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 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 method and apparatus to provide a calling number identifier alias in a communications system having a wireless telephone associated with a wired telephone number, such as a wireless office service communications system. When a telephone call is placed from the wireless telephone, an alias database is searched to determine the associated wired telephone number. The telephone number of the wired telephone is used as an alias for the purpose of the calling number identifier.

Abstract: An indication of urgency of a call is received from a caller. The urgency indication is communicated to the called party through a distinctive notification, such as distinctive ringing. The urgency indication may be obtained from a caller via a personal agent.

Abstract: A dialing method for a telephone system begins by receiving a caller indentification (i.e., telephone number) of a party calling the telephone system. The received caller identification is then stored in a control buffer of the telephone system. A control unit of the telephone system determines whether the caller identification stored in the control buffer is identical to one of a plurality of existing caller identifications stored in a memory of the telephone system. When the caller identification stored in the control buffer is identical to one of the existing caller identifications stored in the memory, the existing caller identification that is identical to the caller identification is deleted from the memory. The caller identification is then transferred from the control buffer to the memory, and stored in the memory according to a last in first out rule. The caller identification is displayed on a display unit of the telephone system in response to a first input of a search key.

Abstract: There is disclosed a message tracking system for use in a wireless massaging system. The message tracking system allows a caller to verify a status of wireless messages previously sent by the caller to one or more subscribers of the wireless massaging system. The message tracking system comprises 1) an I/O interface that receives a message status request from the caller and 2) a message status controller that determines an identity of the caller from identification data received from the caller and retrieves a data record associated with the caller. The data record contains status information associated with the previously transmitted wireless messages. The message tracking system transfers to the caller selected status data associated with at least one of the previously transmitted wireless messages. The caller may check the status of multiple previously transmitted wireless messages in a single call without having to re-enter the caller's ID information.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a unique caller is identified from an incoming call transmission at a messaging system. A particular greeting announcement is played to the unique caller from among multiple greeting announcements recorded at the messaging system, wherein the particular greeting announcement was previously specified by a subscriber of the messaging system for the unique caller. In a preferred embodiment, the subscriber of the messaging system is preferably enabled to specify multiple greeting announcements by caller for playing prior to switching to a single subscriber mailbox at the messaging system.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a calling party to change the content of previously recorded voice mail messages by receiving telephone calls and comparing an incoming caller ID with all caller IDs stored in a database. If the caller ID matches, then the calling party is presented with a menu of options. The menu may include listening to the previous message, deleting the previous message, modifying the previous message and/or recording a new message. A user can change or modify a previously recorded message and determine whether the message has been received by the called party, thus providing a more flexible interface for leaving messages.

Abstract: Information transmitted through radio is recorded in telephone communications using radio.

Abstract: In an automatic answering mode operation, a caller ID detection circuit detects a caller ID that is given at the time of a call reception by a caller ID notification service that is provided by a telephone company. If reception history information having the same caller ID as the detected caller ID is stored in a reception history memory, the number of times of call reception in the reception history information is incremented by one. If no reception history information having the same caller ID as the detected caller ID is stored in the reception history memory, new reception history information having the detected caller ID is generated and additionally stored in the reception history memory. A caller ID and the number of times of call reception are displayed on an LCD based on the reception history information stored in the reception history memory.

Abstract: A telephone caller screening device is operable with a pre-existing telephone line with an existing installed telephone device. In one mode, the telephone caller screening device selects and stores caller ID information from incoming telephone calls for later use to compare with caller entered identification data to determine whether the premise telephone user should be alerted to the incoming telephone call. In a second mode the telephone caller screening device controls the telephone system by generating an off-hook condition on the pre-existing telephone line to suppress the ring signal from an incoming telephone call to prevent audible ringing of the telephone device. The telephone caller screening device generates an alerting signal in an alerting device when the caller entered identification data compares with a stored caller identification data.

