Abstract: In one embodiment, a network device enforces entitlement rules based on call control traffic received. The call control traffic is received at the network device from an application associated with a first user for a second user. The network device determines identification information for the first user and/or the second user. The network device then determines an action to take based on an entitlement policy associated with the first user or the second user. The action is then performed. The network device enforces the entitlement policy without any modification to the application to cause the call control traffic to be routed through the network device. The network device is in the call control path but does not appear to be a participant in the call to the first application.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for setting a lock state for a second device in a system, where the system includes a server, a first device in communication with the server, and the second device in communication with the server, the method including: (a) a user setting a lock state for the first device; and (b) the system setting a lock state for the second device in response to the user setting the lock state for the first device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, and apparatus for changing a state of a remote switch box. On a master switch box, a request is received from a user to set a state of the remote switch box to a selected state. A request to change the remote switch box to the selected state is transmitted from the master switch box to the remote switch box. The remote switch box connects a remote phone to a phone line. The master switch box receives a confirmation from the remote switch box of the change to the selected state. The confirmation contains the state of the remote switch box. The state of the remote switch box is displayed on the master switch box.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are described for displaying multiple attributes relative to objects in a network management program. In one embodiment, multiple attributes from a plurality of different standards are coalesced together and the coalesced attributes are displayed by a user interface. These coalesced attributes may be shown in such a manner so that inconsistencies between attributes of objects from different standards are reduced or obviated.

Abstract: Controlling use of a telephone line includes receiving a specification from a first entity that defines one or more supervisory controls on use of a controlled telephone line by a second entity. The supervisory controls specify people with whom the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line, and times at which the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line. An indication of desired communications between the second entity and a third entity at a particular time over the controlled telephone line is received. A determination is made as to whether the desired communications are consistent with the specified supervisory controls. The desired communications are controlled when the desired communications are not consistent with the specified supervisory controls. In addition, the supervisory controls enable the first entity to interrupt existing calls over the controlled telephone line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure telephone call management system for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. Authentication of the users is accomplished by using a personal identification number, preferably in conjunction with speaker independent voice recognition and speaker dependent voice identification. When a user first enters the system, the user speaks his or her name which is used as a sample voice print. During each subsequent use of the system, the user is required to speak his or her name. Voice identification software is used to verify that the provided speech matches the sample voice print. The secure system includes accounting software to limit access based on funds in a user's account or other related limitations. Management software implements widespread or local changes to the system and can modify or set any number of user account parameters.

Abstract: Controlling use of a telephone line includes receiving a specification from a first entity that defines one or more supervisory controls on use of a controlled telephone line by a second entity. The supervisory controls specify people with whom the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line, and times at which the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line. An indication of desired communications between the second entity and a third entity at a particular time over the controlled telephone line is received. A determination is made as to whether the desired communications are consistent with the specified supervisory controls. The desired communications are controlled when the desired communications are not consistent with the specified supervisory controls. In addition, the supervisory controls enable the first entity to interrupt existing calls over the controlled telephone line.

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.

Abstract: A residential phone system allows for local control of call features from any phone extension. The phone system may include a microcontroller that communicates along the phone lines at a non-utilized frequency to several extension phones in a residence. The microcontroller permits each phone to control call features such as call waiting, conference calling, paging, or other features. A control box may be included at any or all of the extension phones to provide a convenient user interface to access the call features.

Abstract: A home network system that makes it possible to build a network with assured security, wherein network users need not have security expertise. For access attempts offered from a home node 21-1 in a community area network 5-1 toward an outside public network 1 through a path N2, a security server 11-1 need not execute an authentication process. The home node 21-1 rejects access attempts directly transferred from the public network 1. The security server 11-1 executes the authentication process for an access attempt transferred from the public network 1 through a path N42. When the authentication is successful, connection of the access attempt to the home node 21-1 through a path N9 is permitted.

