Call Or Terminal Access Alarm Or Control Patents (Class 379/188)
  • Publication number: 20080118046
    Abstract: A system includes a first interface to connect with a network, and a second interface to connect with a telephone device of an enterprise. A unit controls a connection between the first and second interfaces for an outgoing call from the telephone device to a remote telephone device connected to the network. A processor subsystem coupled with the unit operates to initiate communications with a telephone device associated with a supervisor having authority to allow or deny the call. The processor subsystem also operates too present the supervisor with information that includes a purpose or reason for the outgoing call. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinod Katkam, Mukul Jain, Sanjeev Kumar, Labhesh Patel, Randall B. Baird, Christopher E. Pearce, Shmuel Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7363100
    Abstract: A system and related methods for configuring and monitoring a spraying application system for installation and use at a site that is remotely located from the spraying system manufacturing site. The system provides a remote access module that provides spraying system operation and parametric information to be monitored at the manufacturing site to determine how the spraying system is operating and whether repair or maintenance should be initiated. Timer circuits are provided for determining time of usage so that repair/replacement alerts can be issued. Safety related parameters may also be monitored as a backup to the primary monitoring performed at the customer's site. The system also provides an extranet or other suitable site available, for example, via the Internet or other communication link, is used to provide an accessible database for historical data and configuration/installation information. A call-in feature is also provided as well as a system query log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia Skelton-Becker, Robert J. Allsop
  • Patent number: 7286799
    Abstract: The present invention provides technical advantages as systems, devices and methods that enable a person to remotely identify the origin of an incoming call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Thrasher
  • Patent number: 7251666
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automating and increasing the efficiency of business processes using a role structure which is preferably hierarchical. The hierarchical role structure defines a plurality of roles within several hierarchical levels. Various rights are associated with the different roles to enable positions which are associated with the roles to have access to particular business processes. Access rights can thereby be consistently administered across equivalent or similar positions. In one embodiment, the role structure is used in conjunction with a hierarchical organization structure to allow the organization structure to be searched for positions which are associated with a particular role. As a result, automatic signature loops which are not restricted to direct superiors can be implemented. The hierarchical role structure can also be used in conjunction with a hierarchical content structure to enable employees having different roles within the organization to access different information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Internet Business Information Group
    Inventor: Paul V. Morinville
  • Patent number: 7231027
    Abstract: A system and method to provide secure access across the untrusted public switched telephone network is described. The system and method can be initiated by a security policy defining actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Securelogix Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Schmid, Kirk Smith, Keith S. Pickens, Craig Heilmann
  • Patent number: 7231025
    Abstract: Methods for identifying a remote user of a portable device by using the portable device to encode sound corresponding to the identification of the remote user. The sound is received by a microphone external to the portable device and convened to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is transmitted to a processing device, that may be remote to the microphone, where the electrical signal is processed and the identification of the remote user is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Enco-Tone Ltd.
    Inventor: Isaac Labaton
  • Patent number: 7209735
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically handling an incoming call by a mobile communication apparatus when the call is determined to be an international roam call. When an incoming international roam call is detected, the mobile communication apparatus can allow the call to ring as normal, send the call to a local or network voice mail service, or play a prerecorded message to the caller informing the caller that the phone is not accepting international roam calls. The decision can be based on the apparatus's home and registered networks' mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC) information, on the caller ID of the calling party, and on the date and/or time of the incoming international roam call. The parameters on which the decisions are made may be set by the user of the apparatus or preset by a manufacturer or dealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroaki Sato
  • Patent number: 7200383
    Abstract: A system for ensuring that a first subscriber in a unlicensed mobile access system is prevented from unauthorized use of a second subscriber's identity when the first subscriber requests services from a mobile station to a core network. The system comprises authenticating means for authenticating a mobile station to an unlicensed mobile access network before higher-layer messages are sent from the mobile station, and thereafter, for authenticating the mobile station to a core network. The system also includes a mobile station with a subscriber identity module that includes an identifying means for identifying the mobile station. The system further includes a unlicensed mobile access network for connecting the mobile station to the core network and for relaying signals between the mobile station and the core network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Pasi Eronen
  • Patent number: 7164754
    Abstract: A telecommunications network includes a plurality of subscriber stations, a plurality of network elements and a voice recognition module. The voice recognition module is associated with a network element and is configured to recognize at least one biometric voice parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AG
