Abstract: A method and system for presenting interactive information about a party in a telecommunication call are provided. The party may be a calling party or a called party. Providing interactive information may include identifying a party in a telecommunication call and receiving interactive information about the party. The received interactive information may be combined with user data to form combined interactive information. The combined interactive information may be displayed to a user. A user-action relating to the displayed combined interactive information may be received and an operation corresponding to the user-action may be performed. Providing interactive information may include determining if the user data is needed by analyzing the interactive information. The interactive information may include events, and the user data may include the user's schedule. The combining may correlate the events with the schedule and creates a set of user-actions based on the correlation.

Abstract: A method of and system for receiving a communication is disclosed. A receiving device receives the communication. The method and system classify user information into a set of security levels. A caller from a source of potential callers is associated with a security rating within the set of security levels. Using at least one caller-identification resource, the communication can be identified as being related to the caller with the security rating. The method and system determine a recommendation for providing user information. The recommendation may be based on the security rating within the set of security levels. The determined recommendation for providing user information in response to the communication is issued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. Calls to or from certain parties or numbers may be screened or filtered.

Abstract: A device receives, from a user device, a call destined for a call center, and provides an audio CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to Tell Computer and Humans Apart) to the user device in response to the call. The device also receives, from the user device, a response to the audio CAPTCHA, and determines whether the response is correct. The device forwards the call to the call center when the response is correct, and drops the call when the response is incorrect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for caller id authentication, spoof detection and list based call handling are disclosed. The caller ID authentication is performed by an authentication device connected to the calling party telephone transmitting the source and destination telephone numbers of the call to an authentication server. The called party authentication device extracts the caller ID of the incoming call and transmits the caller ID of the caller and the telephone number of the called party to the authentication server. The authentication server analyzes the transmitted information from both devices and replies with the authentication status of the caller ID to the called party authentication device. Other embodiments are disclosed where the authentication server is not available and caller ID authentication is performed in a peer-to-peer manner. In another embodiment, the concepts of active and passive certification passwords are used to maintain the integrity of the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system, method, and computer readable medium for providing information of a calling party to an alert party, wherein the calling party is in communication with the receiving party in a communications network. The method includes receiving a message from a calling party to a receiving party and performing a lookup of information relating to the calling party in a database, wherein the lookup is based on an identifier associated with the message, Thereafter, an alert is sent to the alert party if the calling party information is unavailable in a contact list of the receiving party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and apparatus for managing the calling-party identification information offered to called parties. Accordingly, a caller can designate the Caller ID information to the called party based on the context of the call (e.g. the role of the caller) rather than the terminal used. Typically the calling party does this by selecting which of multiple values they wish to have sent with the call request. It is beneficial to implement such a mechanism in a secure manner—the ability to employ a different calling-number or calling-name ID should be restricted to properly-authorized and authenticated persons—in order to ensure the quality of this information. Accordingly, preferred embodiments include an authentication mechanism for verifying the calling party information is authentic.

Abstract: Authentication of a user initiating a communication may be achieved using a visual indicator of the user. Initiation of a communication may result in the initiator of the communication collecting image data associated with the initiator's identity. Additionally, the initiator may be required to perform a task, wherein a response to the task may be transmitted with the image data to the receiver of the communication. The receipt of the image data may allow a receiver of the communication to reduce spam and verify that the initiator is who it purports to be.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for facilitating identification of the originator of a communication. A communication is received from a sending device. Sending device identification information is requested from a distributed contact database fashioned from the contact databases of the communication devices in a group of communication devices. If the sending device identification information is available at a given communication device, it is received from the communication device.

