Abstract: In a communications network, data that establishes a network agent's entitlement to network services is stored within the network agent and not within the network. Network services are provided to the network agent by storing network service authorization information and network service usage allowance information within a network agent, which the network agent transmits to the network when network service is requested. The network does not store an account balance for the network agent but instead stores authorization information and actual network service usage information for the network agent.

Abstract: In a telephone network, an incoming call is once received using an automatic voice response. A ring tone is not played immediately after the incoming. In the automatic response, an authorization sound that is necessary every time connection to the caller is made is generated each time by superimposing a background sound on a random number generated through random number generation processing. The caller is notified of the authorization sound. A ring tone is played in response to only incoming calls that return a valid response value, and not played in response to incoming calls that return an invalid response value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for originating a call. The method for originating the call enables a user to conveniently originate a call to a phone number and a web address input from the user. To this end, the method includes the steps of displaying an image and information corresponding to the image, determining if a key allowing connection to one of a phone number and a web address included in the information is input, and connecting to one of the phone number and the web address if it is determined that the key is input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to address-information changing and allows for changing automatically address information registered with a communication destination. Upon receiving a change notification transmitted from a communication terminal device including a mobile phone or the like with changed profile information, address information relating to a source-communication terminal device is changed in a destination-communication terminal device including another mobile phone or the like and a response notification indicating a result of the change is transmitted. Subsequently, the communication terminal device with the changed profile information can change the address information of the communication destination and confirm the changing of the address information. Further, the address information can be changed automatically and the changing can be confirmed automatically.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, one or more methods and/or systems described can transform an inbound call into one or more call streams and/or call states that can include at least one of a contextualized or personalized message, a promotion, a coupon, an offer, a voucher, an advertisement, and an opt-in program, among others. For example, the one or more methods and/or systems described can perform: receiving identification information associated with a telephony device; determining, based on the identification information, a message for the user; and sending the message to the telephony device. For instance, the message can include a coupon or discount for a good or service. In one example, the coupon or discount can be sent via a short message service text message. In another example, the coupon or discount can include a computer-readable image that can be sent via a multimedia messaging service message.

Abstract: A method for providing telephony features at an endpoint includes accessing a service framework at an endpoint. The service framework is operable to provide one or more telephony features. Feature logic associated with a first telephony feature is accessed. The feature logic specifies a plurality of actions for implementing the first telephony feature. The first telephony feature is registered to receive an intercept upon the occurrence of an event. The occurrence of the event for which the first telephony feature is registered is identified. The event initiates a transition from a first state to a second state. The feature logic associated with the first telephony feature is loaded to provide the first telephony feature.

Abstract: A voicemail header is modified to provide caller ID information in connection with the delivery of voice mail. The header may include an audible alert signal as is used in call waiting to alert a caller ID box in the customer's premises that caller ID information follows. The caller ID information is then delivered as FSK signaling information for display on the caller ID display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) and a method for recognizing wanted and/or unwanted telephone calls of a user of a telephone (12) as a function of the user's behavior, wherein device (10) has an interface (11) to at least one telephone (12) of the user and an interface (13) to at least one media terminal (14), in particular, a wireless device [radio] or a TV set.

Abstract: A phone is provisioned automatically when a user couples the phone to a network, with minimal (or preferably zero) involvement on part of an administrator to activate the phone. In several embodiments of the invention, when the user couples the phone to a network, a computer associated with the network automatically checks to see if the phone was previously provisioned. If not previously provisioned, the computer automatically records the existence of the phone in a memory of a telephone exchange that is to thereafter provide service to the phone. At this stage a phone number is not yet associated with the phone. In some embodiments, the just-described acts, namely checking and recording of existence are performed without any involvement on part of the administrator. The telephone exchange provides basic service to the new phone as soon as it detects existence of the phone (in its memory).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for using messages received from a remote switch to detect remote call forwarding. Embodiments utilize call intelligence associated with a database on an SS7 network to receive messages from a terminating switch. The return address of the message may be compared to an expected terminating switch address to confirm that the expected switch terminated the call. Embodiments may further compare a terminating phone number contained within the received message to an expected terminating phone number. Embodiments provide for various call handling in the event that a query is received from a switch other than the expected terminating switch. Such call handling may include terminating the call, recording the call, attempting to identify the called party, notifying proper authorities of the call, and/or the like.