    Inventors: Marian Trinkel, Franz Steimer, Christel Mueller
  • Patent number: 7158622
    Abstract: A predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Fair Isaac Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Lawyer, Alex Barclay, Dirk Englund, Robert Holmes, Dimpy Pathria, Tim Roach, Scott Zoldi
  • Patent number: 7136471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting whether a remote party has added a secondary telephone destination to a telephone call, for example through the activation of three-way calling service, conference calling or two lining bridging, by identifying an echo characteristic to the telephone connection between the local and the remote telephone and monitoring the echo characteristic to determine whether there is a significant change. The addition of a secondary telephone destination can be verified by continuing to monitor the echo characteristic to determine whether it has returned to its original value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: T-NETIX, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7133510
    Abstract: Techniques for managing access to resources utilizing call information are provided. Resources of like type can be pooled into resource groups and customers can then be sold a base amount of a resource, to be taken from the appropriate resource group, that the customer can then provide to users or callers. The server of the resources utilizes the telephone number of the party called and call type in order to identify the resource that is requested. If the base amount of the requested resource has already been allocated, an overflow amount can be utilized to provide additional resources of a like type, if they are available. Thus, the resources can be efficiently managed to allow a high utilization of the available resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anita L. Freeman, Edward G. Richardson, Giovanni Di Simone, Luis A. Viriato
  • Patent number: 7117447
    Abstract: An approach for providing self-service call plan application development is disclosed. A graphical system includes a computing system that is configured to cause a graphical user interface (GUI) to be present for automated creation of an application for controlling call flow logic. The application supports a predefined feature set. Additionally, the system includes a database that is coupled to the server and configured to store the application. The server is further configured to determine whether the application is valid and to initiate deployment of the application. The deployment may be performed on a real-time basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: MCI, LLC
    Inventors: Dale L. Cobb, Paul D. Gilbert, Phyllis Santa
  • Patent number: 7116769
    Abstract: A telephone that includes: a storage unit 108; a transmission/reception unit 102 for, when an incoming call is received, acquiring a caller's phone number corresponding to the incoming call; a counting unit 105 for measuring a time period between a start of a reception of the incoming call and a disconnection of the incoming call; and a one-ring-call judgment unit 107 for, if the measured time period is shorter than a predetermined time period, instructing a general control unit 103 to store the acquired phone number into the storage unit 108 as a target for a connection rejection so that if an incoming call is received from a caller having the stored phone number thereafter, a connection thereto is rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuji Hama
  • Patent number: 7102509
    Abstract: A method for operating with multiple protocols for handling communications comprising the steps of obtaining information from sensors and related input devices utilizing specialized tamper resistant passive transceivers working with active pulse type transceivers to create historical maps of information on people or objects. This includes steps of: a) identifying recording information, b) sending and receiving prompts, c) associating the call with timers, d) monitoring passive transceivers with low level diagnostic information, e) monitoring the transceivers with voice recognition software, f) recording associated data, g) identifying the users, the key words or phrases within the recorded data, h) naming the recording and i) saving the data in a protected format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Global Tel★Link Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Anders, Jeremy Birch, Bryan Wilson, Marty Logsdon
  • Patent number: 7095835
    Abstract: A method, system, and program for time based regulation of use of a telephone line are provided. An identity of a first caller requesting use of a telephone line is detected. Use of the telephone line by the caller is allowed only if a schedule for the telephone line indicates that the identity is currently allowed for the telephone line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Michael A. Paolini, James Mark Weaver, Scott Lee Winters
  • Patent number: 7085567
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for performing a detach of a terminal (MS) registered to a telecommunication network (NW) by associating an identification (TMSI) for said terminal (MS), deriving a signature (TMSI_SIG) for said identification (TMSI), and allocating a pair consisting of said identification (TMSI) and said signature (TMSI_SIG) to said terminal (MS), said method comprising the steps of: sending a detach request (DET_REQ) including said identification (TMSI) and said identification signature (TMSI_SIG) from said registered terminal (MS) to said network (NW); receiving said detach request (DET_REQ) at the network (NW) side; comparing said received detach request (DET_REQ) with a record of registration data of said terminal (MS) kept at the network side; and detaching said terminal (MS) from said network (NW), if said received detach request (DET_REQ) coincides with said record of registration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jaakko Rajaniemi
  • Patent number: 7050861
