Abstract: A process and apparatus to support passive call blocking, a call block that is performed in a manner that the caller does not recognize as a call block. When passive call blocking is utilized, blocked callers receive a passive response, such as a continuous telephone ring, instead of an error message or rejection notification. The caller is thus unaware or uncertain that they have been blocked. Blocked calls are determined by comparing caller identification information with a caller database.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes to allow voice messages to be individually and/or separately secured by a caller for playback only by an intended person or persons. The voice messages are separately secured with security information contained in a header associated with each voice message. The caller may be authorized to secure a voice message either by inputting a pre-determined authorization security code using their keypad, or based on call related information received with respect to the incoming call. The user, upon attempt to access a separately secured voice message, is prompted for input of an appropriate authorized security code to allow the access to proceed. Without proper access, a user is allowed to access (e.g., playback, delete, etc.) only non-secured voice messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a message in Caller-ID information are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, an applications server, such as service control point (SCP), substitutes a message for Caller-ID information when a switch serving the called party's line requests the Caller-ID information. An embodiment may also include an application that provides a user interface, for example, a web-enabled interface, to allow the subscriber to add or change the message.

Abstract: A system and method for processing caller information across heterogeneous networks is provided. An enterprise application receives a message from a name resolution adapter over a computer network. The message includes caller attributes and port location information. The enterprise application uses the caller attributes to retrieve a caller profile. The enterprise application determines whether to accept the call using the caller profile and whether a call exists on a telephone port corresponding to the port location information. Once enterprise application decides to accept the call, the enterprise application retrieves service subscriptions corresponding to the caller and processes the call using the caller's service subscriptions.

Abstract: A system (130) forwards a telephone call to a user. The system (130) receives a telephone call from a calling party and compares the name of the calling party to a list of names. If the calling party's name matches a name in the list, the system (130) forwards the telephone call to the user.

Abstract: In an information processing system, an information processing apparatus and method, a program storage medium, and a telephone set, a caller number for an incoming call to a telephone set is transmitted to an information processing apparatus, and information concerning a caller having originated the incoming call is read from storage means to be displayed, so that the user can be provided with various kinds of information concerning the caller before the user responds to the incoming call.

Abstract: A portable telephone apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises a call waiting section and a telephone number acquisition section that can acquire telephone numbers of telephone apparatuses on the other end of lines. A telephone directory information registration section 109 registers telephone numbers associated with information on names. A caller confirmation section searches a telephone number of the telephone directory information registration section 109 based on the telephone number acquired by the telephone number acquisition section and confirms the caller. A character string speech conversion section converts the character information on the name of the confirmed caller to speech information. A caller information notification section notifies the user of the speech information from the character string speech conversion section when an incoming call arrives during a call with speech at a volume level which does not disturb the call.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.

Abstract: Call identification information regarding calls placed to or from a wireless device that subscribes to a Call Log service is recorded and stored in network-based incoming and outgoing call information logs, preferably at a Service Node. The network is prompted to capture call identification information by triggers provisioned on the subscribing line, wherein the triggers identify the subscribing directory number as a subscriber to the Call Log service. The call information logs can be retrieved by any requesting communication device that sends a presentation request and can be authenticated at the network via provision of an authentication code, or via referencing number in a network-based database permissions associated with the requesting communication device's directory.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for supplying calling party information to a called party via a network comprising a telephone network, a data network, and at least one gateway device. The gateway device is connected to both the telephone network and the data network. The gateway device receives, via the telephone network, signaling information representing a telephone call from the calling party to the called party. The signaling information includes called party information. Calling party information is obtained based on the signaling information. The calling party information is provided to the called party via the data network.

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 system and method that provides a dialog with the called party when a call is received, a process is initiated to communicate with the calling party and a process is initiated to communicate with the called party. The processes communicate with each other to provide limited communication between the called and calling parties without an actual connection being made between them. The called party process determines disposition of the call based on the caller ID of the calling party and the state of the called party telephone. Advantageously, the called party process prompts the called party as to how to handle the call. The called party can request further information regarding the person calling, the purpose of the call, etc., without a connection being made to the calling party.