Abstract: Upon receiving a service code from a calling party, a list of parties previously called by the calling party is retrieved. An audio message is generated based on the list, and communicated to the calling party. A dialed input indicating a selected party from the list is received from the calling party. Based on the dialed input, a call between the calling party and the selected party is initiated.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the method for handling subscriber input during interswitch handover of a call from a first switching station to a second switching station, DTMF digits received at the second switching station are sent in a message to the first switching station. The first switching station then performs an operation on the received digits such as playing the DTMF tones to a network or triggering a service.

Abstract: A telecommunications device and/or service enable a user to establish and maintain a profile which is then associated with the user or the user's telecommunication device (the “calling device”). The profile is stored on a profile server that is in communication with the telecommunications service provider. A receiving device receives a call from the calling device and is provided with the profile during call set-up. Some or all of the profile is used in connection with the incoming call on the receiving device.

Abstract: Providing service resolution between a calling subscriber and a called subscriber of a telecommunications network, wherein a call of a calling subscriber device of the calling subscriber includes content for at least a first capability and a second capability and called subscriber device is capable of only a subset of the first and second capabilities. The calling subscriber device requests a call with the first and second capabilities. The called subscriber device broadcasts a signal to at least one peripheral device and requests a response from devices that are capable of the subset capability. A peripheral device responds that it has the requested subset capability. The called subscriber device splits the media received and sends the media corresponding to the requested subset capability to the peripheral device for processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for developing and processing workflows that include communication tasks. A workflow is generated according to the present invention by inserting at least one communication node in the workflow. The communication node associated is with a communication task having at least one property that is resolved at run time. For example, the media type, recipient list, or timing of a communication may be resolved at run-time. A workflow generation tool is provided that generates a workflow based on (i) a user selection of at least one communication node to insert in a workflow, and (ii) a user specification of one or more properties of the communication task, wherein at least one property of the communication task is resolved at run time. At run-time, a workflow engine parses at least communication node in a workflow associated with a communication task and having at least one property that is resolved at run time.

Abstract: A system and method for context sensitive calling is disclosed in which context associated with a call is pulled from a file or database and forwarded with the call. In some embodiments, the context is pulled using a context reference number, and the context may be dependant upon the type of called terminal equipment available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.

Abstract: A service level executable environment (SLEE) in a telecommunications network linking a PSTN and a packet (e.g., IP) network is provided. The SLEE includes a scripting language, a compiler adapted to compile scripts written with said scripting language into executables, and a plurality of dynamically loaded shared libraries, wherein the dynamically loaded shared libraries are distributed over the IP network and executables can utilize dynamically loaded shared libraries from different locations in the IP network.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes determining a customer service plan identifier from information associated with a received call, determining a route plan associated with the identified customer service plan, and routing the call on a trunk group identified in the determined route plan. The method may further include determining a jurisdiction of the call based on a dialed number identified in the call, determining a local routing number (LRN) associated with the call, and using a portion of the LRN to determine the trunk group. An embodiment of a system includes a switch operable to select a route for routing a call received on an ingress trunk associated with a customer that subscribes to a service plan, wherein the switch is further operable to select the route based on the service plan subscribed to by the customer associated with the ingress trunk.

Abstract: A method for scheduling ringing signals for a plurality of subscriber lines includes maintaining a schedule of ringing signals for the plurality of subscriber lines. A plurality of ringing counts is determined. Each ringing count specifies a number of subscriber lines ringing at a selected point in the schedule. A ringing request for a particular subscriber line is received. A position in the schedule for the ringing request is identified based on the ringing counts that does not exceed a maximum ringing limit. The ringing request is scheduled in the schedule responsive to identifying the position. A ringing signal is generated for the particular subscriber line in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide active call concierge services wherein a network tracks users' behaviors with respect to, for example, supplementary services. When a user invokes a supplementary service toward a called party, the network captures this data. The network informs an agent on the user's device that it should prompt the user to reuse the same supplementary service the next time that the user dials the same called party. If the user inputs an acceptance of this suggestion, the user's device automatically appends or adds the service code associated with the repeated supplementary service to the outgoing call setup signal.

Abstract: A call processing system comprising an interface configured to receive a call request for a call from a caller to a service having a plurality of service variations and transmit a first control message, and a processing system configured to process the call request to select a first service variation of the plurality of service variations based on a first preference indicated by the caller prior to the call and generating the first control message identifying the first service variation.