    Abstract: A caller associates computer software code with a signalling protocol messages such that when the messages are received at a destination processor the computer software code is executed. For example, the messages may be improved SIP protocol messages with incorporated Java code. By selecting different computer software code for association with the messages, the caller is able to control the destination terminal. For example, to display information about the identity of the caller at the destination terminal; to modify the behaviour of the destination terminal according to the priority of the call; to take into account the configuration of the destination terminal, and to allow users to adjust this configuration from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Eric Lauzon, Bryan J Miller, Michael O'Doherty
  • Patent number: 6963635
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating collection of past due balances. A control entity such as a call server or collections server receives a signaling message such as a SIP INVITE that seeks to set up a call between a calling party and called party. The control entity determines that the calling party has a past due balance, i.e., that the calling party owes the carrier money. In response, the control entity changes the signaling message to designate a collections system as the called party, and the signaling message is then used to set up a call between the calling party and the collections system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventor: Bryce A. Jones
  • Patent number: 6947532
    Abstract: A method of identifying fraud in a telecommunications system. The method includes receiving data related to a current call placed from an originating automatic number indicator (ANI), where the received data includes at least the originating ANI, a billing number and an identification code. A threshold number and a time interval corresponding to the identification code for the originating ANI are retrieved, for example, from a memory. In addition, billing numbers for prior calls from the originating ANI, if any, and corresponding indicia of the times of the calls are retrieved. A determination is made of whether the number of billing numbers used for the current and prior calls from the originating ANI over a prior period of time equal to or less than the time interval exceeds the threshold number. If the threshold number is exceeded, a fraud alert is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: MCI, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Marchand, Erin C. Jackman
  • Patent number: 6940963
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically determining a call service request in a first communications device and for signalling the call service request determination to a second communications device. The second communications device can apply the service to the call based on the type of call service request. The methods and apparatus of the invention utilize predefined call criterion to make a determination of the call service request. The call criterion may, for example, be selected from called number, calling number, time of day, day of week, and date. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Eugene A. Wodka
  • Patent number: 6928151
    Abstract: When an application originates a call to a certain communication node, an application manager refers to history of outgoing/incoming call data and/or telephone directory data to determine whether the call origination processing should be granted. If the telephone number of the communication node for which call organization is to be performed is included in the history of outgoing/incoming calls and/or the telephone directory data, then the call origination processing may be granted because the number may be considered a number with which communication was made in the past or may be recognized as a valid number to communicate with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamada, Tatsuaki Wakabayashi, Dai Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6920209
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizes a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines. The computer control unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users and for recording calling transactions made by the users. The computer control unit implements a prospective call screening feature whereby outside recipients of undesired calls from the institution may enter a code that directs the computer control unit to prohibit similar calls in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: T-Netix, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay L. Gainsboro
  • Patent number: 6917672
    Abstract: A method, system, and program for third party regulation of calls based on the caller and callee pair to the call. An identity of a caller to a call and an identity of a callee logged in to receive the call are detected. A selection of third party criteria for regulating a call between the caller identity and the callee identity are accessed. A communication channel between the caller and the callee is regulated according to the selection of third party criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Michael A. Paolini, James Mark Weaver, Scott Lee Winters
  • Patent number: 6914968
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for detecting and preventing telephone call fraud. The call fraud detector apparatus is connected to the telephone line, and includes a telephone line interface with switch hook. A parallel set detector indicates to the microcontroller that another device has gone off hook on the telephone line. The microcontroller causes the telephone line interface switch hook to also go off hook in parallel, thereby preventing pulse dialing by the other device. The device may also include a DTMF tone detector and generator to prevent DTMF dialing on the telephone line. The call fraud detector can provide a visual, audible, and/or tactile indication when unauthorized use of the telephone line occurs, and can be enabled or disabled by an external device. The call fraud detector can log the time and date of each unauthorized call placed on a line, and can also notify the telephone service provider when an unauthorized call is attempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: VTech Communications, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gordon Bradley Ryley, Sheldon Dean McCullough
  • Patent number: 6850606
    Abstract: A predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Fair Isaac Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Lawyer, Alex Barclay, Dirk Englund, Robert Holmes, Dimpy Pathria, Tim Roach, Scott Zoldi
  • Patent number: 6850608
