Abstract: A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box.

Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus are disclosed for event notification. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence services system (PSS) (102) can have a controller (104) that manages operations of a communications interface (110). The controller can be programmed to monitor (302) presence information of a plurality of communication devices of an end user operating in a communications system, and receive (316) a request from a calendar reminder system (CRS) for access to the presence information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, presenting computer datacenter information comprises a server computer system that is coupled to a plurality of internetworking devices. The plurality of internetworking devices is configured to emit device location information. The server computer system receives the device location information from one or more internetworking devices, where the device location information is based on a particular proximity to a mobile computing device. The server computer system determines a geo-location and proximity of the mobile computing device relative to the one or more internetworking devices. The server computer system then selects device related information for a particular internetworking device, of the one or more internetworking devices, that has closest proximity to the determined geo-location of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A method for a device to label a number is disclosed. The method includes: receiving an application identification of a service application and an unknown number sent from a calling terminal, the unknown number being a telephone number provided to a user by the service application, and the calling terminal invoking a telephone application through the service application to call the unknown number; acquiring an application type of the service application according to the application identification; and labeling the unknown number according to the application type.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, via a network, first location information associated with a location of a mobile user device; determining that the first location information corresponds to a first area that is within a perimeter of one or more geo-fenced locations associated with a service provider; identifying media content associated with the one or more geo-fenced locations; obtaining an identifier associated with the mobile user device; determining whether user-specific criteria is associated with the identifier; providing, by the service provider and while the mobile user device is located within the perimeter, access to the identified media content responsive to determining that no user-specific criteria is associated with the identifier; applying, responsive to determining that user-specific criteria is associated with the identifier, the user-specific criteria to the identified media content to generate personalized media content; and providing, by the service provider, access to the personalized media c

Abstract: The disclosure provides a natural language query system and method for processing and analyzing multimodally-originated queries, including voice and proximity-based queries. The natural language query system includes a Web-enabled device including a speech input module for receiving a voice-based query in natural language form from a user and a location/proximity module for receiving location/proximity information from a location/proximity device. The query system also includes a speech conversion module for converting the voice-based query in natural language form to text in natural language form and a natural language processing module for converting the text in natural language form to text in searchable form. The query system further includes a semantic engine module for converting the text in searchable form to a formal database query and a database-look-up module for using the formal database query to obtain a result related to the voice-based query in natural language form from a database.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for extending alerts for a wireless device. In one embodiment, a method for extending alerts for a wireless device includes linking the wireless device through a wireless connection with a wireless ringer module; wherein the wireless ringer module is removably coupled to a device having an interface for receiving and coupling with the wireless ringer module. The method further includes transmitting a signal to the wireless ringer that triggers an alert feature of the wireless ringer for notifying a user of an incoming communication in response to the wireless device receiving an indication of an incoming communication.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling financial transactions is disclosed. A customer, using a wireless device, identifies a point of sale and the amount of a transaction at that point of sale is first communicated to a central service and then transmitted to the wireless device for display at the wireless device. The customer can either accept the transaction amount to complete the transaction or reject the amount to cancel the transaction. The customer may have to enter a password or personal identification number to verify the authorization to use the wireless financial system. The customer is billed for the transaction via credit, debit, ATM or other methods, such as the wireless carrier or an internet provider.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling financial transactions is disclosed. A customer, using a wireless device, identifies a point of sale and the amount of a transaction at that point of sale is first communicated to a central service and then transmitted to the wireless device for display at the wireless device. The customer can either accept the transaction amount to complete the transaction or reject the amount to cancel the transaction. The customer may have to enter a password or personal identification number to verify the authorization to use the wireless financial system. The customer is billed for the transaction via credit, debit, ATM or other methods, such as the wireless carrier or an internet provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing information about stations of a communication system, and more particularly information of stations (1) that are located within a defined area (5). A search can be triggered in a location information service for information concerning wireless stations within the defined area. At least one such access entity (20, 21, 23, 24) of the communication system is selected that covers partially or entirely the defined area. A location information request is subsequently generated and broadcast in the selected access entities. A response including information concerning wireless stations within the defined area is generated and signalled to the location information service. According to another aspect the system is adapted to provide services for those stations only that have been determined to be located within the defined area.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a vehicle computing system, a notification that an incoming communication is being sent to a wireless device in communication with the vehicle computing system. The method also includes determining that a do not disturb function is active in the vehicle computing system and blocking a notification to a driver regarding the incoming communication. Finally, this method includes sending a command from the vehicle computing system to the wireless device to silence any notification that the wireless device provides in conjunction with the incoming communication.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems for providing called party initiated priority marking are provided. The method includes receiving a request from a called party to mark a telephone call currently in session as a priority telephone call. The telephone call is initiated by a calling party and received by the called party. It is determined if the called party has authorization to mark the telephone call as a priority telephone call. The telephone call is marked as a priority telephone call if it is determined that the called party has authorization to mark the telephone call as a priority telephone call.