Abstract: Picture Caller Line Identification (PCLI) systems and methods are provided for enabling present and future mobile telephony systems to provide PCLI information to a called party. A PCLI system that interacts with a mobile telephony system includes a storage unit for storing PCLI information and a processor that is programmed to detect a request for a call from a caller to a called party, to retrieve PCLI information for the caller from the storage unit, and to forward the PCLI information to the called party. The processor may be further programmed to suspend completion of the call until verification of receipt of the call by the called handset to ensure that the PCLI information is available at the called party's handset prior to completion of the call. Mobile handsets that may be used with the PCLI system discussed above are also provided.

Abstract: Picture Caller Line Identification (PCLI) systems and methods are provided for enabling present and future mobile telephony systems to provide PCLI information to a called party. A PCLI system that interacts with a mobile telephony system includes a storage unit for storing PCLI information and a processor that is programmed to detect a request for a call from a caller to a called party, to retrieve PCLI information for the caller from the storage unit, and to forward the PCLI information to the called party. The processor may be further programmed to suspend completion of the call until verification of receipt of the call by the called handset to ensure that the PCLI information is available at the called party's handset prior to completion of the call. Mobile handsets that may be used with the PCLI system discussed above are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for audible caller identification with nametag storage. A call signal is received, the call signal including an automatic number identification. A determination is made whether the automatic number identification matches a nametag-identified number on a nametag list stored in a telematics unit. An audible user action identification message is sent based on the determination. Monitoring for a user voice response to the audible user action identification message is performed. A determination is made whether to connect the call signal based on a received user voice response. The call signal is sent to a voice mail system or sent to a phone based on the received user voice response. An audible nametag storage message is sent. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for audible caller identification with nametag storage.

Abstract: A communications network-based system and service is disclosed. The service permits subscribers to control and manage incoming telephone calls. Subscribers can establish preferences for how calls will be handled by a communications network if the calls are received while the subscriber has a privacy screening service engaged. The service also notifies a subscriber of a calling party's call based on whether preselected or predesignated preferences of the called party correspond to identifier(s) of the calling party.

Abstract: A method for signaling an incoming call received at a telecommunications terminal, a telecommunications terminal and a network unit that signals an incoming call at the telecommunications terminal depending on the urgency of the incoming call. The incoming call is signaled at the telecommunications terminal only when an urgency value transmitted together with the incoming call exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for providing caller information across heterogeneous networks is provided. A Name Resolution Adapter (NRA) receives a message from a destination central office which includes a caller's telephone number and a call recipient's telephone number. The NRA retrieves a call recipient contract and caller authorization entries, and identifies caller fields that the call recipient is authorized to receive. The NRA includes the identified caller fields in a message to a Service Control Point (SCP), whereby the SCP retrieves caller attributes corresponding to the caller fields from a Line Information Database (LIDB). The SCP forwards the caller attributes to the NRA. In turn, the NRA includes the caller attributes in a message and forwards the message to the call recipient over a computer network. The call recipient processes a corresponding telephone call using the caller attributes that are included in the message.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for managing delivery service instructions. A method for managing delivery service instructions can include receiving a telephone call from a customer through a PSTN linkage. Identifying information for the customer can be retrieved through a data communications network linkage without identifying said customer using data derived from the telephone call. As such, the retrieved identifying information can be correlated with the telephone call. Finally, access to apply delivery service management instructions received over the PSTN linkage can be authenticated based upon the identifying information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel apparatus and method for providing caller identification. Particularly, the present invention is configured to output caller identification to personal computer and to a terminal. These outputs are in response to a call received by the Caller ID system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically accessing an account and routing speech to text converted communication to a predetermined text capable device based on user identification. A user placing a call into a communications server is automatically identified based on Caller ID. The user has an account with information unique to that user that includes text capable destinations. The user transmits a voice message to the communications server which is converted to text and automatically routed to a predetermined text capable destination, such as fax machines or email addresses, for example, based on user identification.