    Abstract: A capability for routing calls that are destined to different called numbers to a single customer line is provided by including apparatus at the customer's line that detects called number ID signals. The detecting of called number ID signals is enabled by installing one or more called numbers ID signals in a memory of a customer premises instrument, or a coupler, that is connected to the customer's line. The installing is carried out in a process that first places the customer premises instrument, or the coupler, in a program mode, and then providing the one or more called number ID signals, for storing in the customer premises instrument, or the coupler. In one embodiment, the service provider provides the one or more called number ID signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Alan Edward Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6839414
    Abstract: A call prevention device. The device includes a caller ID detection unit for detecting caller ID data transmitted over a telecommunication network before a connection is established when a call is made by a calling party. The device also includes a processing unit in communication with the caller ID detection unit for retrieving a caller profile from a caller profile database in response to the caller ID data and for comparing the caller profile with the caller ID data, the processing unit further for incrementing a call total value when the caller profile and the caller ID data match favorably, and the processing unit further for generating a message when the call total value exceeds a user defined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Enzmann, Robert T. Moton, Samuel N. Zellner
  • Patent number: 6819756
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the ability of an ACD server to pull back a call from an IVR server and for allowing an ACD caller to complete a critical transaction while connected to an IVR include special processing and network signaling which enable the ACD to set a pull back status flag and grant permission to the IVR to request a change in the pull back status flag. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Eugene A. Wodka
  • Patent number: 6819755
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling call handling in a communications network. The methods and apparatus include special processing and network signalling (between network communications devices) which enable a caller to complete a critical transaction, without interruption. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Eugene A. Wodka
  • Patent number: 6801606
    Abstract: In order to detect fraudulent or potentially fraudulent usage of a telecommunications network, each call connected by way of one of the digital main switching units of the network (3a to 3c) has an associated billing record transferred to a fraud management system (4). The fraud management system compares the origin and destination of the call with a known usage pattern for the originator and, if other indications are that the call is of a fraudulent nature, and the call deviates from the known usage pattern an alarm can be forwarded to an operator. The user profile used to determine normal calling behaviour is updated over a period of time in respect of calls determined as not fraudulent. An initial user profile may be generated from historic billing records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Azure Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Alexander F M Edwards
  • Patent number: 6795540
    Abstract: Disclosure of the invention encompasses the activation, validation and continued verification of an electronic device installed on a common telephone line usually at a residence, to prohibit a three-way call event from being performed by the local telephone after the device has been in communication with and activated by signal from a remote computer system. Furthermore the device and remote system can function in a prepaid calling mode keeping track of the prepaid amounts and debiting the amounts during the call. The invention functionality could also be integrated within a standard telephone inside a telephone housing or functionally into a wireless device or an IP soft phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: John Beck Mow
  • Publication number: 20040174970
    Abstract: A telephone line shunt for disabling incoming and outgoing calls to or from a telephone line. The device attaches to a single outlet or telephone such that the line is unavailable to devices attached to it from any other location. A shunt short circuits the ring and pitch lines of a conventional telephone line to inhibit a dial tone for outgoing calls while simultaneously creating the appearance of a line busy status for incoming calls. The shunt is inserted into any standard telephone wall jack to inhibit line availability, and removed to restore line availability. The shunt can be implemented by a simple wire shunt embedded in a modified plug for an RJ-11 jack. Alternatively, the shunt can be controlled by activation switches on a wall receptacle, on a telephone hand set, and on a telephone/clock radio. An optional remote control allows switching of the shunt. The shunt control mechanism may also used a password system to control access to the shunt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Rutter
  • Patent number: 6788773
    Abstract: A system and process for automatic storage, enforcement and override of consumer do-not-call (DNC) requests includes a control device for selectively blocking communication between a communication device and a destination over a communication medium. The control device is connected to the communication medium and to a database for storing identifiers of destinations for which communication is to be blocked. The communication device has an input mechanism responsive to a user to generate an identifier of the destination. The input mechanism is also responsive to an update signal indicating that the identifier should be added to the database or an override signal indicating that the blocked call should in fact, be permitted, thereby overriding the blocking mechanism. The communication device is automatically updated with information stored in the database which may be used by the communication device to process further communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Grayphon Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Alan Fotta
