Abstract: A method comprising a plurality of operations. An operation is provided for receiving an authentication certificate of a called party. Telephony apparatus of a party calling the called party performs receiving the authentication certificate. An operation is provided for facilitating authentication of the authentication certificate and called party identification information thereof in response to receiving the authentication certificate. An operation is provided for providing an authentication notification in response to facilitating the authentication of the authentication certificate and the called party identification information. The authentication notification indicates successful authentication in response to the authentication being successful and wherein the authentication notification indicates non-successful authentication in response to the authentication not being successful.

Abstract: A method of screening incoming telephone calls and programming screening options and apparatus that allows incoming calls to be screened according to various criteria programmed by a subscriber.

Abstract: Method for managing lists stored in a mobile telephone includes automatically storing telephone numbers of incoming and outgoing calls in a first or second list. The first list is accessible to any use, the second list contains code protected telephone numbers. A telephone number stored in a temporary register is verified to whether it's contained within the second list. Method includes limiting a user's access to only telephone numbers in first list until a code is input by user. After inputting code, telephone numbers in first and second lists are accessible by user. Both first and second lists are stored in mobile phone, and telephone numbers associated with second list are not stored in first list, and second list is at least one of accessible and displayable only after inputting code.

Abstract: An incoming call notification is performed based on a caller number extracted from a call-in signal and a user status stored in a user status storage unit, and thereby, the incoming call is notified adequately in accordance with the user status and a caller. For example, the contents of the incoming call notification is changed in accordance with a busyness of a user or an importance of the caller, and thereby, a flexible response by the user becomes possible.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment, an incoming call from a first telephone number is received (310). A variable indicating the number of calls received from the first telephone number is incremented (312). The variable is compared to a threshold variable (316). Subsequently, the user is prompted to save the first telephone number in an address book (319) when the variable indicating the number of times an incoming call is received from the first telephone number is equal to, or greater than, the threshold variable. The first telephone number is then stored in the address book. Moreover, an apparatus can be assembled (200) to provide cellular telephone users with, for example, instructions and information via a speaker (228) and an LCD display (238). The apparatus is configured to provide instructions and information to the cellular telephone user at appropriate times, thereby increasing the cellular telephone's usefulness.

Abstract: A method and arrangement in a communication system for dynamically allocating communication system frequency spectrum after cross-talk interface between transmission medias used for upstream and downstream communication in the frequency spectrum. After detecting cross-talk interface on a disturbed transmission medium caused by transmission on a disturbing transmission medium, the arrangement transmit a media control signal on the disturbed transmission medium and detects a reproduced media control signal that is reproduced due to cross-talk on the disturbing transmission medium. The disturbed or disturbing transmission media can then be dynamically allocated different frequency spectrum to eliminate the interface. In one embodiment, each transmission medium has a default transmission direction, and if one of the transmission is in a direction opposite the default direction, that transmission is reassigned to another transmission medium.

Abstract: A mechanism for placing a telephone call while at the same time communicating context (e.g., subject, importance and/or nature) of the telephone call. The caller uses a mechanism on a user interface to instruct a caller computing system to place a telephone call to a callee computing system. Using the same user interface, the caller also identifies some contextual information for the telephone call such as, for example, the subject, importance and/or nature of the telephone call. The caller computing system then constructs a call invitation data structure that includes both an invitation to the callee to engage in a telephone conversation and the user-entered identification of the context of the telephone call. Upon receiving the call invitation data structure, the callee computing system reads the identification of the context of the telephone call, and then takes appropriate action based on the context for the telephone call.

Abstract: A system for enhancing telephone call awareness, including, a call awareness device with a connection to an incoming telephone line and optionally a connection to the Internet. The call awareness device is adapted to record details from incoming calls and provide the details in one or more forms to one or more recipients over the connections available on the call awareness device.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving information regarding a telephony platform and for retrieving the object of the services provided by the telephony platform corresponding to the information received. Customer premises equipment is connected to the general switched telephone network and to a supplemental service network via a central office switch. A telephony platform is connected to the general switched telephone network for providing accessory services such as voice mail, electronic mail and facsimile services. An event identifier is generated to identify a calling event. The event identifier may be attached to a message having caller identifier information. The event identifier is used if the caller is transferred to voice mail. If a voice mail message is left, an information indicator is attached to another caller identifier message that is maintained for display on the customer premises equipment to allow the user to determine which callers left messages.