Abstract: In a call center, a caller's geographical position may be mapped together with a geographical position of a call agent allocated to handle the call. A map may display tags depicting the respective positions of the caller and the call agent with a visual link indicating the call connection. The call agent may be selected dependent on the relative proximity to the caller.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to admission control of a communication session in a network. The admission control can be implemented by a network node at the boundary of the network or a subsystem thereof. In one aspect, the admission control can be implemented during a predetermined period and can be based at least on an admission criterion, which can be specific to an end-point device, e.g., a target device or an origination device. The admission criterion can be configurable and, in certain implementations, it can be obtained from historical performance associated with establishment of communication session. Such historical performance can be assessed within a period of a configurable span.

Abstract: A telephone communication control apparatus is provided that ensures a user to be reached by a person who is calling the user without requiring the user to open a number, which identifies the user, to the party. The apparatus includes a registry in which at least status information that indicates status of each of a number of members is registered, wherein the number of members share a fixed telephone terminal and respectively have communication terminals. The apparatus includes— an authentication unit that authenticates a calling subscriber number of a call based on calling subscriber information in which calling subscriber numbers approved to have a session with the members are indicated when the call is made to the number of the fixed telephone terminal. The apparatus includes— a transfer control unit that transfers the call that is authenticated at the authentication unit to a communication terminal based on the information in the registry.

Abstract: An architecture and method of voicemail based on session initiated protocol presence and location information of a callee is disclosed. A method of providing voicemail includes determining a location and a presence of a callee, and playing a customized voicemail greeting to a caller based on preferences defined by the callee and also based on at least one of the location and the presence.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing cross-platform presence are described. In some implementations, a cross-platform presence server can be provided that allows a caller to accurately assess the availability and other similar status of a callee by evaluating a device status of a plurality of communication devices associated with the callee. The cross-platform presence server can then determine, based on these device statuses, whether a callee is available. The availability of the callee can subsequently be displayed to the caller (e.g., on the caller's phone), or any other individuals who have been granted permission by the callee to be notified of the callee's availability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using caller data to add a phone number to an outbound-call list. In one aspect, a method involves (i) a record manager receiving caller data corresponding to a phone-call; (ii) responsive to the record manager receiving the caller data, the record manager retrieving from a data storage, a first school-record corresponding to the received caller data, wherein the first school-record is associated with a second school-record; (iii) the record manager retrieving the second school-record; (iv) the record manager making a determination that the first school-record is associated with a closed operational-status; and (v) responsive to the record manager making the determination that the first school-record is associated with the closed operational-status, the record manager causing an administrator phone-number corresponding to the second school-record to be added to an outbound-call list associated with a workstation terminal.