Abstract: A system for providing enhanced history information across multiple clients comprises a call application server having a history system, a telephony system and a history cache. The call application server advantageously maintains a history records for each user of the system. The enhanced history system is particularly advantageous because regardless of the endpoint (e.g., phone, thin client, personal call manager or standalone IP phone) with which the user is interacting, the history information specifically for that user is delivered by the call application server to that endpoint. Furthermore, the call application server allows the user to access history information using end points which heretofore were unable to provide history functionality. Finally, the call application server makes the history records universal across all endpoints with which the user interacts, in contrast to prior art, which had limited call history information specific to a particular endpoint.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods that allow more sophisticated use of custom calling services by consolidating the access to and administration of services for multiple lines and/or telephone devices. Embodiments include a single configuration interface for the calling services on all of an individual's telephone lines or devices, a single system for providing incoming calling services for all of an individual's telephone lines or devices, and a single system for providing outgoing calling services for all of an individual's telephone lines or devices. The present invention also includes features which allow custom calling services for a particular telephone device to be customized so as to interact with the custom calling services on another telephone device belonging to the same user.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for receiving information for a phone call corresponding to a subscriber, wherein the subscriber is subscribed to at least two services. The information is compared to subscriber information stored in a plurality of subscriber profiles, wherein each profile corresponds to one of the services. The phone call is then handled, when the information matches the subscriber information in one of the profiles, using the service corresponding to the profile.

Abstract: Subscriber profile data associated with a communications service subscribed to by a subscriber is managed by a profile management system. The subscriber profile data is stored on a communications network which executes the communications service in accordance with the subscriber profile data. A subscriber request to view the subscriber profile data is received from a client which hosts a user interface configured to allow the subscriber to view and update the subscriber profile data. The subscriber profile data is retrieved from the communications network based upon receiving the subscriber request to view the subscriber profile data from the client. The subscriber profile data is forwarded to the client. A subscriber request to update the subscriber profile data is received from the client. An update for the subscriber profile data is forwarded to the communications network based upon receiving the subscriber request to update the subscriber profile data from the client.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a system for processing a voice service. The method includes: judging whether a PSTN service exists on an access line of a main node; if no PSTN service exists, closing a switch component on the access lines of the main node so that the PSTN service on a branch node is transmitted to an HGW on the main node through the switch component and the HGW converts the PSTN service into a service based on a packet format and transmits the service based on the packet format. When the PSTN service is carried on the PS domain, no information needs to be exchanged with the network side, thus preventing impact caused by the failure at the network side and improving stability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a communications service feature to a party communicating through a network. It is first determined if the party making the communication is a subscriber based on an identifier associated with the party and a local database containing a subset of subscriber identifiers. It is then verified that the identifier associated with the party is in the subset of identifiers that would be included in this local database. For those identifiers that are not in the local database and that are not in the subset of identifiers that would be included in the local database, a global database containing all subscriber identifiers is queried to determine if the party is a subscriber. It can also be verified that the network provider knows the identifier of the party making the communication and that the provider is able to provide the communications service feature for the particular communication.

Abstract: An approach for establishing a communication session according to a subscriber profile that is automatically updated is disclosed. A locator device, which is associated with a subscriber and includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) transponder, outputs geographic information that is transmitted to a communications network for establishing the communication session. The geographic information corresponds to one of a plurality of addresses specified in the subscriber profile to set a current address. The addresses are associated with a plurality of devices adapted to complete the communication session. The one address is designated as the current address if the geographic information corresponds to the one address, otherwise the current address is set to a default address, wherein the communication session is established based on the current address.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include call routing options. In a first call routing option, calls are routed to each phone number in a sequence of phone numbers until a live answer of the call is realized. In a second routing option, the routing of the call is based upon a schedule. Thus, a current time, current day of the week or current date may determine what phone number is called when an incoming call is routed. Routing may also be associated with personal identification numbers (PINs). In such an instance, a caller enters a PIN to identify the caller and the PIN is used to determine what routing profile to apply.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention, a customer of a service provider would be placed in hold while waiting to speak to a customer service representative. The method and system of the invention would recognize the telephone number of the caller using a “caller ID” system. If this call is the first time the caller has ever called, the caller would be presented with an audible listing of listening choices that would include but not be limited to the latest news, the weather (of the caller's location), financial headlines, or a selection of music stations (via cable radio, for example). The caller would then speak or type his/her preference into the keypad and the selection would be played. If the caller does not like the selection, the caller can then speak another selection or type the new selection as many times as the caller prefers. The caller selection is recorded in a caller preference database.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus are provided to detect false answer supervision by determining false answer supervision as either as a function of a number of completed calls of short duration or as a function of a distribution of differences between timestamps of alert signals and timestamps of connect signals used to complete calls, detecting false answer supervision based on the indicator of false answer supervision determined by either functions separately or in combination, and affecting a decision in response to the detecting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for providing notification of an incoming call from the calling party to the called party. The method includes receiving a request to connect the call from the calling party to plurality of end devices of the called party. A profile information associated with the called party is retrieved. The profile information includes data on plurality of the end devices provisioned to be alerted upon connection of the incoming call and on instructions for alerting the end devices in a specific sequence. Additionally, the end devices of the incoming call are alerted in accordance with the specific sequence which would be either parallel ringing order or sequential ringing order.