Abstract: A residential phone system allows for local control of call features from any phone extension. The phone system may include a microcontroller that communicates along the phone lines at a non-utilized frequency to several extension phones in a residence. The microcontroller permits each phone to control call features such as call waiting, conference calling, paging, or other features. A control box may be included at any or all of the extension phones to provide a convenient user interface to access the call features.

Abstract: A system for preventing telecommunications fraud, the system comprising a database, at least one processor and related software, the at least one processor receives and stores numbers representing terminating ANIs in the database that have generated a fraud alert. The stored numbers include at least a portion of the terminating ANI and at least one variable length character, and are accessible to block subsequent calls directed at the respective terminating ANIs. The at least one processor receives a dialed terminating ANI representing a subsequently dialed call and checks the database to determine if the dialed terminating ANI matches a stored number. The at least one variable length character matches any corresponding character in the dialed terminating ANI. One variable length character may also match one or more subsequent characters in the dialed terminating ANI. A match between the dialed terminating ANI and a stored number initiate a block of the dialed call.

Abstract: A lockout apparatus for controlling communications on a single line telephone system. The lockout apparatus includes a principal telephone connected to a remote telephone network. A switch is connected in parallel with the principal telephone to the remote telephone network. At least one secondary telephone is connected to the switch such that, when the switch is closed, telephonic communications signals may pass between the principal and secondary telephones and the remote telephone network.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system are disclosed for verifying the authenticity of a user before providing the user with a desired service. The process involves first receiving a request from the user. Next, a question set is fetched corresponding to the user. The question set concerns information of a private nature that someone with rightful access to the desired services should know. The question set has at least one question and a possible answer or list of possible answers corresponding to the question. The question is then transmitted to the user along with the possible answer(s). After receiving a response from the user, a record is made whether the response correctly identified the possible answer as being correct or not. Finally, after the number of questions transmitted to the user reaches a predetermined number, a determination is made whether the number of incorrect responses exceeds a certain limit.

Abstract: A device enables a user to block telephone numbers designated by a caller ID device as “Unavailable”, “Out of Area”, and “Private” numbers. And, specified numbers can be provided in a list and blocked. A user can optionally select actions for the “No Caller ID Call Block” situation. In a first setting the telephone line ring can be suppressed, caller ID data read, and a determination made whether to pass or block the call. In this first case, the block will be performed by the telephone line going off-hook momentarily and back on-hook, such that the call is answered and subsequently disconnected. In a second setting, the block will be performed by the telephone line going off-hook momentarily and back on-hook, such that the call is answered and subsequently disconnected. In a third setting, the telephone line ring will be suppressed, and the block will be performed by suppressing the ring of the telephone for the entire duration of the call attempt.

Abstract: In a network system including a wireless mobile communications system, when establishing a connection between a wireless mobile terminal and a host computer connected to a stationary network system, the wireless mobile terminal produces a connection establishment request signal including first information which is required to obtain services from the host computer and then transmits the connection establishment request signal to the host computer. The host computer verifies the first information included in the connection establishment request signal received from the wireless mobile terminal and transmits a response signal back to the wireless mobile terminal only when the first information has been verified. This causes the connection to be established between the wireless mobile terminal and the host computer.

Abstract: Secured connections are provided over a telephone access network using encryption/decryption equipment installed at a customer's premises and at a network facility. For outbound calls, the access network is secured before the destination number or any other critical information is sent over the access network. Inbound calls are routed through a secure center to prevent the identification of the calling party and to secure these communications over the access network. By providing encryption/decryption equipment at the network facility, the system provides secured connections over the access network regardless of whether the remote party is secured. The system also may be configured to provide end-to-end secured connections.

Abstract: A method and a system to meter and control the usage of a telephone. The metering and control functions are applicable for specific outgoing or incoming destination, the specific user of the telephone, the time of the day when an outgoing call is made or an incoming call is received, and the calling time allowed either collectively or per the specific outgoing or incoming destination. At least one list of a plurality of lists is stored. Each of the stored lists includes at least one entry, and each entry includes at least one of a plurality of fields. The fields within an entry contain information that is used by the metering circuitry to execute the control functions. The outgoing or incoming phone number is received and encoded using a codec unit and compared with all the entries stored within the lists. The result of the comparison is used to determine if a match exists between the encoded phone number and one of the entries stored within the lists.

