Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a set of rules established by a third-party to control the execution of various functions offered by a device. The set of rules can block a function outright, or can specify particular combinations of days and times when the function can be executed and when it is blocked. Then, when the user of the device requests an instance of the function to be executed, the set of rules can be accessed to determine whether the requested function instance is permitted, after which the device can either block or execute the requested function instance.

Abstract: An approach is provided for blocking communication sessions. Attribute information of a user is acquired. A unique identifier is generated based on the acquired attribute information. The unique identifier is associated with a plurality of communication identifiers that are used to activate, respectively, a plurality of communication services, wherein the unique identifier is used to block communication sessions associated with the corresponding communication services.

Abstract: The present invention is related to telecommunications, and in particular, to methods and systems for processing call signaling data. In an embodiment, a call processing system receives a first message from a switch while the switch is processing a call for a calling party, wherein the first message is initiated at least partly in response to a firing of a call event trigger configured within a switch. The first message includes call signaling information, including the calling party's phone number. The calling party's phone number is stored in the call processing system. A communication channel is established over a network between the call processing system and a computer associated with the called party. A message is transmitted to the networked computer, the message including the calling party's phone number, wherein the calling party's phone number is intended to be displayed on the networked computer associated with the called party.

Abstract: An anonymous communication system allows a third party, which is not a communicating party, to determine the anonymities of the communicating parties. An anonymity notifying apparatus to be installed in an anonymous communication system enables anonymous communication. An anonymous communication system and method detects the anonymities of communication parties and notifies them to a third party device other than communication devices of the communication parties.

Abstract: An electronic device for use in conjunction with a telephone line. The electronic device is a standard caller identification connection that has an extra computer chip which disconnects incoming telephone calls in which the caller's identity can not be ascertained.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide called party identification to a calling party. A communication is processed from a calling communications address to one of a plurality of communications addresses associated with a simultaneous ring. When an answer is detected at one of the plurality of communications addresses, an answering communications address is sent to the calling communications address.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a user-carried emergency communication system in combination with a cordless telephone. The user-carried handset has a large button on a first face. Pressing the button summons help by automatic connection to the 911 emergency telephone network. It also activates a signaling device mounted on the inside glass surface of a window that illuminates a message that 911 has been called. It may also sound an alarm. A pre-recorded massage may also be sent to the emergency call center. The other face has the functions of a cordless telephone. All elements are within the building, with installation by simply plugging cords into power and telephone outlets the same as any cordless phone and mounting the signaling device with suction cups. There are no monthly fees except for the usual cordless phone fee.

Abstract: A communication device is provided. The communication device includes a calling party information receiving unit to receive calling party information, a first call record storing unit to create and store a call record including the calling party information based on receiving conditions of the incoming call, a second call record storing unit to create and store a call record without the calling party information based on receiving conditions of the incoming call, and a call record output unit to output the call records inclusive of the call records stored by the first call record storing unit and by the second call record storing unit.

Abstract: A method for managing a phishing call is provided. The method includes receiving an incoming telecommunication request. The method also includes comparing a unique identification associated with the incoming telecommunication request against a set of contact lists. The method further includes, if the unique identification is not found on the set of contact lists, activating a delay timer to prevent a set of user notification components from being triggered for a delay period. The method yet also includes performing a connection analysis to determine status of the incoming telecommunication request. The method moreover includes, if the incoming telecommunication request is terminated during the delay period, updating a phishing call log with data about the incoming telecommunication request, wherein the updating of the phishing call log occurs without the set of user notification components being triggered, responsive to the incoming telecommunication request, during or subsequent to the updating.

Abstract: A method and system for adding a caller (102) in a blocked list is provided. The blocked list is stored at a communication server (104). The method includes receiving (604) a call from the caller (102) at a communication device (108). Further, the method includes receiving (606) a set of inputs at the communication device (108) in response to the call. The set of inputs includes a set of instructions to add the caller (102) in the blocked list. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting (608) a call termination request to the communication server (104). The call termination request includes the set of instructions to add the caller (102) in the blocked list. Transmission of the call termination request initiates addition of the caller (102) in the blocked list at the communication server (104).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing unwanted telemarketing calls may include storing a contact list for users of a telephone assigned to an associated telephone number. An incoming telephone call from a caller may be intercepted and a determination may be made as to whether the caller is in the contact list. In response to determining that the caller is in the contact list, the incoming call may be connected to the telephone assigned to the called telephone number. Otherwise, in response to determining that the caller is not in the contact list, the caller may be prompted with an audible message, and, in response to the caller responding to the audible message by entering a first response, the incoming call may be blocked from connecting to the called telephone. Otherwise, in response to a second response, the incoming call may be connected.

