Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing access to a telephone Application and an Information Application using a walk-up telecommunications terminal having an intuitive, context-sensitive interface configured to facilitate simple and intuitive usage by a user. An Idle Application is displayed on a display screen of the walk-up telecommunications terminal. A Startup Screen is then displayed on the display screen of the walk-up telecommunications terminal in response to a triggering event. The Phone Application is activated in response to a Phone Application event. An Information Application is activated in response to an Information Application event. The Phone Application is configured to take priority over the Information Application in the user interaction with the walk-up telecommunications terminal.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus includes a storage unit, a display unit, a retrieving unit and a display control unit. The storage unit is configured to store a plurality of images therein. The display unit is configured to display at least one of the plurality of images. The retrieving unit is configured to retrieve a relating image from the images stored in the storage unit when an outgoing call is made to or an incoming call is received from other telephone apparatus through a telephone line. The relating image relates to a corresponding image associated with the other party of the outgoing or incoming call. The display control unit configured to perform control to display at least one of the corresponding image and the retrieved relating image on the display unit.

Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic device which can equalize deterioration of a display device and reduce a deterioration speed, even during a time when a user is performing input operation. When the user is continuously using (operating) keys other than call start and call end keys (14a, 14b), it can be estimated that the user is playing a game or editing on the portable telephone. Therefore, deterioration of a display device configuring a display section (30) is equalized and the deterioration speed is reduced by reducing luminance gradation of display of an area not related to the game and editing on the display section (30).

Abstract: A method of processing a collect call. The method includes receiving a request for a collect call from a calling party and transmitting information required pursuant to a detariffing order to a called party.

Abstract: A prepaid virtual calling card, specifically for providing users (consumers and business affiliates) with an on-line method and apparatus to create custom prepaid calling cards for immediate use and distribution, wherein the prepaid virtual calling card is created by: connecting a user via a communications network to at least one server; presenting the user with an applications supplied by the server for the issuance of the virtual calling card; submitting the application to the server; and issuing the virtual calling card.

Abstract: A novel virtual calling card system and method aid in the formation of online relationships, serving as an introduction tool and as a contact mechanism. The calling card is an exchangeable entity that is automatically updated, ensuring that the recipient or viewer sees the most current version of the card. The card may display an aspect ratio that is the same as that of a traditional business card, and has front side and a reverse side. Furthermore, the card provides a number of avenues for the card owner to express themselves, including an array of affiliation symbols, a most recent mood symbol, and a text field. The reverse side of the card can display a representation of the owner's social network, so that recipients of the card may identify common friends and associates. The exchange of the card, although server-based, appears to users to simply be a transfer of the card from the owner, or other party, to the recipient, much as a card changes hands in the physical world.

Abstract: A method of providing call tariff information to a subscriber coupled to a telecommunications network 1, where the call tariff information relating to a call from a terminal 9 of the subscriber to a B-number 13. The method comprising sending a subscriber initiated call tariff enquiry from the subscriber terminal 9 to the telecommunications network 1 over a signalling channel, the enquiry including at least a part of said B-number or an identification of the B-number. Call tariff information relating to said call is determined at the network 1 and sent from the network 1 to the subscriber terminal 9 over said signalling channel. The call tariff information is then presented to the subscriber on a display 11 of the subscriber terminal 9.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing pay telephone to additionally provide computer network access includes an upper housing unit that latches to a lower housing of the existing telephone, and a network adapter unit which includes a network computer and a control module that selectively disables a hook switch connection to a payphone electronics module of the existing payphone. A coin scanner and an escrow unit of the existing payphone are connected through the control module to the payphone electronics unit. The network computer, in combination with the control module, provides a stand by mode, a pay phone mode, and a network mode. Also disclosed are a complete network access pay telephone and a method for converting the existing payphone to add network access.

Abstract: Method and system for presenting the price of a telecommunication connection on the telecommunication terminal of the committer of the telecommunication connection in a telecommunication system comprising a telephone exchange, a telecommunication terminal communicating with the telephone exchange via a telecommunication network and a billing center which takes care of charge calculation in the network and is connected to the telephone exchange. According to the invention, connection-specific advice-of-charge data is transmitted to the telecommunication terminal at the beginning of the telecommunication connection, using the telecommunication terminal, a price for the telecommunication connection is calculated from the advice-of-charge data; and the calculated price of the telecommunication connection is presented on the telecommunication terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for querying a central service dials telephone numbers to establish contact with the central service, and accesses services housed in the central service. The geographical location of the apparatus is stored in a tie unit and sent to the apparatus upon request. The apparatus forwards this information to the central service that then provides information about facilities (e.g., restaurants, sports venues, theaters, etc.) at that location.

Abstract: A payphone or coin-operated telephone that functions as an information transmittal device that dispenses user-selected information audibly to the user via the speaker in the payphone handset. A variety of information is stored in an information storage unit provided within the payphone unit. The information includes frequently-requested information on topics such as, for example, news, weather, sports, financial market reports, local travel information, local telephone yellow pages, etc. The user of the payphone may incur a nominal charge to retrieve the information from the payphone. A processing unit within the payphone or the information storage unit may update the content of the information with the help of an external information server or the Internet. The information server may be located within a telephone company central office and the central office switch may connect the information server to the processing unit in the payphone for desired data transfer.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data signals on analog subscriber lines wherein bilateral data transmission between subscriber terminal equipment and exchange is intended to occur, with relative ease and with low outlay, even during speech signal transmission. A signal, preferably the charge pulse signal, that is already generated at least in the exchange for some other use is employed as a carrier signal wherein, accordingly, it is possible to exploit an already existing infrastructure.