Abstract: A method for activating a distinctive ring-tone can include the steps of extracting caller identifying data from an incoming phone call; comparing the caller identifying data to data in a caller list; determining whether the caller is authorized to activate a distinctive ring-tone based upon the comparison; and, activating a distinctive ring-tone if the caller is authorized and if a request to activate a distinctive ring-tone can be detected in the incoming phone call. The extracting step can include the step of extracting a source phone number from the incoming phone call. The determining step can include the step of determining whether the caller has been included in the caller list as an authorized caller. Conversely, the determining step comprises the step of determining whether the caller has been included in the caller list as an unauthorized caller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing location information associated with a calling party are disclosed. Generally, a query is received from a network element. A location associated with a calling party is identified in response to receipt of the query, and an indication of the location is transmitted for delivery to a called party.

Abstract: A method of managing a user database in a mobile terminal includes, when communication using an arbitrary telephone number registered in a phone book occurs, updating a communication time of the telephone number to the time when the communication is terminated; searching for the communication time by a display request of phone book information including the telephone number; calculating a time interval from a present time to the communication time and searching for a connection period to which the calculated time interval belongs among a plurality of connection periods having different predetermined time intervals; and displaying a communication time mark corresponding to the searched connection period among a plurality of communication time marks corresponding to the plurality of connection periods with the requested phone book information.

Abstract: A method of providing telephony services can include receiving a request to query a subscriber information data store to determine service description information for a call. The service description information can specify at least one telephony service associated with a subscriber for use in processing the call. The method further can include querying the subscriber information data store to determine the service description information, receiving the service description information from the subscriber information data store, and providing the service description information to a telephony service node to implement a telephony service specified by the service description information with respect to the call.

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: Provided are methods and systems associated with interactive voice response (“IVR”) systems that control the amount of time a user interacts with the system. According to the invention, an IVR system utilizes a timer or series of timers to determine how long a user has been interacting with the IVR system. When threshold events occur, the IVR system will analyze the status of the call and may switch the user to a predefined destination, such as to an operator queue, directly to a live operator, or to another designated navigation point in the IVR navigation structure. In this manner increasing the efficiency of manner in which the IVR system interacts with a caller.

Abstract: A system for improving operations in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network is provided. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Telephone Number Mapping (ENUM) system having a controller element to receive from a terminating Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) first contact information for a communication device and second contact information for the terminating S-CSCF. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication terminal apparatus comprising: an application execution unit operable to perform prescribed operations for communications; an address book updating unit operable to update first party information included in an address book to second party information, the address book being stored on an address book storage medium and including one or more pieces of party information and one or more names in one-to-one correspondence; and an application information updating unit operable to update a piece of party information that is stored on an application information storage medium and the same as the first party information to the second party information according to the updating by the address book updating unit, the application information storage medium storing thereon one or more pieces of party information and being referred to by the application execution unit.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media provide presenting a customized message to an incoming calling party and for allowing the calling party to save or forward the customized message. A called party desiring to leave a customized message for certain incoming calling parties submits a customized message to an intelligent network component of her telecommunications service provider along with identifiers for specified incoming callers who are to receive the customized message upon calling the called party. After the customized message is prepared, incoming callers who have been associated with the customized message are presented with the customized message before being connected to the called party. After an incoming caller receives the customized message, the calling party may store or send the customized message for later retrieval. If the incoming call is not from a telephone directory number associated with the customized message, the incoming call is processed according to normal call processing methods.

Abstract: This invention is about the method of providing call number owner's information and the system to implement it. Using this invention, service provider's system receives, from many users, call number owner's information that has at least call number and call number owner's name or firm name, stores them, and also receives call number, for which call number owner's information is provided, from call number management program run on the wire/wireless communication terminal. And then, it transmits the call number owner's information corresponding with the call number to the call number management program. Next, the programs pairs the call number and the owner's information, generates call number list and stores in the memory of wire/wireless communication terminal. By using this invention, even if user knows only call numbers, user can automatically generate call number list and manage easily.

Abstract: In a telephone terminal an incoming call is detected from a calling entity followed by determining a caller identity of the calling entity. Then it is determined whether the caller identity is associated with a subscription to presence information associated with the calling entity, where the presence information includes media data for output through an output unit in the telephone terminal. If the caller identity was determined to be associated with a subscription to presence information, it is determined whether the media data is present in the terminal, and if the media data is present in the terminal, the media data is output through an output unit in the telephone terminal.

