Abstract: A method and system for communicating without use of manual contact with a communications unit. The user approaches a communications system and can activate a communications unit by a proximity/motion detector and/or a voice activation device. The person can generate audio signals, such as by voice command, to activate the unit and establish contact. Body movements can also be used to connect to a specific location and/or control the communications mode, such as private, semi-private or conference call mode.

Abstract: A proximity detector (111) is provided for causing automatic callback. The proximity detector (111) causes the called party's telephone (506) to send a signal to the telephone system indicating that the automatic callback may proceed. For example, the detector may cause an off-hook/on-hook event to be sent, or other specific signaling. The telephone system signals the calling party (502), who may then answer the automatic callback and be connected to the called party.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing real-time position information of one party to another party by utilizing a conventional telecommunication network system such as the convention telephone network, a mobile telecommunications network, a computer network, or the Internet. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention allow a caller and a receiver of a telephone call to provide to and receive from each other position information related to the caller and/or receiver's physical location, including address information, GPS coordinates, nearby fixed locations such as a parking structure, etc. Additionally, the preferred embodiments of the present invention allow a caller and receiver to retrieve routing instructions or maps for traveling to or from each other.

Abstract: A method for providing telecommunications services in a telecommunications network. A telecommunications service provider monitors data relating to communications initiation criteria for at least two communicants in the telecommunications network and initiates communications between the at least two communicants if, by processing the data, it is determined that the criteria have been met.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing a telephone connection with a telephone station set located near to a desired location. Participating telephone users submit log-in data containing their current geographic location, their telephone number and a designation of the service or function they provide. Users submit requests specifying a desired location, a range value, and a desired service and obtain a response identifying participants who are currently located within the stated range of the desired location that perform the desired service, enabling the requestor to establish a telephone connection with the desired party.

Abstract: Improved methods and arrangements are provided that allow for dynamic mapping of users to devices in a computer telephony system. The computer telephony system is configured to allow users to select any access device therein, regardless of location or type. The user then logs into the computer telephony system through the selected access device by identifying who they are, for example, by stating their name. Within the computer telephony system, the user's telephony characteristics are then dynamically assigned to the selected access device. As such, subsequent calls to the user are directed to the selected access device.

Abstract: A communications system includes a stationary unit, a mobile unit, and a proxy server. The stationary unit is adapted to send and receive messages. The mobile unit is adapted to establish a communication link with the stationary unit, and the mobile unit is also adapted to send and receive messages. The proxy server is adapted to route messages to one of the stationary unit and the mobile unit based on a status of the communication link between the stationary unit and the mobile unit. A method for routing messages includes monitoring the status of a communication link between a mobile unit and a stationary unit. A message is received and routed to one of the stationary unit and the mobile unit based on the status of the communication link.

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

Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.

Abstract: A system for handling incoming media events based on content and state information. An interface which receives events transmitted via a plurality of media forwards such incoming events into an attribute extractor. The attribute extractor extracts one or more attributes from the event and passes those attributes to a characteristic accumulator. The attribute extractor may, for example, read the header of an e-mail event to determine its source or, for example, employ caller ID in conjunction with voice recognition to determine the identity of a caller. The characteristic accumulator creates a characterization of an event on which a decision engine can base a decision of how the event should be handled. The characterization includes all extracted attributes as well as state information deemed relevant to such attributes. The decision engine will typically employ rule-based decision-making using the characterization as a starting point.

Abstract: In ordinary telephones, a communication partner is called without considering the location of the communication partner and whether or not the communication partner is busy. In the present invention, it is determined whether or not the communication partner is to be called at least based on information relating the position of a communication apparatus possessed by the communication partner.