Abstract: The present invention monitors call signaling events stemming from a circuit-switched call between a caller and a called party and controls a packet-session between user agents on respective endpoints associated with the caller and called party. The endpoints may include any type of computational device capable of facilitating the packet-session over a packet-switched network. Control of the user agents may be provided via a proxy for the user agents and may use the session initiation protocol (SIP), or like session control protocol for communications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of routing a call made by a calling party to a fixed telephone number of a called party, wherein the call is routed to one or more mobile terminals (34) via an Internet Protocol network (12) and a wireless access point (10) associated with the fixed telephone number if the one or more mobile terminals (34) are located in an area covered by the wireless access point (10), or to an alternative terminating point if the one or more mobile terminals (34) are located outside the area. A specific Service Control Point is arranged to store a list that comprises alternative terminating points for the calls to the fixed number.

Abstract: A method comprising determining that a phone call has been answered, missed, or terminated, generating an indication of the phone call being answered, missed, or terminated at a graphical user interface, and determining one or more contextual identifiers associated with the phone call. The contextual identifiers may include metadata associated with the phone call, and may be based on data associated with at least one of data generated indications and data received by the computing device from a first input at the graphical user interface associated with the computing device. The method further includes storing the contextual identifiers in association with the indication of the phone call in a data structure that includes other contextual identifiers associated with other indications of phone calls. The contextual identifiers and the other contextual identifiers included in the data structure are searchable.

Abstract: What is addressed is the problem of dialing telephone numbers stored in the memory of a telephonic device at inopportune and/or inappropriate times for the contacts in question. A telephonic device's database may incorporate means for flagging selected contacts or contact phone numbers for calling-confirmation step(s) to prompt the user to ensure that an outgoing call is appropriate. Alternatively, a contact's local time and/or local time zone may be displayed when browsing a contacts list and/or upon call-initiation to the contact. The proposed solutions encompass communication devices that use buttons, switches, dials, wheels, joysticks, track sticks, trackballs, keypads, keyboards, touchpads, touch screens, voice-recognition commands, biometric-authentication devices, other input technology, or any combination thereof, and wired and wireless communication device accessories.

Abstract: In a call center, a caller's geographical position may be mapped together with a geographical position of a call agent allocated to handle the call. A map may display tags depicting the respective positions of the caller and the call agent with a visual link indicating the call connection. The call agent may be selected dependent on the relative proximity to the caller.

Abstract: A communication transfer apparatus and a communication transfer method can transfer communications at low cost without the need of requesting a global IP network to switch any port number. The local internet protocol address of the origin terminal of transfer described in a record relating to a transfer out of the records of the masquerade table that is utilized for an internet protocol masquerade is rewritten as the local internal protocol address of the destination terminal of transfer, while maintaining the global port number of the record.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting current presence and/or determining capabilities of subscribers, and enabling users of communication devices to initiate communication sessions with other communication devices of selected ones of the subscribers, in selected manners, based at least in part on current presence and/or capabilities of the other subscribers, are described herein. In various embodiments, the initiating is performed without or substantially without further input from an initiating user on the other communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and a communication device for establishing a communication transmission (ALTV), wherein upon detecting an original signaling (SIGRA) directed from a first terminal (EG2) to a second terminal (EG2) within the scope of an establishment of a connection, the second terminal (EG2) being addressed via a target address associated with the second terminal (EG2), it is recorded in what quantity further signalings (SIGRA) having the same sender address specifying the first terminal (EG1) and the same target address are detected within the scope of further attempts to establish a connection. An evaluation of time information is carried out with regard to the times of the detection of the detected original signaling (SIGRA) and the detected further signalings (SIGRA) in relation to at least one predetermined time period.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a profile server creates a profile that includes profile data and is associated with a first subscriber device. A second subscriber device receives an incoming call from the first subscriber device and queries the profile server for a profile associated with the first subscriber device. The profile server determines that the profile data is authorized for distribution to the second subscriber device, and thereby transmits the profile data in response to the received query and based on the determined authorization.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for scheduling and initiating calls. For example, a request for a prospective call between a caller and a callee can be received via a server. The prospective call can be electronically added to call lists associated respectively with the caller and the callee. In response to a determination that both the caller and the callee are available, a call between a caller device and a callee device can be automatically initiated.