  • Patent number: 6775364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sending a false system information tone (SIT) in response to an incoming telephone call is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a telephone line interface, caller identification (caller ID) module, programmable oscillator, display device, and controller. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a data storage module, telephone line interface, caller ID module, programmable oscillator, display device, controller, and one or more control devices. The method includes the steps of: a) detecting a ring on the telephone line, b) receiving information about a calling party associated with the incoming telephone call, c) determining if a false SIT is to be sent based on the calling party information, and, d) if the false SIT is to be sent, i) determining when the false SIT is to be sent; ii) generating the false SIT; and, iii) sending the false SIT at the determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Knox
  • Patent number: 6744863
    Abstract: An telecommunications access device is disclosed which allows an administrator to set an amount of time per day that a user can access the Internet or use a telephone. The telecommunications access device may be permanently electrically connected to first and second telecommunications lines each of which may include a telephone cord and a plug. The first telecommunications line may be electrically connected to a port of a computer processor. The second telecommunications line may be electrically connected to a port of a telephone jack. The telecommunications access device may include a keypad, which allows the user to enter a user code, which permits the user to access, the Internet or use a telephone, if the amount of time has not expired. The telecommunications access device may include a display, which dynamically displays the amount of time that the user has remaining to access the Internet for a particular day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kirk J. Ferrier
  • Patent number: 6707897
    Abstract: A private branch exchange comprising means, including at least an extension terminal, for connecting the extension terminal to a communication network, means for transmitting to the communication network a call including information relating to a caller number, when a transmission call is made from the extension terminal, means for sending, when a call is received from the communication network and the call includes information on a number, the call to the extension terminal corresponding to the called number, memory means for storing information on a predetermined number which is preconfirmed to function as a called number for callback, determination means for determining, when a call has been received from the extension terminal, whether or not the predetermined number is obtained, which corresponds to a caller number received from the extension terminal or a caller number corresponding to the extension number, with use of the information stored in the memory means, and means for employing, when the acquisi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Toshio Nishida
  • Patent number: 6707898
    Abstract: An elapsed time reminder system for a telecommunication network provides elapsed time reminder service to a party participating in a call in the network. A call state processing component processes requests for elapsed time reminder service from the requesting party. An elapsed time reminder interval may be specified by a requesting party, or a default interval may be used. When the service is invoked, a timer is reset to monitor call duration. When the reminder interval is reached, an elapsed time reminder announcement is played to the requesting party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Yigang Cai, Shiyan Hua
  • Patent number: 6700963
    Abstract: To prevent fraudsters from illicitly collecting the authorization number or authorization code, as well as personal identification number, of an unsuspecting authorized user of a public pay phone, the instant invention disables the keypad of the telephone so long as the pay phone is connected to an incoming call, unbeknownst to the authorized user who is attempting to dial out from that pay phone, and the user is detected to have lifted the handset of the pay phone to attempt to dial out. An alternative method of ensuring that the authorization code of an unsuspecting user is not misappropriated includes adding a circuit to the circuitry of the telephone to ensure that a true dial tone is provided when the user picks up the handset. If no true dial tone is detected, the keypad of the telephone remains disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: WorldCom, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6697472
    Abstract: To prevent fraud perpetrators from using a public pay telephone to illicitly collect account numbers, authorization codes or personal identification numbers from an unsuspecting user of the telephone, the instant invention disables the keypad of the telephone if an incoming call is being received at the time that the handset is lifted from the phone by the user. In one method, the ringing signal and the off-hook condition are detected and a control output is provided which disengages the dialing tone generating circuits of the telephone until the handset is placed back on-hook. According to an alternative method, after the handset is lifted, a dial tone is sensed and evaluated by a dial tone discriminator to determine whether the dial tone is likely to be a valid dial tone from a legitimate service provider. If the dial tone is determined to be invalid, then the keypad of the telephone is disabled until the handset is placed back on-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: WorldCom, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jordan, Frank A. McKiel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040032940
    Abstract: A system is provided for cycling encryption keys to prevent the guessing of encrypted presence information in a shared information space. The system of the invention prevents malicious publication of presence information and ensures that only valid presence information is published to the shared information space. A malicious subscriber is prevented from knowing that he/she has been detected while a search is underway to determine his/her identity. During such a search, authorized subscribers are shifted to a new source of presence information while the malicious subscriber remains at the previous source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas A. Gray
  • Publication number: 20040017906