Abstract: Access is granted to a portion of a computing system, such as to a configuration menu of a telephone system. In order to grant access, a password is received from a user. A variable password is also calculated. The variable password varies with time. For example, the variable password varies with a current date and with a time of day stored by the computing system. The password received from the user is compared with the calculated variable password. When the password received from the user is equal to the calculated variable password, access is granted.

Abstract: An apparatus connected to a telephone line automatically detects the presence of modulated data (i.e. modem data, modem carrier signal, facsimile data and the like) that is being sent or received over the telephone line. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as a telephone or the like, and detects a modem signal on the telephone line regardless if the CPE is in an on-hook or off-hook condition. If modem signals are present on the telephone line, the apparatus of the present invention will automatically prevent the CPE from seizing the telephone line (i.e. go off-hook). In addition, an audible or visual indication is provided to the user. For example, a visible "modem-in-use" indicator, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an illuminated LED, or an audible signal such as a "beep" tone, speech signals or the actual modem signal, may be presented to the CPE attempting to go off-hook.

Abstract: An extension-in-use exclusion apparatus is for use in a telephone system. The system has a telephone device, a telephone line, and two telephone extensions connected to the line. The apparatus is connected between one extension and the telephone device. The apparatus has an exclusion controller connecting the line to the telephone device when all extensions other than the extension for the telephone device are on-hook and the telephone device extension is off-hook. The exclusion controller does not connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. A user operable switch can instruct the exclusion controller to connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. The apparatus automatically returns to exclusion mode when the telephone device returns to off-hook. A by-pass allows FSK signals to pass directly through to the telephone device.

Abstract: A telephone switching system is provided for use with an external telephone line and a plurality of telephone extensions wherein each extension has a plurality of "touch tone" buttons which, when depressed, generate an audio signal unique to that button. The system includes at least one internal channel and at least one external channel wherein the external telephone line is connected to the external channel. An on-hook and off-hook detector is provided for each of the telephone extensions as well as a detector for detecting the presence of an incoming call on the external channel.

Abstract: A communication terminal connected to an analog telephone network and has a function for transmitting an incoming call signal with originator identification data inserted. Notification of an incoming call is stopped during a time period from the detection of a first ringing signal of the incoming call signal to the detection of the originator identification data. A user is notified of the presence of the incoming call is notified after the originator identification data is detected and notified to the user.

Abstract: When two or more telephone sets are in use on the same subscriber's loop, their activities may not be properly detected or monitored by the central office switch. The present invention provides a method of and an apparatus for coordinating activities so that call waiting caller ID or off-hook caller ID or other service features can work even if there are off-hook extensions on the same loop. The invention ensures that only one set among a plurality of off-hook sets responds to the switch.

Abstract: A telephone line access control apparatus to restrict access to an outgoing telephone line may be placed in a locked mode to restrict access to the telephone line, or in an unlocked mode to enable full and unrestricted access to the controlled telephone line. The apparatus supports the answering of all incoming calls, and when in the locked mode restricts access to the telephone line by enabling a person to dial only preselected emergency telephone numbers. The invention is configured with a filter, which may be coupled to the telephone line, as required, to restrict the dialing and placing of unauthorized telephone numbers. Another embodiment of the invention is arranged with a plug that may be plugged into a telephone jack in a secured manner so that the apparatus may only be unlocked and removed from the telephone jack by individuals having a key.