Abstract: A method (30), a telecommunication device (10) and a software product for implementing a method (30) on a telecommunication device (10) are presented, whereby the method (30) comprises steps for providing a telecommunication device (10) with a call-number directory (20) assigning calling party identifications (23) to defined call-number representations (22), matching (S32, S34) a call-number of a calling party with the call-number representations (24, 26) in the call-number directory (20) and, in case a generic call-number representation (26) in the call-number directory (20) matches a number sequence of the call-number of a calling party, outputting the calling party identification (27) assigned to the generic call-number representation (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that orders or re-orders the entries in an electronic phonebook based on the number of calls made to and/or received from the phone numbers in the phonebook. The dynamic ordering permits the most frequently called and/or received phone numbers to be more accessible than less frequently called and/or received phone numbers, thus significantly reducing phonebook search times.

Abstract: The addition of directory entries into phone devices, such as telephones, is disclosed. The phone devices are coupled to common phone line wiring, and have caller ID, caller log, and directory storage capabilities. Phone calls are simulated to the phone devices. The phone calls correspond to directory entries, such as those that the user wishes to add to the phone devices. Each phone call has caller ID information reflecting a corresponding directory entry. After the phone calls for the directory entries have been simulated, each phone device has a caller log of the caller ID information of the simulated phone calls for transfer into a directory storage thereof.

Abstract: A telephone or similar device/system may be equipped or used to select preferred call back numbers. These preferred numbers may be programmed into a device by a user. When an incoming call comprising caller identity (“CID”) data is received, preferred call back numbers associated with a portion of the data are selected. A responsive, outgoing call is transmitted using one of the preferred call back numbers. The selected, preferred call back numbers may or may not be identical to a telephone number indicated in the CID data.

Abstract: A telephone system incorporating the present invention provides the capability for automated dialing of a telephone number stored in a caller ID log by determining the correct dialing procedure and then dialing the telephone number in accordance with the correct dialing procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering enhanced caller identification services to a called party. Caller ID information is extended to include a user document address that is a pointer or hyperlink to a user document containing additional information about the calling party. The user document address may be, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) identifying an Internet document or a database address identifying a database document or entry. The user document generally contains information that the calling party would like to be presented to the called party and may be stored by the called party or accessed over a network. The user document can be (i) a static document; (ii) a document created in accordance with predefined default document content rules; or (iii) a dynamically generated document based on one or more rules that alter the content of the document.

Abstract: The methods bypass present lengthy modem renegotiations (typically 20-30 seconds) to effect fast re-establishment of ISO Application-Oriented Layer communication link between user Application Programs/Browsers and Internet Service Provider, and enables complete session continuity without user being aware of noticeable difference due to frequent connections/disconnections of PSTN line. The methods at its most basic essence requires that the reconnecting incoming calls be routed to the same Port #/Modem unit/Data channel.

Abstract: The telephone network is adapted to supply name and number information to a voice mail system with a forwarded call. The voice mail system stores the name and number type caller ID information in association with the subscriber's mailbox. The system may store this information even if the caller does not actually deposit a voice mail message. Later, while the subscriber reviews the mailbox contents, the system offers a verbal announcement of the name and number. A central office switching system may query a line identification database to obtain the name for a caller ID service to the customer premises, in which case, that switching system forwards the name and number to the voice mail system with the forwarded call. In an alternative embodiment, the voice mail system launches the query and receives the name in a response, through the interoffice signaling network.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying a user of urgent phone messages is provided. When a telephone or text message is received by the phone answering system, a priority is determined for the message. If the telephone call is identified as an urgent telephone call, the system repeatedly dials the subscriber's phone in order to notify the user of the urgent message. In one embodiment, multiple locations, such as pagers, email addresses, and alternate phone numbers are contacted in order to inform the user of the urgent message. When the user is contacted, the urgent messages are played for the user. In a mobile telephone system environment, determinations are made as to whether the user is operating in roam mode before messages are delivered. A caller id function can further be included to selectively allow messages to be identified as urgent based upon the identification of the caller.