Abstract: A method for processing calls. Initiation of a call by a user is detected in the communications device. In response to detecting the call, a geographic identification based on a number assigned to the communications device and/or language identification based on a user of the communications device is identified. The geographic identification and the language identification are transmitted with caller identification information for use by a called party.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: A caller ID information transmitting and receiving apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least the caller ID information generating module, a communication module and a caller ID information broadcasting module. The caller ID information generating module generates a caller ID information, and the communication module transmits and receives a communication signal with a base station. When the communication apparatus is operated to make a call, the communication module transmits at least a phone number and the caller ID information to the remote communication apparatus through the base station. And when the communication apparatus performs a call alert, the caller ID information broadcasting module broadcasts the received caller ID information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing restrictions on long distance calls from wireless communication devices which operate in a wireless communication network are described. The wireless devices are preferably combined voice and data communication devices. In one illustrative example, each wireless device receives and stores long distance call restriction information which is pushed from a private computer network through the wireless network. During typical operation, a wireless device determines whether call attempts from the wireless device are restricted by the long distance call restriction information. If a call attempt is restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device restricts the call attempt from the wireless device and provides for a call restriction alert indication (e.g. an alert tone or visual text). If a call attempt is not restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device allows the call attempt from the wireless device.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to enable the user, in the case of a wired telephone, to check an incoming call even when the user is not present near the telephone and, regardless of the type of the telephone, enable the user to check calling party information when a call arrives. A gateway apparatus associates a PDA with a NET telephone connected to a LAN and, upon receiving an incoming call to the NET telephone, notifies the PDA of the calling telephone number received from a local exchange. When the incoming call notification is received from the gateway apparatus, the PDA causes a ringing tone to sound and displays the received calling telephone number. Further, based on the calling telephone number, the PDA searches telephone directory data stored therein and displays calling party information such as the caller's name.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. A communication is received from an originating party and destined for a receiving party. A profile is queried to determine whether the originating party matches an entry in a list. When a match is found, a database of pre-created text messages is accessed that stores a pre-created text message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created text message is communicated to the originating party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a missed-call list in a telephone device by flagging a missed-call entry as “called-back” when a telephone call is placed to or received from the party listed in a missed-call list. The telephone device may still maintain the missed-call in the missed-call list after being flagged. A user may view the missed-call list to see which missed-calls (if any) the user has returned and which missed-call (if any) the user has not returned. Beneficially, the invention enables a user to retain valuable information about a missed-call and is therefore advantageous to the user of a telephone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for quickly connecting a real-time communication system. The apparatus includes a communication control device that can be inserted into a signal receiving device. The communication control device includes an initiation button, a hot key and an input unit, so as to input the control commands and data to a computer via an emission unit. The initiation button initiates the real-time communication system software installed in the controlled device to achieve network connection. The hot key can trigger the real-time communication system software entering into a dialing mode. The input unit comprises a plurality of input buttons and an enter key. The signal receiving device includes a retaining groove disposed thereon for inserting therein the communication control device. In this manner, the communication control device is highly accessible and unlikely to be misplaced.

Abstract: A method of screening a call from a calling party to a called party, the calling party being connected to a communication network through a first line, the called party being connected to said communication network through a second line, includes sending a notification to a screening terminal which is connected to the communication network through a third line other than the second line when a voice message is being recorded by the calling party in a voice mailbox associated with the called party.

Abstract: A method (300) that can include receiving a call identifier (130) for an incoming call and associating the incoming call with at least one category (140, 145, 150) selected from a group consisting of at least three categories. An indicator (160) that correlates to the category with which the incoming call is associated can be presented to a user (120). Presenting the indicator can include presenting a particular color to the user and/or presenting a vibration, sound or image to the user. The method further can include automatically responding to the incoming call with a particular greeting only if the call identifier is blank or indicates an unknown caller (125). In another arrangement, the method can include automatically responding to the incoming call with a particular greeting only if the caller is unknown and the call identifier indicates that the caller is a particular gender or is exhibiting a particular emotion.