Abstract: A communication terminal connected to an analog telephone network and has a function for transmitting an incoming call signal with originator identification data inserted. Notification of an incoming call is stopped during a time period from the detection of a first ringing signal of the incoming call signal to the detection of the originator identification data. A user is notified of the presence of call after the originator identification data is detected and notified to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an off-hook condition on a telephone, the apparatus being connected to the tip line and the ring line of a telephone line, a first potential difference existing between the tip line and the ring line, the telephone line connected to the telephone having a handset. A circuit generates a difference signal representative of the absolute value of the first potential difference. A first comparator, responsive to the difference signal, generates a first indicator signal when the difference signal is above a first value corresponding to a maximum value of potential difference between the tip line and the ring line when the handset is off-hook. A second comparator, responsive to the difference signal, generates a second indicator signal when the difference signal is below a second value corresponding to a minimum value of potential difference between the tip line and the ring line when the handset is off-hook.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, provided is a system allowing a plurality of conforming customer premise equipment ("CCPEs") on a single telephone line to display a third party's caller information while users are communicating with a second party. One CCPE of the plurality of CCPEs is a primary CCPE, whereas the remaining CCPE(s) are secondary CCPE(s). While the users are communicating with the second party using any one or more of the CCPEs, each CCPE detects whether a CPE alerting signal ("CAS") tone has been transmitted by the central office, thereby detecting when the third party is calling. Each CCPE responds by disconnecting the CCPE's telephone from the telephone line. After all of the CCPEs are on-hook, the primary CCPE then goes off-hook and transmits a CAS acknowledgement ("CAS ACK") signal to the central office. All of the CCPEs then wait for the central office to transmit the CID information in response to the CAS ACK signal.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, provided is a system allowing a plurality of conforming customer premise equipment ("CCPEs") on a single telephone line to display a third party's caller information while users are communicating with a second party. One CCPE of the plurality of CCPEs is a primary CCPE, whereas the remaining CCPE(s) are secondary CCPE(s). While the users are communicating with the second party using any one or more of the CCPEs, each CCPE detects whether a CPE alerting signal ("CAS") tone has been transmitted by the central office, thereby detecting when the third party is calling. Each CCPE responds by disconnecting the CCPE's telephone from the telephone line. After all of the CCPEs are on-hook, the primary CCPE then goes off-hook and transmits a CAS acknowledgement ("CAS ACK") signal to the central office. All of the CCPEs then wait for the central office to transmit the CID information in response to the CAS ACK signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a communications network for mobile users, each of which has a personal identification number, includes a network of communications switches for connecting calls between mobile users using the personal identification number as addresses. A plurality of billing authorities maintain service profiles and communicate with the communications switches. Also in communication with the switches are a plurality of location authorities. Each mobile user is assigned to a location authority. Each location authority tracks which switch, if any, each of its assigned mobile users is logged on to and permits logging onto only one switch at a time. A mobile user may subscribe to a plurality of billing authorities and maintain a plurality of service profiles with these authorities. A billing code entered by a mobile user designates a billing authority for a call. The billing authority forwards to the switch, if the switch is not already storing it, its service profile for the mobile user.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive telephone exclusion or privacy device. A conference feature is and am indicator light showing when the line is in use are also provided. The basic exclusion or privacy circuit includes only eleven components, thereby providing a very low cost device. The circuit includes a diode bridge with a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) connected across the midpoint of the bridge circuit. A resistor in series with the SCR limits the amount of current which the SCR can draw from the telephone line. A Zener diode in series with a resistor is connected between the anode and the gate of the SCR and a resistor in series with a capacitor is connected from the gate of the SCR to the second side of the bridge circuit i.e. to the point where the cathode of the SCR is connected.