Abstract: An approach is provided for blocking communication sessions. Attribute information of a user is acquired. A unique identifier is generated based on the acquired attribute information. The unique identifier is associated with a plurality of communication identifiers that are used to activate, respectively, a plurality of communication services, wherein the unique identifier is used to block communication sessions associated with the corresponding communication services.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing telephone number sharing services to subscribers over public switched telephone network or data network. The disclosed system first receives call details of a call from a subscriber of the system. The call details include reusable call number preference of the subscriber as well as a phone number of a called party. The system stores the call details in a database. The system determines whether the received call from the subscriber is a first call to the called number. In response to the call being the first call to the called party, the system assigns a reusable call number that satisfies the reusable call number preference of the subscriber, and forwards the call to the called number with the reusable call number.

Abstract: A system for selectively blocking and unblocking the sending of outgoing caller ID information from a communication device comprises a communication device, a processor coupled to the communication device and a storage medium coupled to the processor containing a directory of information entries. The information entries include both telephone numbers and associated security levels. When a call is placed to a number using the communication device, the processor seeks the number in the directory of the storage medium. If an entry is found for the number by the processor, caller ID information is prevented from being sent to the number unless a security level associated with the number is at or above a predefined cut-off level.

Abstract: Techniques in a wireless device for use in providing restrictions on communications via a cellular network are described. The wireless device communicates with a host enterprise server of a private network which is external to the cellular network for performing data synchronization in association with a personal information manager (PIM) application. The wireless device receives communication restriction information from this same host enterprise server in the private network, and stores this information in its memory. The wireless device determines whether a communication is restricted by comparing a user selected code of a communication attempt with one or more codes of the stored information. If the communication is determined to be restricted, the wireless device disallows the communication via the cellular network. If the communication is determined to not be restricted, the wireless device may allow the communication via the cellular network.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for automated distribution and indexing of prepaid calling card information comprises a central terminal operable to receive a request to purchase prepaid telephone services from an initiating terminal. The request comprises an identifier of a financial account to be used to purchase the prepaid telephone services. The central terminal is operable to electronically seek authorization for the request, initiate electronic debiting of the financial account using the identifier, and log a transaction indicating a purchase of prepaid telephone services in response to receipt of the authorization. The central terminal is operable to initiate electronic transmission, according to purchaser contact information, of calling card information from the central terminal to at least one electronic storage medium for access by a purchaser.

Abstract: A method is performed by one or more network elements for voice-over-IP (VoIP) communications. The method includes receiving a request from a first mobile device to invite a second mobile device to participate in a VoIP session. The second device may be identified in the request by a network identifier. The network identifier is related to a mobile IP (MIP) address of the second device and a second IP address. An invitation is sent to the MIP address of the second device which may include a MIP address of the first device and a first IP address. A response to the invitation may be received from the second device. The response may be modified to include a first IP header that includes the MIP address of the second device and a second IP header to include the second IP address. The modified response is forwarded to the first device. After receipt of the modified response, the first device is configured to establish an IP connection for VoIP communication with the second device.

Abstract: A system for managing contact information between mobile devices. A notification is received any time a mobile device initiates or terminates a communication. The receiving mobile device is prompted to obtain the contact information of the caller. Based on permissions set by the caller, the receiving mobile device may obtain the caller's public contact information, private contact information, none of the caller's contact information or some combination of the caller's public and private contact information. In one embodiment, a subset of the caller's contact information is displayed in the screen of a receiving mobile device coincidentally while receiving the phone call to provide a caller-identification feature.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method of managing calls to a toll-free telephone number is disclosed. The method includes modifying a calling party identification (ID) privacy indicator associated with a received telephone call directed to a toll-free number. The calling party ID privacy indicator is modified based at least in part on a day that the telephone call is received.

Abstract: An audio interface includes interface circuitry configured to translate audio signals received from a military handset to audio signals compatible with a plain old telephone system (POTS) network. The interface circuitry presents a 6-pin (or 5-pin) audio port configured to couple the military handset to the interface circuitry. The interface circuitry further features a 2-wire POTS connector configured to couple the interface circuitry to the POTS network.