Abstract: A method and a system for presenting customized caller options via a communication device (104) are disclosed. The method includes receiving (404) an incoming call from a calling party at the second communication device. The method further includes comparing (406) a caller Identification (ID) information associated with the incoming call to a pre-defined stored list of caller ID information. Further, the method includes presenting (408) the calling party with customized caller options. The customized caller options are presented as a function of the comparison between the incoming call caller ID information and the pre-defined stored list of caller ID information.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication network comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identity is recognizable in the first network; allocating a calling identity to the called entity, wherein the allocated identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the first network the first identity with the calling identity; providing the calling identity to the calling entity; establishing a connection with a second network node located in the second network; wherein the connection with the second network node is established using the calling identity, querying the first node with the calling identity associated with the called entity to determine the first identity associated with the called entity; transmitting the communication event to the called entity using the first identity associat

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and computer program products are described for implementing on a communication device customized caller ID and remote functional management of a communication device via shared secret exchange between calling and called parties. Customized caller ID provides for a calling party to identify themself regardless of the device they are using to place to call. In addition, other remote functional management, such as call priority tagging, provides for the calling party to prioritize the call or otherwise customize a call ID message to the called party. By exchanging shared secrets amongst the calling and called parties, the customized caller ID method and remote functional management are secure, thereby eliminating the likelihood of unauthorized tampering by unknown parties. Shared secret exchange also provides for authorized callers to remotely access and manage the communication device, such as, for example, to remotely lock down or place the communication device in an off state.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods for supplying calling party information to a receiving party having an Internet-connected device. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment, among others, includes an Internet caller-ID system configured to detect if a telephone call to a receiving party is designated for Internet caller-ID service. If the service is designated, the caller-ID system generates and sends an Internet caller-ID message to the receiving party. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for distributing content objects to a requester. Some of the systems include at least one content object origination, and two or more content object destinations. The two or more content object destinations are associated with customer premises. Communication links communicably couple the content object origination and at least one of the content object destinations, and at least two of the content object destinations. Local storage is associated with at least one of the content object destinations. A content object from the content object origination is maintained on a local storage associated with one of the content object destinations, and the content object is accessible via the local storage to another content object destination. The methods provide various ways for distributing content objects using systems similar to that previously described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus permit handling of unwanted calls from callers such as telemarketers, when caller identification is provided. In one embodiment, the called party adds the caller identification information for the telemarketer to a personal list after receiving the unwanted call. Subsequent calls from the telemarketer are intercepted. In a second embodiment, the called party identifies the telemarketer by detecting the caller identification information before answering the call. By providing a screen listing indication, the caller identification information is added to the called party's personal list before the call is completed, permitting the call to be intercepted and while future calls from the telemarketer to be intercepted.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, in a telecommunication system, of establishing a connection between a calling terminal and a called terminal, the called terminal having an associated presence status, the connection establishment being initiated by a connection establishment request sent by the calling terminal, comprising: obtaining, in response to the connection establishment request, the presence status associated with the called terminal; and supplying the obtained presence status to the calling terminal.

Abstract: A method of caller ID spoofing includes: receiving a call at a first telecommunications facility (30) from a calling party served by the first telecommunications facility (30), the call being intended for a called party; determining if a caller ID spoofing feature (33) has been invoked for the call; if the caller ID spoofing feature (33) has not been invoked for the call, then establishing true caller ID information for the calling party; and, if the caller ID spoofing feature (33) has been invoked for the call, then establishing false caller ID information for the calling party.

Abstract: A method for receiving a caller identification (ID) number on an electronic device in a communication network (100) is provided. The communication network includes a plurality of electronic devices (104 and 106) and a plurality of network elements (102). The method includes receiving a signal from a first electronic device. The first electronic device has a primary caller ID number and at least one alternate caller ID number. The method also includes sending the alternate caller ID number to a second electronic device, based on the signal received from the first electronic device.

Abstract: A privacy system determines in connection with a call from a particular calling party whether a name identification thereof is available, and if so allows the call to be put through to the called party with the name identification. The called party thus can review the name identification of the calling party prior to determining whether to answer the call. The privacy system includes a list of privileged calling parties with respect to and as specified by the called party, and if the name identification is not available, the privacy system determines whether the calling party is on such list. If so, the privacy system allows the call to be put through to the called party without the name identification.

Abstract: Described in this paper are systems and methods of providing conferencing services where a conference participant is identified by the conferencing system when calling into the system. The system and methods focus on individual users instead of groups of participants. Instead of using a conference identity as the driver, embodiments herein invoke a user identity, and services are personalized for each user. The user has far fewer codes to juggle and all participants enjoy a quicker, richer, and more secure experience.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) for providing the name and telephone number of a calling party to a called party comprising a plurality of central offices and a service control point (SCP). The central offices are equipped with AIN software which enables them to generate triggers which active queries requesting the name of the calling party. The SCP contains subscriber information which enables it to determine the type of query that is associated with each trigger. The SCP also incorporates a database containing telephone numbers and corresponding names. Software incorporated into the SCP enables it to respond to the queries sent to it by searching its database and returning the telephone number and corresponding name of a calling party to a called party's central office and the called party.