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 for delivering person to person services to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). A telephone number of a buddy of the subscriber is associated with a buddy rule on a buddy list. The buddy list is accessible by a service control point. When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party, a query is launched by the service switching point to the service control point. The query comprises the calling number of the calling party and the called number of the subscriber. Using the called number, the service control point retrieves and reviews the buddy list. If the calling number matches the telephone number on the buddy list, the service control point instructs the service switching point to terminate the call using the buddy rule.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically changing the operation of signaling features in a telephone are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed to provide automatic reduction in the sound volume associated with the signaling features of a telephone system, during a selected portion of a day. A user is provided with a programmable menu in communication with one or more devices associated with a telephone system. From the menu provided, the user may enter a the beginning and ending time for the “quiet mode” operation of the telephone system. In addition, the user may select the signaling features to be quieted, as well as the sound volume associated with quiet mode operation for a given signaling feature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for providing caller identification information is disclosed. One or more valid alternate phone numbers is configured using a remote interface. The one or more valid alternate phone numbers are then stored. In another embodiment, a method and apparatus for providing caller identification information is disclosed. One or more valid alternate phone numbers is configured using a local interface. The one or more valid alternate phone numbers are then stored. In another embodiment, a method and apparatus for providing caller identification information is disclosed. A phone number is selected from a plurality of valid phone numbers comprising a primary phone number and one or more alternate phone numbers. The selected phone number is sent when placing a call.

Abstract: An image is saved to a contact record or set as a home screen directly from a camera application of a portable electronic device. The method includes: capturing an image using a camera that is integrated into the portable electronic device, selecting at least a portion of the image, selecting a contact record from an address book application or selecting a set as home screen option.

Abstract: A major aspect of the invention offers the subscriber the capacity to control one telephone connection from another, and/or from a television, including call diversion and transferring. Preferably this is done utilizing correlation and cross-linking between the various telephone and other devices connections. As in the preferred embodiment the cross-linking is performed primarily at the infrastructure level rather then at the device level, the subscriber enjoys unified telephony environment, as well as call control services from one connection to another.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for audibly announcing information associated with a calling party in an advanced intelligent network comprising a service switching point, a service control point and a services node. The service switching point is adapted to suspend calls directed to an audio caller identification service and to forward information concerning the calling and called parties to the service control point. The service control point is adapted to direct the call to a selected services node. The services node sends a query to retrieve information concerning the calling party from the service control point. If necessary, other service control points may be queried for the information. While the aforementioned processing is occurring, the calling party continues to hear a ringing signal. When the aforementioned information is retrieved, the service directs a second call to the called party.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a name associated with a calling party's telephone number are disclosed. Generally, a first network element determines whether there are any restrictions on the disclosure of a name associated with a calling party's telephone number; obtain the name associated with the calling party's telephone number when it is determined that the calling party's telephone number is present in a database; and transmit the name associated with the calling party's telephone to a second network element.

Abstract: A telecommunications device comprises a communication alert system arranged to inform the user that a telecommunications signal has been received. The communication alert system uses one of a number of different indicators. The controller is arranged to control the selection of the one of a plurality of indicators such that the selection is affected by a user selectable component of the received telecommunications signal.

Abstract: A system for automatically verifying an incoming telephone number. In response to detecting an incoming communication, a determination is made as to whether a telephone number associated with the incoming communication matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers in a storage unit. In response to determining that the telephone number associated with the incoming communication does not match one of the plurality of telephone numbers in the storage unit, telephone number verification rules are applied to determine whether to continue with the incoming communication. In response to a determination not to continue with the incoming communication based on the telephone number verification rules, an alert is provided.

Abstract: Systems for providing a tune master telephone includes a telecommunications network and a communications device that is operatively coupled to the telecommunications network. The telecommunications network is configured to provide caller identification information for an incoming telephone call. The communications device is configured to receive the caller identification information, to associate a tune with the caller identification information, and to play the tune associated with the caller identification information as notification of an incoming call. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a privacy management service in a telephone system including initiating a telephone call from a subscriber telephone number to a called party telephone number. The initiating is performed by a subscriber. It is determined if the called party telephone number is located in a subscriber database corresponding to the subscriber. The called party telephone number is added to the subscriber database in response to the determining resulting in not locating the called party telephone number in the subscriber database. The telephone call between the subscriber telephone and the called party telephone number is connected.