Abstract: A user provides at least one electronic contact address, such as a telephone number, during a registration process. The user is verified by establishing a connection with the user via the electronic contact address. Notification events are established, and the electronic contact address re-verified with the user via the electronic contact address when the notification event occurs. A re-verification code is conveyed to the user, which is returned by the user via an on-line form or telephone entry.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for authenticating an individual. A representation of an utterance is received. A candidate record is identified from among a plurality of candidate records by comparing the representation of the utterance with stored utterance data according to a match parameter. An identity of the individual is verified by comparing received ambiguity information with stored ambiguity resolution criteria. If a candidate record is not found, a new record associated with the individual may be created. The individual may be allowed access to a secured resource.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus may include an image capture device configured to capture an image of a user in response to a request to initiate an electronic visitation session. The apparatus may also include a processing device coupled to the image capture device and configured to perform a feature detection process on the image to verify that an actual face was present in the image, and connect the electronic visitation session in response to a determination that the actual face was present in the image.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to, in part, providing information about a user to a requesting party where the information is provided by an identity provider that has a preexisting relationship with the user. The user may request the identity provider to provide the information to the relying party using an interactive voice response (IVR) system. After the relying party requests the user's account information, the user may be redirected, at least momentarily, to an IVR system provided by the identity provider. The IVR system may authenticate the user. Once authenticated, the identity provider may provide the user information to the relying party. By authenticating the user, the identity provider may provide the user information to the relying party without compromising user credentials or other private or sensitive information of the user.

Abstract: A robocall is prevented from reaching a telephone subscriber, by an automated calling screening system that tests for presence of a human caller on the line, and disconnects calls absent a predetermined response. Audio messages to stymy a robocaller but answerable by a human are used, such as Broadway-style singing and/or a question or instruction that a robocalling system and/or a Siri system, could not handle.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing or facilitating communications between individuals who reside in detention environments (such as e.g., prisons or correctional facilities) and individuals who are not in such detention environments using an automated authentication or verification.

Abstract: A system and method of authenticating a calling party to a remote service, including receiving a request via a communications network to approve a future call to the remote service using a calling identifier associated with the calling party, recording an approval of the future call subject to the future call being made within a predetermined period of time, the remote service receiving a call at a point in time using a calling identifier, determining if a call at that point in time using the received calling identifier is recorded as approved by the authentication system, and, if so, the remote service accepting the call and using the approval of the authentication system to authenticate the calling party.

Abstract: The present invention is related to telecommunications, and in particular to systems and methods of using telecommunication services for user authentication. Account information is stored for a user, the account information including at least a first phone number associated with the user. A user order is received. A verification phone call is received from the user, the call including charge phone number information. The charge number information is compared to the first phone number to authenticate that the user is associated with the first phone number. Based at least in part on the comparison, the user order is selectively caused to be fulfilled.

Abstract: A device may receive first identification information associated with a sending device. The first identification information may be provided by a receiving device, and may be associated with a request to establish a connection between the sending device and the receiving device. The device may receive a request to verify the first identification information. The device may determine, based on the request, second identification information identifying the sending device. The second identification information may be provided by the sending device, and may be associated with the request to establish the connection between the sending device and the receiving device. The device may compare the second identification information and the first identification information. The device may provide verification information indicating a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A telephone system for enhanced privacy management includes a telephone switch, a rejected call handler, a user preference database, and an internet app privacy manager, whereby an incoming call can be assigned to a calling class, and routed according to a calling rule associated with the calling class. Using an interactive voice response menu or an application portal, the user can assign callers to calling classes and specify call handling rules and schedules. A rejected call handler includes a voice interface, a switch control, a voicemail, interactive voice response, call progress simulator, in-message options, in-call options, post-call options, and other components. Further disclosed is a method for determining a calling rule, including determining the caller id status, querying a calling rules table, and determining a calling rule.

Abstract: Authentication of a user initiating a communication may be achieved using a visual indicator of the user. Initiation of a communication may result in the initiator of the communication collecting image data associated with the initiator's identity. Additionally, the initiator may be required to perform a task, wherein a response to the task may be transmitted with the image data to the receiver of the communication. The receipt of the image data may allow a receiver of the communication to reduce spam and verify that the initiator is who it purports to be.

Abstract: A telephone system for enhanced privacy management includes a telephone switch, a rejected call handler, a user preference database, and an internet app privacy manager, whereby an incoming call can be assigned to a calling class, and routed according to a calling rule associated with the calling class. Using an interactive voice response menu or an application portal, the user can assign callers to calling classes and specify call handling rules and schedules. A rejected call handler includes a voice interface, a switch control, a voicemail, interactive voice response, call progress simulator, in-message options, in-call options, post-call options, and other components. Further disclosed is a method for determining a calling rule, including determining the caller id status, querying a calling rules table, and determining a calling rule.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for dynamic association of a computational device, which includes at least one communication interface and a control system coupled to the at least one communication interface with a communication device. A request to authenticate an association between a computational device and a communication device is received by the control system and a communication connection is established with the communication device. A request for authentication information is sent via the communication connection to the communication device. A response is received from the communication device and information determined from the response is forwarded.