Abstract: A method for handling calls for a telephonic device using a call processor is provided. The call processor intercepts a signal for the telephonic device, where the signal includes call information usable by the call processor. The call processor then searches a database for the call information. The database includes one or more actions corresponding to the call information. Once the one or more actions are found, the call processor takes an action based on the corresponding action determined by the search.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for name-alias based delivery of services through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A method for resolving caller identity in a PSTN can include detecting an attempt to establish a telephone call between a calling party and a called party and prompting the calling party from within the PSTN for clarifying information. An alias for the calling party can be resolved based upon the clarifying information. Subsequently, the alias can be forwarded to the called party for use by the called party in identifying the calling party at the time of the telephone call.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.

Abstract: A visual 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 series of colored lights for visually alerting the called party to an incoming call. The called party may program the caller identification device so that a first colored light flashes any time the caller ID identifies information known to the called party. A second light flashes any time caller identification information is provided, but where the information is unknown to the called party. And, a third colored light flashes any time the caller identification is not provided (e.g., private, unlisted, etc.). When the telephone begins to ring, the called party may look at the telephone for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID. If the first light flashes, the called party knows that the incoming call is from a known party.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for third party regulation of calls through a line based on a call context are provided. Third party regulation criteria identify individuals who are regulated for calling into or receiving calls from a particular line. For each call received at the line, the identity of the caller is detected. For each call placed from the line, the identity of the callee is detected. Then, the call is regulated according to the relevant third party regulation criteria, such that a third party is enabled to regulate all calls from or to a particular line without being a direct party to the calls.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for 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 telephone directory numbers for specified incoming callers who are to receive the customized message upon calling the called party. After the customized message is prepared, incoming callers whose telephone directory numbers 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 listen to the message again, save a copy of the message according to a variety of methods, and the calling party may be connected to the called party.

Abstract: The dual mode handset system provides unified cellular service and wire-line service with a single Directory Number assigned to the dual mode handset and a corresponding cordless base station that are connected to the subscriber's local wire-line (POTS line) connection to the telephone network. The dual mode handset is programmed to operate as a cordless telephone when in proximity of the cordless base station. The handset operates as a cellular telephone when it is out of reach of the cordless base station. The dual mode handset is assigned the same telephone number as the subscriber's connection to a local wire-line telephone switching system. Consequently, the Caller ID information is consistent on calls originated through the dual mode handset, regardless of whether the call passes through the cordless base station to the subscriber's connection to a local wire-line telephone switching system or the cellular network.

Abstract: A method of automatically acquiring and/or updating a customer address within an interactive voice response system including establishing a telephony connection with a customer and identifying a telephone number associated with the customer. A directory assistance data store external to the interactive voice response system can be accessed. A reverse directory search based upon the telephone number can be performed to retrieve an address from the directory assistance data store. The retrieved address can be stored within an interactive voice response system data store.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to support passive call blocking, a call block that is performed in a manner that the caller does not recognize as a call block. When passive call blocking is utilized, blocked callers receive a passive response, such as a continuous telephone ring, instead of an error message or rejection notification. The caller is thus unaware or uncertain that they have been blocked. Blocked calls are determined by comparing caller identification information with a caller database.

Abstract: The present invention provides for efficient delivery of information between parties associated with a voice call. When a caller initiates a call to the called party, infrastructure is in place to access information associated with the caller and called party and exchange the information between the multimedia clients associated with the parties. The delivery of the information may be fully automated, or may require authorization by the parties owning the information. Further, information delivery may take place in multiple stages, wherein automated information is initially provided and on-demand information, which requires authorization by the party owning the information, is sent to the other party's multimedia client upon receiving such authorization. Preferably, the address to a location capable of providing the information is initially delivered to the multimedia clients, which can request the information based on the address as desired by the parties involved in the call.