Abstract: Wireless networks and methods are disclosed that provide for anonymous call blocking in wireless networks. A wireless network of the invention includes an MSC system and an HLR system. When a calling party initiates a call to a called party, the MSC system receives the call and generates a call setup message for the call. The call is anonymous, so the call setup message does not include caller ID information for the calling party. The MSC system receiving the call transmits the call setup message to the HLR system. The HLR system determines if the call setup message includes caller ID information, and determines if the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking. Responsive to determining that there is no caller ID information in the call setup message and that the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking, the HLR system instructs the MSC system to block the call.

Abstract: An emergency call processing apparatus and method in a private switching system according to certain embodiments is available for some emergency telephone numbers, such as 119 and 911, set for emergency. A private branch exchange has more extension subscribers than office lines, and thus the extension subscribers share the office lines. If an emergency outgoing call is attempted when all of the office lines are busy, priority is given to the emergency outgoing call, and one of the busy lines is forcibly intercepted so that the emergency outgoing call can be processed. In particular, when an extension terminal is set in a locking mode, an emergency call can be processed without inconveniently disabling the locking mode through the input of a password, and thus the emergency can be easily coped with. Then, the emergency outgoing call can be easily processed, even if all of the lines are busy or the subscriber terminal is set in the locking mode.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling and blocking distance and location information between callers. The method includes a subscribing caller's phone identifying the caller by name and location and initiating a request to locate (RTL) signal to a called party's phone. The called party in turn sends an enable to locate (ETL) signal back to the called party to initiate calculations for determining the called party's distance from the caller. The method also includes an ETL bypass for business relations where an employer has a need to locate the employee. The method may also include a blacklisting feature allowing the called party to block RTL from undesired parties. A disclosed computer program product triangulates the distance between callers using the transmission time between them and stationary transmitters, landline relays, and/or internet routers. An alternate embodiment may include trilateration data from GPS satellites in determining the distance between callers.

Abstract: A system and method for concealing an identity by receiving a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message, the SIP message containing a field, the field containing a Globally Routable User Agent Uniform Resource Identifier (GRUU) identifying a node, the GRUU containing a public user identity (PUID), a ‘gr’ parameter, and a ‘gr’ parameter value; evaluating a subscription option; and in response to evaluating the subscription option, concealing an identity of the node by removing the ‘gr’ parameter and the ‘gr’ parameter value from the field.

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: Wireless networks and methods are disclosed that provide for anonymous call blocking in wireless networks. A wireless network of the invention includes an MSC system and an HLR system. When a calling party initiates a call to a called party, the MSC system receives the call and generates a call setup message for the call. The call is anonymous, so the call setup message does not include caller ID information for the calling party. The MSC system receiving the call transmits the call setup message to the HLR system. The HLR system determines if the call setup message includes caller ID information, and determines if the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking. Responsive to determining that there is no caller ID information in the call setup message and that the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking, the HLR system instructs the MSC system to block the call.

Abstract: A first telephone number assigned to the first telephone is cryptographically hashed to generate a first message digest, and the first telephone sends a signal to a second telephone over a communication network, wherein the signal includes the first message digest. The second telephone receives the first signal and searches its contact records to determine whether a telephone number in one of the contact records generates a message digest that matches the message digest received. Then, in response to the second telephone determining that a telephone number in one of the contact records generates a message digest that matches the first message digest, the second telephone identifies the contact record that generates the matching message digest and provides audible or visual output of content from the identified contact record.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing restrictions on long distance calls from wireless communication devices. 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: A method for transmitting enhanced originator information over a communications network includes retrieving a service profile for a recipient terminal from a service profile database in response to initiation of a communication by an originator terminal to the recipient terminal. The service profile specifies a service plan and a terminal capability of the recipient terminal to retrieve the enhanced originator information from the originator terminal. The method also includes retrieving multiple information elements associated with the originator terminal from a network database based upon the service plan and the terminal capability of the recipient terminal, and transmitting a communication including the multiple information elements to the recipient terminal prior to establishing a communications session with the recipient terminal.