Abstract: A method for controlling a call in a first controlled facility includes connecting an inmate in the first controlled facility to the call when each party of the call is verified, testing incoming audio on the call to detect a controlled facility tone from a second controlled facility, and transmitting a notification of a violation by the inmate when the controlled facility tone is detected in the incoming audio.

Abstract: Methods for permitting a log in to a restricted access communications terminal are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from a user to access a communications terminal, the request including a first authentication provided by the user, and verifying the first authentication provided by the user. The method also includes identifying the user based on the verified first authentication, determining, based on an actual location of the communications terminal, that the user is restricted from accessing the communications terminal, and requesting a second authentication from the user when the user is attempting to access the communications terminal from an unauthorized or undocumented location. The method further includes receiving the second authentication from the user, verifying the second authentication provided by the user, and providing access to the user to the communications terminal based on the verified second authentication.

Abstract: An IP telephony system allows a user to register a telephony device that receives its native telephony service from a different telephony service provider as an extension telephone. The user can then place calls through the IP telephony system using the extension telephone. Such calls may or may not be established using the extension telephone's native telephony service provider.

Abstract: A system enables voice authentication via a network. The system may include an intelligent voice response engine operatively coupled to the network for receiving transaction or access requests from a plurality of telecommunications devices over the network. A speech recognition and verification services engine may be operatively coupled to the network and a database may be operatively coupled to the speech recognition and verification services engine for storing user voice print profiles. The speech recognition and verification services engine may receive a speaker verification call from the intelligent voice response engine and perform speaker verification on the received speaker verification call based on the stored user voice print profiles. The speech recognition and verification services engine may generate a verification score based upon results of the speaker verification.

Abstract: The present invention allows for dynamic association of a computational device, such as a personal computer or personal digital assistant, with a telephone terminal. A computer-telephone adaptor or like function implemented in a telephony switch or other telephony device will receive authentication indicia. The authentication indicia may be provided by the computational device that is to be associated with the telephone terminal, or through other means. The authentication indicia may be provided by a user or generated by the computational device or by other means. To confirm the association, the user must enter confirmatory authentication indicia corresponding to the original authentication indicia through the telephone terminal.

Abstract: An embodiment according to the invention provides automatic discovery, via Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Voice Biometrics, of the identification of a caller, when the caller is making a phone call from, for example, a residential line. The caller may, for example, initiate a phone call by voice request to a computer or other device. The device initiates the call, but rather than using the conventional technique of determining Calling Name via lookup to the Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) database, the embodiment uses a technique of ASR in tandem with voice or other biometrics to recognize who within the residence is making the call, and to use the name associated with the requesting caller's voiceprint for determining the Calling Name to display to the called party. Other forms of biometrics, such as image biometrics (e.g., facial or iris biometrics), may alternatively be employed.

Abstract: During a telephone call between a telephone user and an interactive response system, the user is enabled to use only his voice and key presses on a numeric keypad of his telephone to interactively specify information that can be used to control delivery of content to a visual display of, or a storage medium accessible by, a target telephone which may be a land-line phone, a mobile phone, or some other device acting as a telecommunications device. The target telephone has a visual display or a memory to display or store the delivered content, which may include ringtones, text messages, games, wallpapers, ring-back tones, video clips, web pages, applications, or links to information. The user is enabled to engage in an interaction with the response system that is representative of an interaction between the user and a server connected to the Internet. On behalf of the user, a separate interaction is conducted with the server through the Internet based on the representative interaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing trusted caller identification services between a first entity and a second entity are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for validating an identity of a first entity to the second entity may include registering the first entity with a trust authority, wherein registering the first entity includes authenticating the identity of the first entity, and associating the unique code with a caller ID name (CNAM) of the first entity, receiving an identifier in association with a call request, determining that the identifier is correlated with the unique code, and providing to the second entity the CNAM together with an indication of validity.