Abstract: A caller number received from an exchange machine by a telephone coordination server (CTI server) is noticed to a customer database to search for caller information. When pieces of caller information are acquired from the customer database by the telephone coordination server, the exchange machine is connected to a voice automatic response device (IVR device) to acquire predetermined voice data by telephone communication with a caller, and the voice data is compared with voice data included in the caller information by a voice recognition server to generate caller candidate information having priority levels. On the basis of caller candidate information, caller information of a first candidate is displayed on an operator client, candidate names of second and subsequent candidates are displayed as a list, and an operation of selecting a candidate in the displayed list is caused to change the caller information being displayed at the present into caller information of a selected candidate.

Abstract: A communication device is provided having a transceiver adapted to send and receive wireless communication signals and a contact surface. A contact circuit is adapted to detect contact of another communication device with said contact surface. A controller is adapted to enable communication only between the communication device and detected communication devices.

Abstract: A system and method of providing interactive data exchange between a plurality of outside parties utilizing a plurality of telephone apparatus, a voice response unit, at least one operator terminal, and at least one database regardless of the configuration of the voice response unit to a voice path switch. The system includes a voice response unit interface, for receiving and storing data acquired by the voice response unit. The data includes an automatic number identifier for each call. When calls are to be transferred to an operator terminal, the call is inserted into a queue that is monitored by a data controller. The data controller identifies each call by its ANI and searches the voice response unit interface to retrieve data stored therein, which is associated with the call. The data is then provided to an operator terminal for an operator assigned to handle the call.

Abstract: A method for displaying caller information using image data in a mobile telecommunications system. If a call origination has occurred, a calling user element sets up a voice data channel with a called user element and forms a data path with the called user element to transmit caller image information. Then, the calling user element transmits the caller image information to the called user element over the data path.

Abstract: A text messaging device and methods including receiving a text message (510), determining whether text in the text message corresponds to reference text associated with audio information stored on the text messaging device (520), playing audio on the text messaging device corresponding to the audio information associated with the reference text if any text in the text message corresponds to the reference text associated with the audio information stored on the text messaging device (530), and displaying any text in the incoming text message that corresponds to the reference text associated with the audio information (540).

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: 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: A video communication request from a caller to a recipient is screened by an unauthorized caller list, an authorized caller list, a recipient-specific caller list, third party authorization, and/or various combinations of these. Depending on which screening list, if any, an identifier of the caller is found in, the screening may accept or reject the video communication request. The recipient may automatically notify a law enforcement agency of repeated unwanted video communication requests.

Abstract: A presence of a facsimile transmission tone generated by a calling party within a call is sensed for within a public telephone network before the call has been routed to a called party. If the facsimile transmission tone is present in the call, the telephone network denies completion of the call to the telephone line of the called party. If the call is absent the facsimile transmission tone, a telephone network switch is instructed to complete the call to the telephone line of the called party.

Abstract: A telecommunication system enables a called party having a caller identification device to learn the identity of a calling party although the calling party is a credit card caller, a calling card caller, a caller using an Intelligent/Agent service, a caller using a pager or a caller connected to a PBX system. If the calling party's ANI does not fully identify the calling party, information stored in a database is used to supplement the ANI so that the calling party can be identified.

Abstract: An improved decoding and processing system is provided for advanced determination and display of geographic information to a called party relating to the call origination party. The improved system comprises a receiving device to receive an MDMF or SDMF format message from a local CO switch containing call identification data; a microcontroller storage and retrieval device containing a data base library for selectively determining the corresponding geographic information such as city and/or state by matching the area code and/or local exchange number received from the call origination party; and a readout device for displaying the city and/or state of the incoming call. Preferably, the system includes capability to automatically update the data base library of the storage and retrieval device as new area codes and/or local exchanges are subsequently assigned.