Abstract: A telephonic terminal system outputs vocal and picture signals to inform a user about an incoming phone call. A signal processing unit of the telephonic terminal system checks whether the incoming phone call signal can be identified in an internal data storage device that records a plurality data about various telephonic terminal users. If the incoming phone call signal is identified, a prompter including texts, vocal signals, and picture/video signals is outputted to inform the user of the origin of the incoming phone call signal. If the origin of the incoming phone call signal is not identified, the prompter accordingly informs the user. The telephonic terminal system further can catch pictures or video in snapshot fashion delivered from a remote telephonic terminal system.

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 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 method is provided for screening telemarketing, or other potentially unwanted, calls to jurisdictions where such calls may be made from only public telephone numbers. If such call is from a private telephone number and if the called party subscribes to and has activated a telemarketing-do-not-disturb feature, an announcement is issued to the calling party stating that if the call is a not a telemarketing call, the calling party must enter a designated override digit in order to complete the call. If such override digit is dialed, the call is completed whereas if any other digit, ringing of the called party's telephone is prevented. If, on the other hand, such call is from a public number, a determination is made as to whether the called party has a caller ID feature, and if not, the announcement is issued to the calling party. If the override digit is dialed, the call is completed whereas if any other digit is dialed, ringing of the called party's telephone is prevented.

Abstract: A caller identification callback list method and system. The system displays a callback list informing a user of a missed call received from a terminal on a central office telephone line from within an organization. The callback list includes the names and extension or branch telephone numbers for persons the user has defined exist within the organization. Once an indication that the user has missed a telephone call from within the organization appears on the user's terminal, the user may choose from a list of names and extension or branch telephone numbers and return the call without having to search outside sources for the correct number. The return call may be accomplished by either an automatic callback feature or manually using the terminal. Additionally, the caller identification callback lists allow a user to select the people and associated extension or branch telephone numbers in advance without the prospective caller first calling the user.

Abstract: The contact information manager manages contact information based on information automatically obtained through use of a communications device. The contact information manager stores information about contacts and allows options for retrieval of the contact information. Contact information is managed by modifying values in one or more dynamic fields with call information obtained through use of the communications device. The contact information is retrieved by a user selecting to retrieve information and providing a retrieval selection indicating a preference of format of the presentation of the retrieved contact information.

Abstract: A bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) system is disclosed, including a first CID unit of a destination phone set that receives, displays, and stores first CID data of a call and displays, stores, and transmits second CID data of a prior call. A call-originating terminal receives the corresponding second CID data in response to a CID data request signal. A second CID unit of a destination exchange transmits a CID data transmission control signal to the first CID unit, receives the corresponding second CID data from the first CID unit, and transmits the corresponding second CID data to the call-originating terminal. The first CID unit transmits the corresponding second CID data to the second CID unit in response to receiving the CID data transmission control signal, and the second CID unit transmits the CID data transmission control signal in response to receiving the CID data request signal initiated by the call-originating terminal.

Abstract: A telephone stores a plurality of pairs of data in a memory 7, each pair consisting of a caller telephone number received from a telephone number forwarding service, and the time at which the telephone number was received. In response to a first operation, a control unit 1 controls a sequential display of a first display image and a second display image by the display unit using a content of the memory 7. The first display image includes caller telephone numbers and the second display image includes other display content. In response to a second operation, the control unit 1 continuously controls the display of a first display image on the display unit using the content of memory 7 to update caller telephone numbers displayed in the first display image.

Abstract: A communication such as a telephone call is received, bearing identification information such as caller ID. The received audio signal, if any, is encoded and stored. The identification information is used to look up additional information about the sender of the communication, such as by using the caller ID information to search the internet, for example by doing a reverse telephone number lookup. The user is presented with a graphical representation of this, and prior, communications, such as via an html page, and can select individual communications for playback, deletion, and the like. If the user is at a remote location, the encoded communications may be forwarded to that location, such as in the form of email attachments.