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: Methods and systems for connecting a call using a name or series of characters are disclosed. A user provides data pertaining to a call from the user to a called party. The data includes name information that corresponds to the called party. A query may be sent to a global name database to search for a telephone number that corresponds to the name information. During the search, a determination may be made as to whether the global name database has multiple telephone numbers that correspond to the name information. When the name information corresponds to multiple telephone numbers, one of the telephone numbers is selected based on preference information associated with the user. Thereafter, the call is routed to a device associated with the selected telephone number.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

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: A caller ID based call routing feature is described for blocked and non-blocked caller ID's. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identify the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may be information about the calling party initially downloaded to the memory by a subscriber. Once retrieved from the memory by the processing system, the additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display on a monitor or to the subscriber's telephone for display on a telephone display. Another feature described is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously.

Abstract: A technique for detecting SPAM calls in VoIP networks and taking responsive actions to such calls is described. Detection is based on recognizing abnormalities in signaling message statistics. For example, a device that persistently sends many more call setup requests then it receives and at the same time constantly receives too many, or too few, call terminations in a statistically determined period of time is assumed to be a spam source. This criteria is based on the principle that a Spammer originates many calls, which are consistently terminated by the Spammer or by the recipient. Responsive actions to the detection of VoIP spam may include displaying a call text warning to the recipient, using special ring tone, automated voice mail answer, rejecting the call, etc. The invention addresses an issue that will become more problematic for VoIP networks and their subscribers in the future, and to which a solution has not been proposed in the prior art.

Abstract: A method for operating a user communication device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b), and a program and user communication device that operate in accordance with that method. An interface (2d, 2b, 23, 22) of the communication device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) is operated to enter identifiers identifying respective calling sources (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) from which call signals may be received. The interface also is operated for entering into the device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) electrical signals representing corresponding audible signals that are to be individually generated in response to calls being received from the respective calling sources (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b). The identifiers are stored in a memory (2c, 24) in association with respective ones of the electrical signals.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing call-control features based on information about the programming events. The call-control features are provided to control, handle, or otherwise manage incoming telephone calls. The programming events may be television programming events such as broadcast, pay-per-view, or video-on-demand shows, movies, or the like. A computerized set top box (STB) may be used to output the programming events for display on a television or any other suitable display device. The STB is operable to receive notices of incoming telephone calls and manage such calls with call-control features that are associated with the programming events output by the STB based on information, such as content or metadata about, such programming events.

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: An audio caller identification system and method are provided. A caller identification device of a called party's telephone, whether integrated with the telephone or stand-alone, includes a speaker for audibly alerting the called party to the nature of an incoming call. A speech synthesizer in concert with an audio caller ID program may audibly identify a name and/or number of the calling party displayed on the called party's caller ID device, including descriptive terms for calling parties such as “private,” “unlisted,” or “out of the area.” When the called party's telephone begins to ring, the called party may listen to the audio identification of the calling party for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID.

Abstract: To provide a mobile communications terminal device that can identify an originator in a unit of group or a discriminating ringing by depending on the kind of an incoming identification tone without regard to a display, and acquire information designating the originator in accordance with an external specification. In a mobile communications terminal device 1, if there is any matched data in a retrieval from a telephone directory, the call is informed with an incoming identification tone specified by the kind of a call incoming and a telephone directory of a memory 17. If a switch is pressed on an operation section 11, a ringing of incoming identification tone from a voice output section 13 is stopped, and the voice information converted from a character string registered in the telephone directory of the memory 17 is output from the voice output section 13.

Abstract: A printer is connected to a portable communication terminal which is accessible to a server device on a network. The printer comprises an interface connected to the portable communication terminal, and an access device accessing to the server device by a circuit connection function of the portable communication terminal and downloading data registered in advance in the server device by the portable communication terminal.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided. A calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information. The announcement may be tailored by changing the language of the announcement, for example, to conform to the majority of calls received by the called party. A special designator may be stored in association with account information when the service is ordered. The designator is read before the announcement is played to the calling party. The audible caller identification information is recorded and played to the called party in a message. The message may be tailored by changing the language or format of the announcement.