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: The invention concerns a method for identifying the call of a subscriber calling, via a telecommunication network, a destination telecommunication device, in particular, a destination terminal of a called subscriber, a destination program module for it, a destination telecommunication device for it, a network device program module for it, a network device for it, a source program module for it and a source telecommunication device for it. According to the method, upon setup of a call connection, identification data for identification of the caller is transmitted to the destination telecommunication device. The destination telecommunication device outputs the identification data.

Abstract: A cordless digital telephone system which allows hierarchical call control in a cordless phone system is provided. Based upon a priority level associated with the identified phone number, a call controller unit directs the call to a selected one of a plurality of mobile units in communication with the base station, or a group of mobile units, or in some cases, at a highest priority level, broadcasts the call to all mobile units. In those cases where the phone number is not identifiable as being associated with a particular priority, then a lowest priority is set for that call in which case a predefined message is sent to the caller and the call is dropped. In this way, since in a broadcast mode a user does not have the chance to prevent a ring an unwanted call can be diverted based upon a priority level such as, for example, a “Do not disturb” priority level for calls and broadcasts.

Abstract: A method provides a call-connected party's information to a terminal in a private exchange network. The method displays the call-connected party's information in a private exchange network, and provides accurate information of a call originator to a terminal of a call receiver. The private exchange system is connected to a CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) server having a database including a phone number and various information corresponding to the phone number, and includes at least one terminal being a slave terminal for receiving/displaying information of the database.

Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus, with which it is possible to prevent the conventional problem that in the case where an incoming call arrives, not a name registered by a user but a caller's name informed from a switching system is displayed and therefore user's confusion is caused. The communication apparatus is connected to a communication line that provides a service for informing of caller's information. A display device performs displaying related to an opposite party. Registered contents, in which a plurality of opposite parties's IDs and a plurality of opposite parties's names are associated with each other are searched for an opposite party's ID matching an opposite party's ID contained in the caller's information when the caller's information is detected at the time of arrival of an incoming call.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a mixed audible signal which includes a ringing tone and the identity of a calling party upon receiving the incoming call of the calling party. The incoming call can be a voice call, a call to convey an MMS message, or a call to convey an SMS message. A TTS synthesizer is used to generate sounds representative of the text identifying the caller if the identity can be found in a caller ID database. A MIDI protocol is used to generate a ringing tone of one or more musical note sequences. A combining module is used to integrate the TTS message and the MIDI tone into the mixed audible signal. Whether only the ringing tone or the mixed audible signal is played is selectable based on a use profile of the device.

Abstract: A local CPE broadcasts incoming call information to at least one remote CPE. Before or after at least one ring tone is received, the local CPE is taken off-hook. An incoming voice message is received, and the incoming voice message is broadcast over a communications network to the remote CPE. Alternatively, incoming caller data is received, a corresponding voice message is determined as a function of at least a portion of the incoming caller data, and the voice message is broadcast over a communications network to the remote CPE. As a further alternative, the caller data is broadcast over the communications network, and the corresponding voice message is determined by the remote CPE. As yet another alternative, incoming call information is announced using on-hook customer premises equipment (CPE). An indication of an incoming CPE alerting signal (CAS) tone is received, a frequency shift keying (FSK) signal is detected as a result of receiving the indication.

Abstract: An IP-based subscriber endpoint, for example a VoIP telephony device or an IP telephony user agent, is configured for retrieving recorded audio caller information in response to receiving an incoming call that includes a calling party identifier. The IP-based subscriber endpoint, in response to receiving the calling party identifier, generates an IP-based query via an IP network to an identifiable server for identification of a source of the recorded audio caller information corresponding to the calling party identifier. The IP-based subscriber endpoint outputs a request to the source of the recorded audio caller information, and plays the recorded audio caller information in response to reception via the IP-based network. Hence, the IP-based subscriber endpoint is able to retrieve existing recorded audio caller information from servers configured for storing recorded names, eliminating the necessity for text to speech resources.