Abstract: A declarative model for specifying appropriate transformations that may occur at the input and output of each service of a sequence of services that accomplish a more complex task. Each of the services may have access to the appropriate transformation declarations, and may interpret the declarations to thereby be appropriate directed on transforms to occur in its input data and/or output data. In order to change a transformation, the transformation declaration may be altered.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for utilizing calling party personal calendaring and scheduling information to facilitate enhanced directory assistance information. After obtaining a directory number for a called party from a subscriber's address book or from a directory assistance service, a voice services node queries a personal scheduling calendar of the called party to determine whether the called party is currently located at a location other than the location accessible by the obtained directory number. If so, the voice services node may obtain an alternate directory number for the current location of the called party, and the voice services node may automatically place a call to the called party via the alternate directory number or provide the alternate directory number to the subscriber.

Abstract: An approach for establishing a communication session according to a subscriber profile that is automatically updated is disclosed. A locator device, which is associated with a subscriber and includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) transponder, outputs geographic information that is transmitted to a communications network for establishing the communication session. The geographic information corresponds to one of a plurality of addresses specified in the subscriber profile to set a current address. The addresses are associated with a plurality of devices adapted to complete the communication session. The one address is designated as the current address if the geographic information corresponds to the one address, otherwise the current address is set to a default address, wherein the communication session is established based on the current address.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates mitigation of storage abuse in connection with free storage provided by messaging service providers such as email, instant messaging, chat, blogging, and/or web hosting service providers. The system and method involve measuring the outbound volume of stored data. When the volume satisfies a threshold, a cost can be imposed on the account to mitigate the suspicious or abusive activity. Other factors can be considered as well that can modify the cost imposed on the cost such as by increasing the cost. Machine learning can be employed as well to predict a level or degree of suspicion. The various factors or the text of the messages can be used as input for the machine learning system.

Abstract: A method and platform for reducing call blocking in a telecommunications network addresses problems caused by the use of auto-dialers and by mass calling events in the network. When a capacity excess is detected, information associated with excess calls, such as the Initial Address Message (IAM), is stored in an incoming call cache memory. A message may be played to the caller informing the caller of the status of the message. Once additional call capacity is open, the call is connected using the call information stored in the cache. The calls may be removed from the cache and connected on a first-in, first-out basis.

Abstract: A method and system for bridging third parties into calls. When a subscriber places a call to a designated number, such as 9-1-1 for instance, the network will automatically connect the call to a conference bridge and to the called party. Further, the network will automatically generate and send to a designated third party contact person an alert message that will invite the contact person to call into the conference bridge, so that the contact person can listen to the call. Advantageously, the invention may thus enable a close friend or relative to more quickly learn about an emergency being reported by the subscriber.

Abstract: A contacts list for a subscriber is pre-populated based on information received from various data stores, data mining of applications associated with the subscriber, and administrator defined contacts. The list may be further maintained dynamically based on changes to contact information and/or subscriber attributes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for data structure driven authorization and routing of outdial communication services are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises obtaining a call criterion from a request to authorize an outdial communication service call, and retrieving an authorization result based on the call criterion by accessing a data structure that correlates a plurality of authorization results with a plurality of call criteria, wherein each of the plurality of authorization results is selectively modifiable.