Abstract: The present invention is related to telecommunications, and in particular, to methods and systems for processing call signaling data. In an embodiment, a call processing system receives a first message from a switch while the switch is processing a call for a calling party, wherein the first message is initiated at least partly in response to a firing of a call event trigger configured within a switch. The first message includes call signaling information, including the calling party's phone number. The calling party's phone number is stored in the call processing system. A communication channel is established over a network between the call processing system and a computer associated with the called party. A message is transmitted to the networked computer, the message including the calling party's phone number, wherein the calling party's phone number is intended to be displayed on the networked computer associated with the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for providing for a wireless calling party to configure his or her wireless service on a call-by-call or on a permanent basis so that only those calls where the caller wants his or her location to be available carry location information. To enable the capability of blocking and/or altering location, the caller can pre-configure his or her service so that the location information of the wireless calling party is either altered or blocked to the called party on a permanent basis. The wireless caller can also select on a call-by-call basis to either alter or block the location information to the called party by entering a particular code prior to making a call. Furthermore, a wireless caller may also select to block the storage of location information in the network by entering a pre-defined number prior to making a call, which in turn can then be used to place the outgoing call.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing call requests in a communication network is described. In one example, a call request for a public identifier associated with a recipient party is received from an originating device. A set of approved calling party identifiers associated with the public identifier is identified. A calling party identifier associated with the originating device is compared with the set of approved calling party identifiers. If the calling party is approved, then: a private identifier for a recipient device is selected based on the calling party identifier, and the call request is routed to the recipient device using the private identifier. If the calling party is not approved, then: a call handling treatment associated with the public identifier may be identified, and the call request may be handled in accordance with the calling handling treatment.

Abstract: A system for selectively blocking and unblocking the sending of outgoing caller ID information from a communication device comprises a communication device, a processor coupled to the communication device and a storage medium coupled to the processor containing a directory of information entries. The information entries include both telephone numbers and associated security levels. When a call is placed to a number using the communication device, the processor seeks the number in the directory of the storage medium. If an entry is found for the number by the processor, caller ID information is prevented from being sent to the number unless a security level associated with the number is at or above a predefined cut-off level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telephone call processing. In one embodiment, a call processing system receives from a caller a first call for a user, the first call including call signaling information. The call processing system determines whether the call signaling information includes caller identification information and whether the call signaling information indicates that the caller identification information is restricted. If the caller identification information is restricted, the call processing system instructs the caller to take a first action so that the caller identification information can be provided to the user. The call processing system determines whether the caller has performed the first action during the first call, and if the caller has performed the first action during the first call, the call processing system provides at least a portion of the caller identification information to the user.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method of managing calls to a toll-free telephone number is disclosed. The method includes modifying a calling party identification (ID) privacy indicator associated with a received telephone call directed to a toll-free number. The calling party ID privacy indicator is modified based at least in part on a day that the telephone call is received.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of managing missed calls providing a calling party, who initiates a call that is not pick-up by a called party (i.e., intended recipient), the autonomy to retain or delete telephone number of calling party in phone registered on the called party phone as caller identification (ID) through a mobile service provider (MSP) of a telecommunications network. The method may be implemented as part of a telecommunication system or as part of a computer program. Also, provided is a method and system for calling party to create annotation in a mobile service provider system parenthetical information for called party to retrieve or to alert called party.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for masking the identity of a user of a calling telephone. Preferably an information processor is provided to receive over a public switched telephone network a telephone call from the calling telephone. The information processor receives from the user of the calling telephone a destination telephone number and a user-defined telephone number that is to be transmitted to a telephone at the destination telephone number. When the destination telephone answers, the user-defined telephone number is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that predict behaviors of alerting and filtering systems based on simulation from messaging logs. By logging contextual information, such as the presence, activity, and availability of users, as well as incoming messages and their properties, forecasting services can be created that serve to provide users with an interactive “what if” capability, informing them what they might expect in terms of future behaviors of an automated message alerting and/or filtering system, based on recent messaging histories. A log of the history of incoming messages and contextual data is examined by modeling and simulation tools. The tools reveal the influence of alternate settings on the system's behavior, in response to an expected stream of incoming messages, providing users with insights about how control settings affect alerting, filtering, or routing behaviors.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for protecting the privacy and verifying the identities of both calling and called parties in online social networks, with an extension to the public switched telephone networks. More specifically, this invention relates to the distribution of unique user identities in social networks to be used in public telephone networks providing privacy protection of both calling and called parties, while the calling party's identify can be verified. The user identity of the calling party, which is different from the real phone number of the calling party, can be used as part of the call filtering feature of the called party. None of the real phone numbers are revealed to the other party of a phone call using the public switched telephone networks.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes a communication interface configured to exchange data via a communication network, a memory, a first table stored in the memory and configured to store identifiers of communication terminals which are senders of received data, a second table stored in the memory and configured to store identifiers of communication terminals designated by a user, a user interface configured to receive an input of an identifier of a communication terminal with which a communication is to be initiated, and a processor configured to determine whether the identifier of the communication terminal input via the user interface is stored in the first table, determine whether the input identifier of the communication terminal is stored in the second table, and if a result of the determination is affirmative, instruct the communication network not to notify an identifier of its own terminal to the communication terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a caller who does not provide caller identification on an unanswered call. The caller is asked to record his/her name (or some other characteristic utterance). If the call is unanswered, the record is retained and can be accessed by the called party when that party requests his/her stored voice mail. Advantageously, even on unanswered calls, the identity of the caller can be presented to the called party when that called party requests stored voice mail messages, even if the calling party has private service.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method, system, and storage medium for transmitting enhanced originator information over a communications network. The method includes receiving information elements selected by an originator terminal from a database. The information elements retrieved are based upon a service plan and/or a terminal capability associated with a recipient terminal. The method also includes transmitting a communication including the information elements to the recipient terminal prior to establishing a communications session with the recipient terminal. The transmission is conducted over at least one of: an Internet Protocol network, a public switched telephone network, a wireless local area network, a wireless network, a cable network, a fiber optic network, a video network, and a satellite network.

