponding to specific destinations to be handled as a long-distance call and a carrier code corresponding to a specific carrier line having a right of a carrier to the specific destinations are registered in advance. The determination processing section includes a dial signal determination section for determining whether or not the first digit of a dial signal to be handled for a long-distance call coincides with either a "1" or a "0", a dial signal storage section, an equal access determining section, and a carrier code adding section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying duration of a call that is made over a central office line.

Abstract: A timer for automatically controlling the cumulative service time of a telephone consisting of a box mounted over and plugged into a standard wall telephone outlet. The box contains an exterior receptacle for connection with the telephone cord. The interior of the box is secured by a locked cover that prevents access to the controls as well as to the mounting screws that fasten the unit to the outlet box. The desired total amount of time of phone use permitted during each 24 hour period is selected by setting appropriate control switches and it remains unchanged until a new selection is made. At the expiration of the selected cumulative service time, the timer alerts the user of the impending disconnection by a tone signal and automatically disconnects the phone soon thereafter. The device is powered by a battery backed utility 110 VAC source and it resets itself automatically every 24 hours, so that no periodic adjustments or calibrations are required.

Abstract: An interactive, specialized dialing system for local control of access to a telephone line and for providing encoded information relative to an account of a user. The system includes a memory for storing program instructions, a microprocessor for directing requests for program instructions from the memory means and for responding to instructions stored in the memory for generating command signals, an interface device for interfacing with a standard telephone line, a transceiver for receiving encoded signals in standard form from the line and for decoding the signals and supplying the decoded signals to the microprocessor and also responsive to command signals from the microprocessor, for providing encoded signals in standard form to the interface device for transmission on the telephone line. The system is adapted to be interrogated by a user employing a handset coupled to the telephone line.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method capable of indicating a communicating duration on a displaying means (LCD) of a key-phone upon a communication via the public telephone office line in a key-phone system. The method includes the steps of: a first process for driving a communicating duration starting timer and informing that communication is started; second process for initializing a buffer storing a communicating duration and driving the communicating duration increasing timer; third proces for driving said communicating duration increasing timer and then checking if it is in a state of a public telephone office line reserving, and terminating in a state of accumuating the communicating duration to a buffer; fourth process for producing present communicating duration data and transmitting the data to a key-phone; and fifth process for increasing a count value of communicating duration storing buffer, driving the communication increasing timer, and advancing to said third process.

Abstract: An automatic incoming telephone call number display system for detecting an incoming call and identifying the party associated with the incoming call number. The system includes a directory of telephone numbers and parties associated with those numbers. Circuitry detects the origin telephone number of an incoming telephone call and compares that number with numbers in the directory for identifying the calling party. A display permits the user to view the incoming call number and party associated with that number.

Abstract: An improved telephone with three built in features that provide added conveniences and additional benefits for the user. These features are: Money Saver Timer, which tells the caller the amount of time is left of the current message or toll unit on a long distance call; Telephone Panic Switch, when pressed, will activate a circuit to automatically call and broadcast an emergency message to a group of pre-stored numbers; Music On Hold cards, which allow the user to play different music programs for the HOLD feature. These cards can be changed frequently to provide different music programs to the frequent caller.

Abstract: A data communication system comprises calculation means for calculating a communication charge to be charged when a given amount of data is to be transmitted, and display means for displaying the calculated communication charge prior to the data transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for providing the subscriber of a telephone line with information on the telephone calls made on his line. This device, connected to said line, beyond the general connection terminal of the corresponding station, comprises means for detecting and recording durably the numbers called corresponding to the calls successively made in the course of a predetermined period from the station as well as the costs of these calls, and means for displaying on a video screen of the Minitel type, the sequence of these numbers and costs in response to pressing the keys of a key board.

Abstract: A decoder for a pay television system incorporates a receiver for receiving scrambled programming and control data transmitted from a remote location, with the control data including data corresponding to the program fee and the program status, and a manual switch for selectively descrambling the program data when the program status is a pay-per-view program. The decoder has a storage unit for storing a credit value, transmitted from the remote location, and the decoder has timer apparatus for measuring the time during which a pay-per-view program is being received and for subtracting a program fee periodically from the value stored in the storage unit, during the time of reception of the selected program, provided the switch is operated to descramble the program.

Abstract: There is provided a telephone call monitoring, metering and selection device, the purpose of which is to select the lowest-cost way to make a call from one point to another point. The user will program the possible carriers and rates from a standard telephone and the user will enter the time, date, taxes and other information after plugging in the unit. After selecting the destination phone number, the device will show the rates of all possible carriers and then allow the user to choose or select a desired carrier. Because carriers do not have the same quality, the low-cost carrier may not always be the carrier the user wants to select. The unit will display all carrier rates on a one minute call, five minute call, ten minute call and the like. The device will show the user on a real time basis what the calls may cost. The costing feature will apply to local and long distance calls.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telephone monitoring system which system is coupled to the tip and ring lines associated with a telephone subset and which system is operative to provide output data indicative of the date and time a call is initiated, the telephone number and area code of a place called, the total minutes and seconds of the call placed, the time and day a call is started and discontinued as well as the time and date of all incoming calls. The system further includes separate timing interval apparatus to notify a user that a predetermined time period has elapsed during a telephone conversation. The system includes apparatus for monitoring the status of the subset in an off-hook and on-hook condition and to initiate various timing cycles when the subset is off-hook including a called number storage register for storing information indicative of a call to be placed by the subset during normal operation.