Abstract: An additional direct inward dialing connection system includes a determining section, announcement machines, and a connection control section. When a direct inward dialing number from a caller is received via an office line or public telephone network, the determining section determines on the basis of the state of a called station terminal whether connection to the called station terminal can be established. When an output from the determining section indicates that connection to the called station terminal is not possible, one of the announcement machines notifies the caller of the reason for connection failure based on the state of the called station terminal. The machine also announces the number of a station terminal that may additionally dialed. When the number of the station terminal is received upon additional dialing performed by the caller, the connection control section connects a call from the caller to the station terminal corresponding to the received number.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring the recording of telephone calls in institutions such as jails and correctional facilities. Calls are recorded automatically in response to the occurrence of specific triggering events, as pre-defined under software control by a system administrator. Triggering events may include, for example, use of a specific line, attempts to use particular features (such as three-way calling), attempts to dial particular telephone numbers, or use by a particular person. Recorded calls are digitized and stored in standard MS-DOS files on either a local computer system or a remote computer across a network. Stored digitized recordings may be selected for playback under software control by a system administrator. The system of the present invention allows control of recordings from within a conventional telephone system. The integrated nature of the system provides cost savings and improved flexibility.

Abstract: A telephone-line dedicating apparatus which is connected between an external telephone-line and a specified telephone-line utilization apparatus such as a telephone-set, facsimile machine or the like and which upon energization causes one or more other telephone-line utilization apparatus to be unable to function connected to said external telephone-line is disclosed. Specially, when said specified telephone-line utilization apparatus is a facsimile machine, any influence on said facsimile machine which is in use, due to noises from the other equipments connected to the same external telephone-line can be prevented.

Abstract: A connector unit (21) for automatically terminating a digital data services (DDS) line whenever a mating modular plug (30) is not inserted into the connector. The connector utilizes a switchable DDS jack (25) that mates with the modular plug (30) for connecting a data-transmit line and a data-receive line of a DDS network (41) to a customer's equipment (45). The connector unit has a maintenance termination circuit (40) with terminating impedances (r, r1, C and C1) and diodes (D and D1). When the plug and jack are not engaged, the maintenance termination circuit is connected to the data-transmit and data-receive lines via the normally closed jack contacts (33 and 34). As the plug and jack are engaged, the plug abuts against and, as movement continues, increasingly opens the jack contacts, causing the maintenance termination circuit to be disconnected from the customer's equipment and to be connected to the DDS network.

Abstract: A system for accessing equipment connectable to a secured telephone communication channel by sensing ringing current on an access telephone communication channel. Ringing current on the secured channel is controlled such that the secured channel does not answer unless the access channel was called within a preset time period prior to calling the secured channel.

Abstract: A telephone extension controller for permitting controlled access of telephone line from one of a given number of extension telephones coupled thereto when each extension telephone is controlled with the same comprising a lock-out circuit adapted to be coupled to a ring wire or a tip wire, the lock-out circuit further adapted for allowing a selected extension telephone of a plurality of extension telephones coupled to a telephone line to control and prevent the other extension telephones from accessing the telephone line when its switch hook is raised, the lock-out circuit including an optoisolator photo-coupled Darlington transistor having a conducting section and a photo-activated section and a Zener diode coupled in series with the conducting section of the Darlington transistor and coupled in parallel with the photo-activated section of the Darlington transistor.

Abstract: A ring trip deciding method in a ring trip circuit detects voltage change in the on-hook state and the on-hook state of a terminal when the terminal such as telephone set connected to the telephone line is called.

Abstract: A telephone adaptor unit for a telephone set connectible, with other like telephone adaptor units for other telephone sets, between the respective telephone set and a common telephone line, includes a first switching device effective, when an off-hook condition is detected, to connect the respective telephone set to the telephone line and to disconnect the other telephone sets from the telephone line, an audio circuit including a speaker connected to the telephone line, a second switching device for enabling the audio circuit to receive audio signals from the telephone line and to reproduce such signals via its speaker, and a control system effective to actuate the first switching device of the other telephone adaptor units to connect their respective telephone sets to the common telephone line, and to actuate the second switching device of the other telephone adaptor units to enable the audio circuit of the other telephone adaptor units to receive audio signals from the telephone line and to reproduce such s