Abstract: Providing one or more virtual talk groups to an endpoint includes establishing one or more resources of a user endpoint. Demand of the one or more virtual talk groups is estimated, where the demand is placed on the one or more resources. Whether the one or more resources are capable of satisfying the demand is determined. At least a subset of the one or more virtual talk groups that may be presented to the user endpoint is established, if the one or more resources are not capable of satisfying the demand. At least the subset of the one or more virtual talk groups is provided to the user endpoint.

Abstract: A method of operatively handling data systems that include communications services, particularly telephone and data services. A computer system executes a service in accordance with a data program and also processes log data. The computer system includes databases, at least one containing a predetermined number of transactions in the form of parts of a data program. The computer fetches from a database transactions that together form a data program for executing a service or a processing function. An interface is provided between an administrative part of the system and an all-embracing part, and an interface is also provided between an operating part of the system and the all-embracing part, wherein the interfaces are mutually the same. The all-embracing part has an executing environment such that execution therein and instructions therefrom to other parts of the system take place through the agency of the transaction.

Abstract: When an entity (such as a customer using a communication device 131, 141, 151 . . . ) attempts to communicate with a target (such as an employee), an arrangement indicates to the customer, “status” information describing at least the employee's present and future ability to communicate with the entity (such as by returning his call). At least one sensing device 111-119 is configured to provide sensing information concerning the target employee's status in response to an action of the target employee with respect to the sensing device. A monitoring server 102 is configured to receive the sensing information and to govern communication to the entity (customer) of the target's “status.” In one implementation, a particular sensing device (such as a cash register 111, computer terminal 112, or time clock 113) is configured to perform both (A) a primary function that is not related to providing the sensing information, and (B) the secondary function of providing the sensing information.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to software, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a phone name service. In one embodiment, the invention includes a software application, the software application configured to perform the steps comprising receiving a phone name; receiving a phone number; and storing the phone number in association with the phone name, wherein the software application is associated with a computer readable media. In one particular embodiment, the phone name is alphanumerical. In another particular embodiment, the alphanumerical phone name is not limited to a length of the phone number. In a further particular embodiment, the alphanumerical phone name is not limited to characters corresponding to digit keys of the phone number.

Abstract: Techniques to defer an incoming communication and then schedule a follow up communication are disclosed. A communication recipient can defer an incoming communication and schedule a return communication time. The return communication may be manually deferred by a user and/or automatically deferred based at least in part on availability of a user on an appointment calendar.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for data mining in a communication network is described. In one example, telephony service and data service is provided to an entity via a communication network. Customer specific information is collected for accesses to the entity via the communication network by customers. The customer specific information is analyzed to determine, for each of the customers, an access pattern related to accessing the telephony service and the data service. The access pattern of each customer may be used to help the entity determine if a segment of customers tend to access the telephony service or the data service, and if they do so simultaneously or across different points of time, as well as if they access one service more than another. The entity may use this information to determine if data services actually increase or decrease the need for call agents to handle calls via the telephony service.

Abstract: A method includes creating process data which constitutes at least a portion of the control program and describes the execution contents of the communication functions, and parameter data which constitutes a different portion of the control program from the process data portion and is used to describe individual setting information of user in accordance with the process data, in the center apparatus, sending the process data and the parameter data from the center apparatus to the user apparatus via the communication network, receiving the process data and the parameter data from the center apparatus, then describing input individual setting information in the parameter data to create the control program, in the user apparatus, recording the resulting control program onto a recording medium, and reading the control program from the recording medium and setting the read control program in the communication equipment as requested by the user, in the user apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods that allow more sophisticated use of custom calling services by consolidating the access to and administration of services for multiple lines and/or telephone devices. Embodiments include a single configuration interface for the calling services on all of an individual's telephone lines or devices, a single system for providing incoming calling services for all of an individual's telephone lines or devices, and a single system for providing outgoing calling services for all of an individual's telephone lines or devices. The present invention also includes features which allow custom calling services for a particular telephone device to be customized so as to interact with the custom calling services on another telephone device belonging to the same user.

Abstract: A telephone capable of placing or receiving calls over the PSTN or a packet network. The telephone can store multiple telephone numbers for each potential called party along with preferences that govern the order of selecting telephone numbers to service any given outgoing call. Some or all of the telephone numbers can be associated with a presence service. Presence indicators stored in the telephone are dynamically updated via the packet network connection and are used as part of the telephone number selection algorithm. The preferred embodiment is a wireless system having a base station and a remote device.