    Abstract: A computer system that prevents unauthorized connection to an undesired telephone number by disconnecting the telephone modem from the telephone line, the computer system includes an operating system for executing a startup routine that connects to a web site; a first mechanism for receiving a command from a web site to take unauthorized control of the telephone modem; and a second mechanism for denying connection to an unauthorized telephone number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Stephany
  • Publication number: 20030219106
    Abstract: An telecommunications access device is disclosed which allows an administrator to set an amount of time per day that a user can access the Internet or use a telephone. The telecommunications access device may be permanently electrically connected to first and second telecommunications lines each of which may include a telephone cord and a plug. The first telecommunications line may be electrically connected to a port of a computer processor. The second telecommunications line may be electrically connected to a port of a telephone jack. The telecommunications access device may include a keypad, which allows the user to enter a user code, which permits the user to access, the Internet or use a telephone, if the amount of time has not expired. The telecommunications access device may include a display, which dynamically displays the amount of time that the user has remaining to access the Internet for a particular day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kirk J. Ferrier
  • Patent number: 6636592
    Abstract: A method for using at least one Bad Billed Number Record (BBN) to detect fraud in a telecommunication system includes the steps of generating the at least one BBN for each call attempt made using a billing product, when the call attempt satisfies any one of a plurality of fraud criteria; storing the at least one BBN in a storage queue for later retrieval; and retrieving and analyzing the at least one BBN to increment a plurality of fraud control counters according to the analysis. A system for using a plurality of BBNs to detect fraud in a telecommunications system includes a network operator service platform (OSP) for generating BBNs based on received call attempts; a network information concentrator (NIC) for temporarily storing the generated BBNs; and a fraud monitoring system for retrieving the stored BBNs, filtering out unidentifiable BBNs, analyzing identifiable BBNs, and generating alarms based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Dean C. Marchand, Arthur Lance Springer
  • Patent number: 6633632
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the number of speakers participating in a call having a speaker counting device that is connected with a network for monitoring calls placed over the network. The speaker counting device samples a call to determine the number of speakers participating in the call. Therefore, the speaker counting device allows the network service provider to automatically determine how many different speakers have participated in a particular call over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: John Bruce Harlow, Robert Sayko, Bruce D. Wycherley
  • Publication number: 20030161456
    Abstract: A method, system, and program for time based regulation of use of a telephone line are provided. An identity of a first caller requesting use of a telephone line is detected. Use of the telephone line by the caller is allowed only if a schedule for the telephone line indicates that the identity is currently allowed for the telephone line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Michael A. Paolini, James Mark Weaver, Scott Lee Winters
  • Patent number: 6611583
    Abstract: A telephone station interface is provided with apparatus for detecting when a called party has or is attempting to patch or bridge one telephone call with another telephone call. The detecting of such bridging or conferencing is accomplished through the detection of tones which are commonly associated with such activities, such as a ring signal, a busy signal, special information tones (SIT tones), dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones or so-called Touch Tones, call progress tones, or other tones that occur when calls are placed. The present invention does not have the capability of sensing clicks, pops, or other audio signals associated with the conferencing of multiple communications circuits. The method and apparatus herein are for managing institutional telephone activity, and utilize a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: T-Netix, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay L. Gainsboro
  • Publication number: 20030156695
    Abstract: A method, system, and program for third party regulation of calls based on the caller and callee pair to the call. An identity of a caller to a call and an identity of a callee logged in to receive the call are detected. A selection of third party criteria for regulating a call between the caller identity and the callee identity are accessed. A communication channel between the caller and the callee is regulated according to the selection of third party criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Michael A. Paolini, James Mark Weaver, Scott Lee Winters
  • Publication number: 20030142804
    Abstract: When a Java application AP originates a call to a certain communication node, a Java application manager JAM refers to the history of outgoing/incoming calls and telephone directory data mentioned above to determine whether the call origination processing should be granted by checking whether the telephone number of the communication node, for which call origination is to be implemented, is included in the history of outgoing/incoming calls or the telephone directory data. The determination is based on an idea in which, if the telephone number of the communication node for which call origination is to be performed is included in the history of outgoing/incoming calls or the telephone directory data, then the call origination processing is valid on a basis of the recognition in that a portable telephone has performed communication with the communication node in the past or the user has recognized it as a communication partner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamada, Tatsuaki Wakabayashi, Dai Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6597775
    Abstract: A predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Fair Isaac Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Lawyer, Alex Barclay, Dirk Englund, Robert Holmes, Dimpy Pathria, Tim Roach, Scott Zoldi