Abstract: A network for providing a telecommunications service with automatic speech recognition to a telecommunications user, including a switch in communication with a telecommunications device associated with the telecommunications user for storing identifying information regarding a prior calling party to the telecommunications user, and for detecting a trigger specific to the service in response to a communication from the telecommunications device, and an intelligent resource server in communication with the switch for receiving from the switch the communication from the telecommunications device and a message including the identifying information, for playing an audible message for the telecommunications user in response to receiving the communication, the audible message containing the information regarding the prior calling party and prompting the telecommunications user to place an outgoing communication to the prior calling party, and for automatically recognizing a predetermined keyword spoken by the teleco

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 system is disclosed for generating instructions enabling navigation between an origin and a location identified by an address corresponding to data in an incoming communication, such as a customer name or customer telephone number. The system comprises a conventional caller identification unit that reads information transmitted in conjunction with an incoming customer telephone call. A main processor engine receives this information and searches a database for a match between the information and the customer's address. Once the customer's address is successfully located and retrieved by the main processor engine, the address is communicated to a mapping engine. The mapping or other direction-generating engine searches a database for data associated with the address that may be used by the mapping or other direction-generating engine to generate or directions a map between a predetermined point of origin and the address.

Abstract: Calling name presentation services are provided by maintaining a local cache of requested information. When a called destination is determined to subscribe to calling name presentation, the local cache is queried to determine if the calling number is in the local cache. If the calling number is in the local cache, information corresponding to the calling number is retrieved from the local cache. If the calling number is not in the local cache, a remote database is queried for the information. The information retrieved from the remote database is stored in the local cache. In either case, the name information is sent to the call destination. A Signaling System 7 architecture may be used to implement local caching.

Abstract: A system (36, 38) for accurately matching a phone call to a corresponding entry in an electronic phonebook (40) adapted for use with a telephone (10). The system (36, 38) includes a first mechanism (38) for identifying the phone call and providing a phone number in response thereto. A second mechanism (38) determines a home area code associated with the phone. A third mechanism (38) employs the home area code and the phone number to accurately match the phone call to a corresponding entry in the electronic phonebook (40) whether or not entries in the electronic phonebook (40) contain area codes. In a specific embodiment, the first mechanism (38) includes a mechanism (38) for identifying the phone call as an incoming or outgoing call. A caller identification system (38) identifies incoming calls and provides the phone number in response thereto. Another mechanism (38) stores an outgoing number dialed by the user and provides the outgoing number as the phone number in response thereto.

Abstract: The system and method consistent with the present invention provides improved electronic business cards for a communication device. Electronic business cards may be created using CLID information, transferred among users of a telephone network, and used to initiate a call automatically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively connecting different types of devices at a customer's premises to an incoming telephone call. A database of usage codes includes caller ID values and prioritization values for each type of device. A determination is made whether the outside line is being accessed by two or more of devices at the same time. If so, the prioritization values of the devices accessing the outside line are compared. The device with a higher prioritization value is then connected to the outside line. The devices can include telephones, modems, and data collection devices such as are used in the utility meter reading industry. A processor makes determinations, and connections to the devices are made via relays actuated by the processor. The apparatus detects, duplicates and uses an initial sequence of signal indicia associated with the incoming call representing a targeted call receiving device.

Abstract: A gateway interface device that can be provided with a buffer for temporarily storing a calling party's information which can be sent with the initial signaling message of a calling party on an IP network to establish a communication with a called party on a PSTN network. Subsequent to the receipt of the initial signaling message, and based on the calling party's stored information, the gateway interface can intercept a request for calling party information from the called party or a called party's end office. Once the request for calling party information is received by the gateway interface, the gateway interface can then generate a reply based on the calling party information stored in the buffer. Otherwise, the calling party information stored in the buffer can be removed from the buffer after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A user interface for screen phones monitors telephone line state information and displays user interface controls and telephone line status information dependent on the telephone line state. The user interface includes a display element referred to as a call slip that expands and collapses in response to changes in telephone line state and user input. The call slip updates the information that it displays based on telephone line state changes and information communicated from one or more telephony monitoring applications. The call slip displays user interface controls representing tasks that are dependent on information derived from a telephone call, such as caller ID information. The software used to control the display of call slips and to monitor telephone line state is part of a software platform that may be customized for a particular device or application.