Abstract: A communication system that exchanges electronic mail information based on a mail address including a telephone number of a destination and a domain name of a telecommunication services operator, and that includes a communication device for inputting the telephone number including an operator code and for exchanging the electronic mail information in accordance with the mail address; a storage device which stores a reference table in which the operator code is correlated to the domain name; and a communication management device which uses the operator code as an address to read the domain name of the telecommunication services operator to establish the mail address by combining the telephone number input through the communication device and the domain name read from the storage device.

Abstract: A system for collecting caller information comprises an interexchange switch adapted to extract caller information associated with a call directed to a telephone number associated with the interexchange switch, the interexchange switch further adapted to forward caller information to a server manager, a server, the server manager adapted to forward caller information to the server, the server being adapted to store the caller information and to parse campaign information from the caller information, the campaign information comprising caller information associated with a call to the telephone number; and a database operationally connected to the server and adapted to accumulate the campaign information and to forward the campaign information over the Internet in response to a request for the campaign information associated with the telephone number.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for locating and retrieving stored computer files that are related to an incoming telephone call directed to a computer user. A called party receives a telephone call while the called party is operating her computer. A computer telephony interface receives caller identification information on the calling party and uses that information to launch a software synchronization program for locating files stored on the called party's computer that are related to the calling party. A dialog box is displayed on the screen of the called party's computer that provides the caller identification on the calling party and provides an icon for displaying a list of stored files related to the incoming caller. The list of files may be automatically presented to the called party, or the called party may retrieve the list of stored files by selection of the icon presented in the dialog box.

Abstract: The present invention allows a called party to effectively control a ring-back indicator that is presented to callers for incoming calls. For a given called party, ring-back service rules are created to control selection of a ring-back indicator based on desired ring-back criteria. When a call is being presented to the called party, the ring-back service rules are used to select a ring-back indicator to provide to the caller based on the available ring-back criteria. The ring-back indicator may be selected from available ring-back indicators. Alternatively, selection of the ring-back indicator may involve dynamically creating the ring-back indicator based in part on the ring-back criteria or other information. As the ring-back criteria changes for different calls, the ring-back indicators provided to each call may change.

Abstract: A remote call notification system for incoming calls to a wireline telecommunications device. The system includes a switch, a service control point, an intelligent server, and a monitoring module all in communication with each other. The remote call notification is transmitted to a remote communication device such as a PC, an interactive pager, and a mobile phone. The call notification includes a calling number, the name of a calling party, time and date identifiers, status identifiers that provides a real-time status of the incoming communication, a disposition identifier, and a priority identifier. A remote call notification method including detecting an incoming communication to a subscriber's wireline communication device, creating a remote call notification, assigning an access address associated with a remote communication device, and forwarding the remote call notification to the remote communication device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for efficient monitoring of operator services calls. A packet gateway is provided in association with a telephony switch, such that circuit-switched connections through a switching fabric of the telephony switch are supported by the packet gateway. The packet gateway provides an interface between the switching fabric and a packet network, which supports operator terminals as well as monitor terminals from which interactions between operators and callers may be monitored. Upon setting up the circuit-switched connection for the operator services call, the gateway will establish voice sessions with both the operator terminal and the monitor terminal. The voice sessions with the operator terminal facilitate bi-directional communications with the caller via the circuit-switched connection over the packet fabric. The voice interaction between the caller and operator is provided to the monitor terminal over another voice session for monitoring by the monitor.

Abstract: An enhanced AIN telephone system that can screen incoming calls during predetermined time periods and block some calls while allowing selected calls to be completed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for providing the identity of communication device users who initiate communications from data networks such as the Internet and that are targeted for users in circuit-switched domains. A calling party identifier is received from a calling terminal initiating a voice call. A circuit-switched (CS) domain identifier is associated with the calling party identifier. The association of CS domain identifier and calling party identifier is provided to a targeted terminal, which may store the associated information. The voice call and the CS domain identifier associated with the calling party identifier are thereafter directed from the calling terminal to the targeted terminal. The targeted terminal may then identify the calling party using the CS domain identifier to identify the associated calling party identifier.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a server apparatus includes a memory which stores a control table respectively showing correspondence relations between user ID of the first data terminal and listener information indicating that the first data terminal is in operation in a pseudo manner, when the first data terminal contained in the call information event is out of operation, and a controller which refers the control table based on the user ID of the first data terminal, when the first data terminal which is out of operation is started, and establishes a communication connection between the first data terminal and the second data terminal based on a reference result.