Abstract: A probability that one or more contacts may be selected is determined. The probability that one or more contact may be selected may be determined based on one or more information types stored in a device and which may be used by a prediction engine module to determine the probability that one or more contacts may be selected by a user. Such information types may include location information of the user and location information associated with contacts in a contact list; distance to a particular location; time, both absolute and relative to times associated with calendar entries, and the like. High probability contacts may be assembled and displayed in a predictive contact list.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a call processing element in a communication system having a controller to detect an incoming call directed to a called party, retrieve presence information associated with a plurality of communication devices of the called party, retrieve presence information of a calling party initiating the incoming call, and determine from the presence information of the called party, the presence information of the calling party, and a call processing profile of the called party how to respond to the incoming call. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The communication device comprising a pin-point location notifying implementer, a geographic area notifying implementer, a location dependent program activating implementer, a multiple answering machine implementer, a time dependent answering machine implementer, an audiovisual storage implementer, a street address icon displaying implementer, and an audiovisual multiple recording/replaying implementer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using caller data to add a phone number to an outbound-call list. In one aspect, a method involves (i) a record manager receiving caller data corresponding to a phone-call; (ii) responsive to the record manager receiving the caller data, the record manager retrieving from a data storage, a first school-record corresponding to the received caller data, wherein the first school-record is associated with a second school-record; (iii) the record manager retrieving the second school-record; (iv) the record manager making a determination that the first school-record is associated with a closed operational-status; and (vi) responsive to the record manager making the determination that the first school-record is associated with the closed operational-status, the record manager causing an administrator phone-number corresponding to the second school-record to be added to an outbound-call list associated with a workstation terminal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to provide protection against a solicitation for information during a telephone call is described. A telephone call connection between a target device and a source device is monitored. A determination is made when sensitive information is provided via the target device. Characteristics of the source device are compared with characteristics stored in a first database. A warning message is generated based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing a communications line associated with two or more users. These methods and systems include receiving first user line management information regarding handling of calls to the communications line from one or more contacts in a first address book, the first address book associated with the first user. Further, these methods and systems include receiving second user line management information regarding handling of calls to the communications line from one or more contacts in a second address book, the second address book associated with the second user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing cross-platform presence are described. In some implementations, a cross-platform presence server can be provided that allows a caller to accurately assess the availability and other similar status of a callee by evaluating a device status of a plurality of communication devices associated with the callee. The cross-platform presence server can then determine, based on these device statuses, whether a callee is available. The availability of the callee can subsequently be displayed to the caller (e.g., on the caller's phone), or any other individuals who have been granted permission by the callee to be notified of the callee's availability.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an audio representation of a name includes providing a list of a plurality of users of a network and respective presence information regarding each of the plurality of users; receiving a request from an endpoint to receive an audio representation of a name of a particular user of the plurality of users, and providing the audio representation to the endpoint. Moreover, the audio representation of the name at least generally approximates a pronunciation of the name as pronounced by the particular user.

Abstract: Communication requests added to a conversation are routed directly to a user without following the pre-configured routing rules for the user during a breakthrough period. The breakthrough period may last for the duration of the conversation or for some other period of time. A conversation may be initiated using any supported type of communication. For example, if a user initially sets up an IM conversation with a remote user, then when a voice call is made to the user from the remote user, the voice call is routed directly to the user without applying the routing rules that are configured for the user. Once the breakthrough period has elapsed, the routing rules become active again and are applied to communications received from the remote user that are directed to the user.

Abstract: Receiving a request from a device for an incoming call to a called number. Obtaining presence information of the called party. Presenting the obtained information via the calling device. Presenting action option(s) including an option to proceed with the call. Receiving an action choice corresponding to proceed with the call. Presenting a request for credentials to the calling party. Receiving credentials corresponding to a calling party permitted to continue with the call. Proceeding with the call.