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: An enhanced caller-id service providing multi-media based caller information to subscribers via a server system. The server system can combine user-provided profile information with other data to provide more detailed reports for the subscriber. The server can also be used to maintain long-term calling records for subscribers. The caller information can be accessed remotely by the subscriber and can be downloaded from the server to another computer for use with other applications.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for accessing contact information on a communication device. A communication subsystem may be used to send and receive communications over a communication network. A memory module may be used to store data and program information, including a plurality of contact records. A processor may be used to store and retrieve data in the memory module, execute programs stored in the memory module, and cause the communication subsystem to transmit and receive communications over the communication network. A contact information logic unit program may be stored in the memory module and executed by the processor.

Abstract: Upon detecting an incoming call, a call screening system determines the CALLER ID information associated with the call and compares it to a database of allowable calling parties. If the calling party is to be allowed to ring through, the call screening system routes the incoming call to one or more communication devices associated with the calling party information in the allowable calling party database. In this manner, certain screened calls only ring through to a handset if authorized, while others are authorized to ring through to a fax machine, an answering machine, another handset, or a remote device connected between a remote handset and the local exchange. A single call screening device having several ports thus filters calls to multiple communications devices. Incoming call screening may be selectively different during different times of the day, for different calling parties, or for different communications devices connected to the call screening device.

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: Processing a call from a calling party at a calling communication station to a called communication station includes detecting signalling information for the call, including determining whether standard caller identification for the calling communication station can be provided to the called communication station and detecting a privacy level selected by a called party at the called communication station. The call is routed in response to the signalling information and the privacy level. This permits management of privacy levels at the called communication station using the signalling information for the call.

Abstract: A caller ID device includes a switch and a control circuit in communication with the switch, wherein the control circuit includes a memory, the memory having a table of blocked calls, and wherein each of the blocked calls is identified as a blocked call in response to a user activating the switch.

Abstract: This specification relates to a method for providing information about a caller before the call is completed. The invention comprises a method for intercepting a telephone number from a phone line or phone system, searching a database for information associated with that phone number and displaying the information on a computer screen, such that a person may see the information before the phone is answered. This provides immediate access to information related to an incoming or outgoing call to an individual without the need to manually search for the file.

Abstract: To make a call, a calling-end terminal station (3) notifies a call-up control unit (71) of a communications network (7) of the terminal station number of a called-end terminal station (5) so as to cause it to stand by for a connection. The calling-end terminal station (3) notifies a calling party information server (9) of the calling-end-terminal-station number and the called-end-terminal-station number and instructs it to transmit to the called-end terminal station (5) calling party information stored in advance for the caller and called parties. The calling party information server (9) transmits the calling party information to the called-end terminal station (5) which in turn instructs the call-up control unit (71) to exit standby mode. This amounts to the communications network (7) calling up the called-end terminal station (5), resulting in the called-end terminal station (5) reproducing the received calling party information to alert the user to the call from the calling-end terminal station (3).

Abstract: A remote access device is provided with access to caller ID information stored in a base unit. A communication path between the remote access device and the base unit is established. Caller ID information is transmitted from the base unit to the remote access device according to a communication protocol. The communication path can include a telephone network such as the public-switched telephone network.

Abstract: A call screening system and method. The method can include receiving an inbound telephone call destined for a called party. Associated caller identification data can be identified from the inbound telephone call. The associated caller identification data can be compared to a filter list of caller identification data. Finally, based upon the comparison, call management rules can be applied to the inbound call to manage the inbound call by either deferring the inbound call to voice mail, or automatically answering the inbound call without requiring pro-active intervention by the called party. Significantly, each of the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps is performed in a telephone tranceiving device. Alternatively, the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps can be performed centrally in a call processing switch.

Abstract: A method for providing the names of the city and state of a calling party to a called party when the calling party's name is unavailable. The method utilizes the calling party's telephone number to determine the names of the city and state from which the calling party is calling. The method incorporates a database that contains combinations of telephone numbers and the names of the cities and states that correspond to the various combinations of numbers. In response to an indication that the name of the calling party is unavailable, the method accesses the databases and searches for the matching telephone number and corresponding city and state names. If the names are found, they are delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: An ancillary signal indicator notifies the reception of a signal that is associated with a user. The ancillary signal indicator includes an imprint actuator configured to instigate a signal imprint mode. A receiver is configured to receive an imprint signal when in the signal imprint mode and a memory is configured to store an imprint signal. The ancillary signal indicator also includes a signal notifier configured to actuate when a received signal corresponds to the imprint signal.