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

Abstract: A system for processing telephone calls incorporates a service bureau. The service bureau provides efficient access to caller identification data. The service bureau extracts the caller identification data from the ISDN Basic Rate Interface. Using the caller identification data, the service bureau tracks customer information and other marketing information. To perform its tracking function, the service bureau maintains and updates a database containing the customer information and other marketing information. The system is particularly useful for providing access to caller identification data to businesses that use telephone switching devices for telephone call routing.

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 partys 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: Customer premises telephone equipment and methods are provided for identifying a calling party's telephone number, household name, and city and/or state location, to a called party. The equipment and method includes one or more directories containing city and state location information corresponding to a complete listing of all area codes an local exchanges throughout a selected calling region or country. A receiver receives an incoming telephone number of an incoming telephone call and a comparator compares the received incoming telephone number with the directory or directories containing the city and state location information to identify a city and state location associated with the incoming telephone number. The equipment includes a display for displaying the incoming telephone call number, the household name, and/or the city and state location associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: A toll saving method and apparatus for a remote access system is provided. A first communication device receives a connection request from a second communication device. The first communication device then decodes caller identification information from the connection request to determine a user identity, without completing the connection request. The first communication device determines whether an event associated with the user identity has occurred. If the event associated with the user identity has not occurred, the connection request is not completed. In a preferred embodiment, the toll saving method and apparatus allows an email user to call an ISP to determine whether unaccessed email is present in the user's account. If no email is present in the user's account, the call is never answered and no toll charges are incurred.

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: A telephone number memory stores telephone numbers which are divided into telephone number groups, and a response message memory stores response messages corresponding to the telephone number groups. In the automatic response mode, when a call is generated, a telephone number of a caller is checked as to whether the telephone number is stored in the telephone number memory, and, when the same telephone number is found therein, a response message of the telephone number group, to which the received telephone number belongs, is transmitted to the caller.

Abstract: A system (100) 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: When a business message, sent from a caller's phone, is recorded in the recording/playback section, the main control section makes a judgement as to whether or not any phone number that coincides with the caller's phone number contained in caller's information received by the caller information receiving section has been recorded in a storage section. If the judgment shows that there is a coincided phone number, it provides a special display in which, for example, the back light or LED of the display section is allowed to flicker, for example, at intervals of 4 Hz, or the illumination color of the back light or the LED is changed, or a message, such as “a business message from Mr. O O”, is displayed. Thus, the answer phone makes it possible for the user to positively recognize whether or not a business message from a desired caller has been recorded promptly.

Abstract: A system and method of retrieving customer records regardless of area code change affecting customer telephone numbers stored in customer records is provided. The method begins by providing an area code changes user interface on a system user display, which is configured to accept area code changes input by the system. Area code changes, which include actual area codes and old area codes are input using the interface. Next, each input area code change is stored in an area code changes memory. An ANI string corresponding to an incoming telephone call is then received and at least one customer record database is searched to identify any call records that include a telephone number corresponding to the ANI string. If no customer records are identified, then the area code changes memory is searched to identify if the ANI string includes an area code corresponding to an actual area code stored in the area code changes memory.

Abstract: A method for providing personal information which can overcome the duplication and redundancy of personal information and regional limitation, includes building a Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) information database, a personal information database, and a destination information database in a Service Control Point (SCP), to provide the personal information to CTI destination terminals in an intelligent network; transferring, by a Service Exchange Point (SSP), a calling line identification (CLI) and a dialing number (DN) to the SCP when an originating subscriber dials, retrieving a personal information and a destination information from said databases, and transferring the CLI and the retrieved personal information and destination information to the SSP; and providing, by the SSP, the CLI and the personal information to the destination terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are illustrated which provide for calling party number determination and manipulation, utilizing digit analysis. One of the switch embodiments includes a network interface, a memory, and a processor. The network interface receives an incoming message having a received calling party number and transmits an outgoing message. The memory stores, as a database module, a plurality of digit trees for digit analysis and a plurality of available manipulations. The processor includes instructions to perform digit analysis of the received calling party number to determine a pattern match and to determine a selected manipulation of the plurality of available manipulations, and to perform the selected manipulation on the received calling party number to form a modified calling party number.