Abstract: A method of managing calls to a toll free telephone number is provided and includes receiving a telephone call directed to a toll free number and determining a day that the telephone call is received. Further, the method includes modifying a Calling Party ID privacy indicator associated with the call. The Calling Party ID privacy indicator can be modified based on the day that the telephone call is received. Also, the caller identification can be determined after the Calling Party ID privacy indicator is modified. Further, in a particular embodiment, the call is received and the Calling Party ID privacy indicator is modified on a weekday. The method further includes determining whether the call is received within a predetermined time range. Moreover, the Calling Party ID privacy indicator can be modified when the call is received within the predetermined time range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that receives an IP packet and encapsulates the packet with an IP header. Further, time-domain multiplexed voice data is received and converted into VoIP packets. Still further, Signaling System 7 (SS7) compliant signals are decoded. The decoded SS7 signals are received and encapsulated prior to transmission to a telephony device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the system includes a processor, referred to herein as a tandem access controller (TAC), coupled to the PSTN, where the TAC allows a subscriber to set-up and make changes to the configuration of his or her phone line or other communications device. Such changes include selective call forwarding. In one embodiment, the TAC is controlled by the subscriber using the web. The TAC is coupled internally to the PSTN in a local service area and is outside the central office of the subscriber. A calling party makes a first call to the subscriber using the subscriber's public telephone number. The TAC receives the first call prior to the call reaching the subscriber's terminating central office, which in some cases avoids a toll. The TAC then carries out the subscriber's instructions for the first call, such as making one or more second calls using telephone numbers different from the subscriber's public telephone number.

Abstract: Wirelessly-linked, distributed resource control (RCS1-RCSn, RCSB, RCC, ARM) supports a wireless communication system (50) for operation in non-exclusive spectrum (24-29). An available resource map (ARM) contains resource availability information gathered by mobile stations (MS1-MSn), and a wired communication channel supports sharing of resource control information among fixed-site stations (BS).

Abstract: The present invention provides a call-return process and system, wherein a called party can return a missed call to a caller's private number. A forwarded call is received by a call management system, wherein the forwarded call was originally directed by a caller to a first telephone line associated with a user. The call management system receives call signaling information, including a phone number, associated with the caller. The call management system then determines whether the phone number is a private phone number or a public phone number. If the phone number is private, the call management system notifies the user of the call, and without revealing the caller's phone number to the user, enables the user to return the caller's call.

Abstract: An automated telephone assistant device and associated methods including a base unit in communication with a telephone network, wherein the base unit is operable for executing a first algorithm disposed within the base unit and selectively allowing a telephone call received from the telephone network to be transmitted to a telephone handset belonging to a user and selectively preventing the telephone call received from the telephone network from being transmitted to the telephone handset belonging to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for managing customer data is provided. The method for managing customer data includes assigning one or more roles with entities desiring access to customer data, the entities including at least one application. The method provides for determining a category associated with at least some of the customer data, determining an access level for each role based on the category associated with the at least some of the customer data, and restricting access by the application to a system maintaining the customer data based on whether the application is authorized to access the system.

Abstract: A network for providing a telecommunications service with automatic speech recognition to a telecommunications user, including a switch in communication with a telecommunications device associated with the telecommunications user for detecting a terminating trigger specific to the telecommunications service in response to an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, and an intelligent resource server in communication with the switch for receiving the incoming communication from the switch, for placing an outgoing communication to the telecommunications device via the switch, the outgoing communication including an audible message identifying the calling party, and for automatically recognizing a predetermined keyword spoken by the telecommunications user in response to the outgoing communication.