Abstract: A method of and system for filtering telephone calls receives a call to a called party from a caller and determines if the called party has an event scheduled. If the called party has an event scheduled, the system determines if the caller is associated with the event. The system completes the call if the caller is associated with the event. The system sends the call to voice mail if the caller is not associated with said event unless the caller is on an exception list associated with the event, in which case the system completes the call. The system completes the call if it is determined that said called party does not have an event scheduled.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a call processing element in a communication system having a controller to detect an incoming call directed to a called party, retrieve presence information associated with a plurality of communication devices of the called party, retrieve presence information of a calling party initiating the incoming call, and determine from the presence information of the called party, the presence information of the calling party, and a call processing profile of the called party how to respond to the incoming call. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A callee confirmation unit is disposed in a proxy response telephone so as to determine whether a call to the proxy response phone is one addressed to a subject number or one to a transfer destination. Upon determination of the call to the transfer destination, the call is received while identifying a callee number to allow for use in a multi-user environment.

Abstract: A method for playing a Ring Back Tone (RBT) in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is disclosed. The method includes: after the network receives an RBT playing request, obtaining the current status information of the called user; determining an RBT ID corresponding to the called user ID and the current status information of the called user according to the corresponding relationship; and playing the RBT to the calling user. A system and Multimedia Ring Back Tone Application Server (MRBT AS) for playing an RBT in the IMS network are also provided. An RBT may be selected and played to the calling user according to the current status of the called user.

Abstract: A system is provided for use by a caller placing a call with a calling device over a communications network linking a plurality of call destinations. The system includes a call-destination information source containing one or more call-destination characteristics associated one or more call destinations. The system further includes a processing unit communicatively linked to the call-destination information source. The processing unit generates one or more call-destination character indicators based on the one or more call-destination characteristics. A call-destination character indicator is generated in response to the system receiving call-destination identifier that identifies a particular call destination.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for enabling missed call information to be accessed from a remote device via a packet network. Specifically, the method comprises receiving missed call information associated with a called party, storing the missed call information and transmitting the missed call information towards a remote device associated with the called party via a packet network.

Abstract: In one embodiment, interworking procedures between H.323 and SIP ensure that in-band tones and announcements, along with local and remote ringback, are properly played or generated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products process a call from a calling number to a called number. When the call is received, processing of the call is suspended. A database is queried for the calling number and the called number. A network address associated with the calling number and with the called number is retrieved. An intended recipient of the call is also retrieved from the database. A notification message is sent to the network address, and the notification message includes the calling number and the intended recipient of the call. Processing of the call is resumed.

Abstract: A system may include a locator device to track a location of a user, store information identifying locations of a group of telephone devices, and identify one telephone device of the group of telephone devices based on the location of the one telephone device and the location of the user in response to an incoming telephone call request for the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a telecommunications subscriber. According to the method, a call from a second telecommunications device (MFG2) of a second telecommunications subscriber is first signaled to a first telecommunications device (MFG1) of a first telecommunications subscriber. Device information (GI1), which indicates the type of subscriber data that the first telecommunications device is configured to process, is then sent from a first to a second telecommunications device. Subscriber data (TD2) is subsequently transmitted from the second to the first telecommunication device, in accordance with the information from the first device. It is also conceivable that device information (GI2) can be transmitted from the second to the first telecommunications device, in accordance with which subscriber data (TD1) can finally be transmitted from the first to the second telecommunications device.

Abstract: The present invention monitors call signaling events stemming from a circuit-switched call between a caller and a called party and controls a packet-session between user agents on respective endpoints associated with the caller and called party. The endpoints may include any type of computational device capable of facilitating the packet-session over a packet-switched network. Control of the user agents may be provided via a proxy for the user agents and may use the session initiation protocol (SIP), or like session control protocol for communications.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for displaying a geographic location associated with an incoming call being received on a mobile device are provided. The mobile device has a user interface that provides a call screen to the user for identifying a phone number associated with the incoming call, and for displaying data including the geographic location associated with the incoming call. The geographic location is resolved by identifying a geographic location associated with a contact entry in the address book of the mobile device, or by comparing the area code of the phone number of the incoming call in a list of area codes and associated geographic location to find a match corresponding to the area code of the incoming call.