Abstract: A call management device is connected to one or more internal networks and one or more external networks, and it operates to receive incoming calls or messages from the external networks and make a determination as to whether or not the call is from a qualified source. If the call is from a qualified source, the call is immediately forwarded to a destination device connected to the one or more internal networks, and if the call is from a source that is not qualified, the call is either terminated or the caller is prompted to enter a required response and identification information prior to the call be forwarded to the destination device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing trusted caller identification services between a first entity and a second entity are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for validating an identity of a first entity to the second entity may include registering the first entity with a trust authority, wherein registering the first entity includes authenticating the identity of the first entity, and associating the unique code with a caller ID name (CNAM) of the first entity, receiving an identifier in association with a call request, determining that the identifier is correlated with the unique code, and providing to the second entity the CNAM together with an indication of validity.

Abstract: An anti-CLI spoofing procedure controls access of a mobile communication device to a service on a communication network via a connection from outside the network. The device issues a unique identifier for identifying the device to the service. If the identifier is received from outside the network and over a secure signaling channel, a first time stamp is stored in a memory, representative of a first time of receipt of the identifier. The connection is set up and then a second time stamp is generated representative of a second time at which the connection is established to a node on the network. A first instruction is issued to establish unconditional access to the service if a time difference between the time stamps falls within a predetermined time window. A second instruction is issued to grant conditional access to the service if the time difference falls outside the predetermined window.

Abstract: A method of altering a caller line identification in a phone service is disclosed. The method includes receiving, via a user interface, a phone number from a user of the phone number. A to-be called phone number is then selected from a pool of phone numbers. The to-be called phone number is temporarily associated with the phone service for a selected period of time. The to-be called phone number is displayed on the user interface. Via the user interface, the user is requested to call back the displayed to-be called phone number within the selected period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electronic systems and methods for screening incoming phone calls and more particularly to a system and method of hosting a cloud synced database of authorized or unauthorized callers, phone numbers, or numbers associated with unauthorized merchant identification numbers which is a solution to robo-calling and telemarketers.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are an access method for performing a video call and a video call apparatus, wherein the method comprises the steps of: presetting an access password for a video call; after answering the video call, closing audio and video channels, and transmitting a command to a calling terminal for providing an access password for the video call so as to prompt said calling terminal to input an access password associated with the video call; determining if the access password associated with the video call and inputted by said calling terminal matches the preset access password; if so, performing the video call, and if not, refusing said calling terminal's request to perform the video call. According to the technical solution provided by the present invention, the function of automatically selecting whether to answer the video call according to the other party's identity is enabled.

Abstract: A method for enabling connection of a mobile communication terminal to a radio communication network, comprising broadcasting through a geographic area information about available radio access networks available in the geographic area, the information being intended to be used by the mobile communication terminal for determining which radio access networks cover a current mobile communication terminal location within the geographic area. The information includes an identifier of at least one radio access network available in the geographic area, and, associated with the identifier of the at least one radio access network, data adapted to determine an extent of coverage of the geographic area by that radio access network.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media, for facilitating incoming spoof call determinations are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving call-setup data including a point code associated with origination of a call intended for a receiving device. The point code can be utilized to determine that the call intended for the receiving device is a spoof call. Such a spoof call can be initiated by a spoof-calling party associated with a number and is intended to provide an indication to the receiving device that the call is associated with another number.

Abstract: Methods for permitting a log in to a restricted access communications terminal are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from a user to access a communications terminal, the request including a first authentication provided by the user, and verifying the first authentication provided by the user. The method also includes identifying the user based on the verified first authentication, determining, based on an actual location of the communications terminal, that the user is restricted from accessing the communications terminal, and requesting a second authentication from the user when the user is attempting to access the communications terminal from an unauthorized or undocumented location. The method further includes receiving the second authentication from the user, verifying the second authentication provided by the user, and providing access to the user to the communications terminal based on the verified second authentication.

Abstract: An approach for providing telephony and other services over a data network is disclosed. A user profile information is maintained for a party to control the screening of inbound communications requests intended for the party. Means are disclosed for redirecting an inbound call to a designated alternative location if it is determined that the inbound call meets at least one screening criterion. The user profile information controls screening criteria and disposition of calls that are intercepted by the screening process.