Abstract: A telephone privacy protector for connection to a common exchange line and each one of at least two telephone operated devices sharing a line includes a voice connecting circuit for connection between a respective telephone line operated device and the line. There is a control deice connected to the circuit having an on and off state wherein the control device in the on state permits the voice connecting circuit to operate. There are means for turing the control device on when the respective telephone line operated device goes off hook provided that no other telephone line operated device sharing the line is off hook. There are means for providing a residual charge to the control device in order to reactivate same after the respective telephone line operated device is placed momentarily on hook and then returned to an off hook state while any other telephone line operated device connected to the line is off hook.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system includes a base unit connected to both a subscriber line and at least one branch telephone, and a mobile unit capable of being coupled to the base unit over a radio link. In the event that the handset of a branch telephone is switched on after a speech communication link has been established between the mobile unit and the subscriber line, an alarm may be provided to the user of the mobile unit. In addition, the user of the mobile unit may place the system in a holding state after a speech communication link has been established whereby the base unit and mobile unit maintain the speech communication link, but the mouthpiece of the mobile unit is disabled. In the event that the handset of a branch telephone is switched on, while the system is in a holding state, an alarm signal may be generated and output to a loud speaker at the mobile unit, and the mobile unit may be released from its holding state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telephone apparatus and a method of controlling the telephone apparatus, wherein, where a calling operation conflicts with a call-receiving operation, calling processing and call-receiving processing are performed so that an intention of an operator at a calling side may be respected. A timer is caused to start to operate in response to an incoming signal detected by an incoming signal detecting unit. Where an off-hook operation is detected by an off-hook detecting unit before the expiration of a timer time set at the timer, a line control unit treats the off-hook operation as an off-hook operation for a calling operation. Where an off-hook operation is detected by the off-hook detecting unit after the expiration of the timer time, the line control unit treats the off-hook operation as an off-hook operation for a call-receiving operation.

Abstract: A circuit/device that can be designed into new telephone subsets as well as connected to existing telephones to prevent unwanted telephone extensions from interfering with the controlling extension. The device is operated by a single push-button located on certain or all extensions. When operated from a certain extension, it disconnects all other extensions that are fitted with the same device until such time that either the push-button at the controlling extension is operated again or the telephone is placed "on-hook." The present device has a very simple circuit located at each extension telephone and communicates over an unused yellow wire found in standard 4-wire telephone circuits.

Abstract: A control system has two switches for connecting a telephone device and a data device to a common telephone line. Separate circuits are provided to sense the current flowing between the telephone line and each of the devices. The circuits are coupled to the switches so that when the sensed current for one of the devices exceeds a given level, the switch for the other device is activated to disconnect the other device from the telephone line.

Abstract: This invention is a telephone privacy protector to be interposed between a common exchange line and each one of at least two telephones sharing the line. The device includes a voice connecting circuit connected between a respective phone and the line; a control circuit operatively engaging the connecting circuit, and having an on- and an off-state, and a trigger having a threshold voltage responsive to the line voltage controllingly engaging the control circuit to trigger it into its on-state to provide a voice connection between the telephone and the common line in response to the line voltage exceeding said threshold voltage.

Abstract: A distributed privacy oriented telephone extension system having up to three different kinds of privacy circuits of different capacity for coupling a respective extension phone to the telephone line. Selective user configuration of the telephone extension system effects one level of privacy control and spontaneous user control during conversation to disconnect or reconnect other phones effects a second level of user control relating to the extent of privacy achieved.

Abstract: A speaker of a type having a voice coil wound to a greater length than the length of a magnetic gap into which it extends formed between a pole of a yoke and an annular plate. A magnetic flux density setting structure is provided for establishing a constant value of Bl, where B represents the density of the magnetic flux capable of linking the voice coil and l represents the effective length of the voice coil. The magnetic flux density setting structure may be formed as a tapered surface or surfaces on the pole of the yoke or by a separate tapered plate or plates attached to the annular plate. Further, a metal cap is mounted on the pole covering an upwardly facing cup-shaped body of magnetic material.