Abstract: Request information received by a call handler system specifies multiple acceptable call connection encoding options or formats for communicating with a caller. The call handler system forwards the multiple acceptable call connection encoding options to a called destination. The called destination responds with a selection of a first call connection option from the multiple call connection options. The call handler system selects a second call connection option for providing a ring-back tone to the caller while waiting for the called destination to answer his phone. During the wait, the call handler system provides a ring-back tone to the caller via the second call connection encoding option. Upon detection of the called destination answering his phone, the call handler system discontinues playback of the ring-back tone and notifies the caller to communicate with the called destination via the first call connection encoding option as selected by the called destination.

Abstract: In an embodiment an apparatus may have: a telecommunication network having a tracking calling terminal and a tracked called terminal; a polled geofencing system associated with at least one predetermined area having a predetermined boundary, the tracked called terminal having a location relative to the predetermined boundary; and at least first and second predetermined ring-back tones having a functional relationship with the at least one predetermined boundary, the first predetermined ring-back tone being utilized when the tracked called terminal is within the predetermined boundary, and the second predetermined ring-back tone being utilized when the tracked called terminal is outside of the predetermined boundary; wherein the at least first and second predetermined ring-back tones alert the tracking calling terminal to a location, relative to the predetermined boundary as determined by the polled geofencing system, of tracked called terminal during a call setup between the designated tracked called terminal

Abstract: A communication system, comprising at least one telephone appliance having multiple line appearances selectable via associated self-labeling line buttons, and a switch for receiving an incoming call intended for a particular one of the line appearances and in response generating a message containing predetermined information and an indication of an associated one of the line buttons, whereupon the predetermined information is displayed in abbreviated format on the associated self-labeling line button.

Abstract: Systems and techniqes for identifying a participant in a teleconference allow other participants at remote locations to be informed of the identify of a current speaker. A currently speaking participant is identified in a teleconference conducted using a connection on a circuit-switched network, and a signal indicating an identifier of the currently speaking participant is transmitted over the connection on the circuit-switched network. The signal is received, and the identifier of the currently speaking participant is displayed at a participating location. The displayed identifier is determined based on the indication in the signal.

Abstract: A messaging device is disclosed. The device is connected to a telephone line and communicates with other devices identical to itself via a communications link established over existing phone lines, power lines or via wireless communications mechanisms. The messaging device records caller ID data upon detection of an incoming telephone call and prompts the user to enter additional data regarding the caller in assembling a message data packet including predefined messages. The message data packet is then transmitted to an identical messaging device wherein the caller ID data, caller name, caller's company, and predefined messages are presented to the intended recipient of the message contained in the message data packet. Additional features include handwritten or typed detailed messages contained in said message data packet and security for preventing unauthorized viewing of message data. The messaging device is optionally integrated into the design of a telephone.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing computer readable program code, the code configured to provide caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.

Abstract: The Multimedia Caller ID is a system and method for the delivery and presentation of media such as; images, animation and video to a conversation device (landline or wireless phone) at the time of an incoming call (ring/vibrate). This method includes the ability to present the caller ID information together with the media at the time of incoming call. One use of this invention among others is the creation of a new platform for promotion and advertisement over a variety of conversation devices, such as colored screen mobile and wired phones, DECT phones, IP telephony devices, etc.

Abstract: A system and method that provides for an exchange of messages and associated data across a plurality of communication network system entities for one or more communications networks, wherein the system includes one or more distributed message brokers which are in communication with any number of communication network system entities. The message broker may perform message processing, which includes relaying and screening based on prioritization rules which may include customer classification criteria, associated service classification, and system entity classification applied to a message classification for messages communicated over the communications networks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network communication system that provides textual communication and call transferring between nodes. The system further allows simultaneous notification of multiple nodes of an incoming call. The system includes a local computer that may also serve as a node in the system. A call may originate with the local computer or be generated by a remote device that is in communication with the local computer. The local computer generates a call indicator that is transmitted to one or more nodes simultaneously. Selection of the nodes may be based on user intervention or by predefined groupings. Each node receiving a call indicator is configured to generate a ring message in response. The ring message is displayed on an output device to alert a node user to the incoming call. In response to the ring message, a node user may choose to accept or decline the call. A node user's responses to the call indicator are transmitted to the local computer.