Abstract: A system and method for processing interaction requests includes a computer system that receives over a data channel from an end user device accessible to the customer, a request for an interaction. The request includes data from an application running on the end user device. The data is stored by the computer system upon receipt. When a voice call from a telephony device accessible to the customer is received, a voice media session is established with the telephony device over a voice channel. The data is identified based on information associated with the voice call. A contact center resource is further identified for routing the voice call. The data is attached to a request to route the call to the identified contact center resource.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention screen calls. A first server receives information pertaining to a call to a user from a calling party. The first server then determines whether a real-time call management function is enabled for the user and determines whether a calling party number associated with the calling party is valid when the realtime call management function is not enabled. A call screening function is performed when the calling party number is invalid. The first server provides a notification of the call to a device associated with the user when the real-time call management function is enabled. A second server initiates the call screening function when the user selects a call screening option included in the notification.

Abstract: A method of setting up a call between a user and at least one destination comprises, prior to setting up the call, a masking stage for masking the identifier, which stage comprises the following steps, for at least one destination: intercepting an identifier of the destination as input by the user; and modifying a signal including the identifier and used for displaying the identifier, or for setting up said call.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a false caller ID. The system receives caller identification data and signaling system data from the call, compares the caller identification data to the signaling system data, and determines if the call has a false caller ID based on the comparison. The signaling system data may include signaling system 7 data. The system may also alert the intended recipient by modifying the properties of the call or by enacting a peripheral system to contact the intended recipient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to provide differentiated services to a machine-to-machine (M2M) client. In one embodiment, the wireless network comprises a UMTS network, and the Home Location Register (HLR) entity identifies subscriptions as machine-to-machine (M2M) enabled devices based on flags or other descriptors associated with each M2M device, and imposes one or more rule sets (e.g., service restrictions) based on this identification. The classification of M2M devices within the HLR may optionally include additional capability or profile data for the M2M device (e.g. static, low mobility, low data activity, etc.). Various other network entities may use the M2M identification to modify the delivered data service, so as to optimize network resources. Furthermore, monitoring of M2M client behavior can be used to detect and notify the network operator of abnormal, fraudulent, or malicious activity. Business methods utilizing the aforementioned methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for operating an electronically activated mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises receiving, via a first communications network, a first electronic communication directed to remotely activating the mechanism. The first electronic communication may include at least one of a telephone call, a telephone call containing data, and a data message. The method further comprises determining whether a party from whom the first electronic communication is received is authorized to remotely activate the mechanism. When it is determined that the party from whom the first electronic communication is received is authorized to remotely activate the electronically activated mechanism, a second electronic communication is provided via a second communications network. The second electronic communication is directed to activating the electronically activated mechanism. The first and second communications networks may each include a wireless network.

Abstract: A call management device is connected to one or more internal networks and one or more external networks, and it operates to receive incoming calls or messages from the external networks and make a determination as to whether or not the call is from a qualified source. If the call is from a qualified source, the call is immediately forwarded to a destination device connected to the one or more internal networks, and if the call is from a source that is not qualified, the call is either terminated or the caller is prompted to enter a required response and identification information prior to the call be forwarded to the destination device.

Abstract: A small baseline audio sample is sampled when a person initially calls in and the sample is held only for the duration of the call. For each subsequent transfer, a comparison is made to the baseline established from the initial call and at the end of the call the voice sample is discarded so no resources need to be maintained. Speaker verification and VOIP technologies are used to persist the customer's verification information as service representative hand-offs occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for authenticating an Internet Protocol (IP) phone and a user of the IP phone by determining whether the IP phone is an authorized device, and whenever the IP phone is authorized and a trigger condition occurs, determining whether the user of the IP phone is authorized. The user authorization process initiates a call to the IP phone, sends a request for a passcode to the IP phone, sends a message to disable the IP phone whenever the passcode is invalid, and terminates the call. The user authentication process uses an in-band channel and the IP phone does not run a two factor authentication client application during the authentication process.

Abstract: An indication of an incoming call may be received at a call control unit communicatively coupled to, and/or resident within, a telephone. The indication may include identification information for the incoming call. It may be determined whether additional information regarding a caller associated with the identification information exists, and if so, a first operation may be performed on the incoming call responsively to the additional information, otherwise, a second operation may be performed on the incoming call responsively to an absence of the additional information. The additional information my include a user-configurable list of desired callers (e.g., a whitelist) and/or undesired callers (e.g., a blacklist). The additional information may also include caller identification information and/or a spam score.