Abstract: A method for implementing chats that includes: providing a chat feature and chat interface on a webpage; providing two types of the chat resources for generating the text inputs of the chats, an automated chat resource type and a human chat resource type; providing a routing function that selectively routes incoming chats between the two types of the chat resources; providing a first selectable portion on the chat interface that, when selected by a customer, indicates a customer chat preference as to whether the customer prefers to chat with chat resources of the automated chat resource type or human chat resource type; receiving input from the customer device indicating that the customer selected the first selectable portion; determining from the received input the customer chat preference; and routing in accordance with the determined preference.

Abstract: A large-scale radio frequency signal information processing and analysis system that provides advanced signal analysis for telecommunication applications, including band capacity and geographical density determinations and detection, classification, identification, and geolocation of signals across a wide range of frequencies and across broad geographical areas. The system may utilize a range of novel algorithms for bin-wise processing, Rayleigh distribution analysis, telecommunication signal classification, receiver anomaly detection, transmitter density estimation, transmitter detection and location, geolocation analysis, telecommunication activity estimation, telecommunication utilization estimation, frequency utilization estimation, and data interpolation.

Abstract: Technologies relating to enhanced Caller ID information selection for a caller associated with a call and delivery of the selected enhanced Caller ID information to a callee associated with the call include one or more processors selecting, according to selection criteria, one or more enhanced Caller ID information items from a collection of available enhanced Caller ID information items pertaining to the caller that are stored across one or more databases of enhanced Caller ID information.

Abstract: A telephonic system and method alert a called phone of an importance level of a call. The system includes a caller module including a caller user interface configured to allow a caller to assign an importance level to a call and instructions when executed cause a processor to initiate transmission of a data message to the dialed number phone that, when received by the called phone, advises the called phone of the importance level of the call incoming, and then initiates the call to the called phone. The system includes a called phone module including a called phone user interface and instructions when executed cause a processor to determine the importance level of the call based on the data message and provide a signal to the called phone user interface concerning the importance level of the call. A proximity feature system and a reverse proximity feature system are also described.

Abstract: A user who wants to follow a call made by or to a specific entity (typically a person) sends a request to be notified when the entity makes or receives a call. The call is an audio or video call. The call can be based on a specific subject that the user has identified. When the entity makes or receives a call, a call processor detects that the call has been made. In response to the call, a notification is sent to the user. If the user has defined a subject, the system determines if the call is on the subject. If the call is on the subject, the notification is sent. If the call is not on the subject, the notification is not sent.

Abstract: Communication between a first issue tracking system and a second issue tracking system is provided. An integration platform is configured to translate an issue tracking ticket from a form recognizable by the first issue tracking system, which can be a component of a customer network, into a form recognizable by the second issue tracking system, which can be a component of a service provider network. A gateway server is provided to control communications between the integration platform and the issue tracking system of the service provider network.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, a device, and a terminal for implementing incoming call protection. The method includes: determining, according to a frequency for operating a terminal by a user, whether a status of an incoming call protection mode is on or off; if the incoming call protection mode is on, when an incoming call signal arrives, delaying the incoming call signal; and if the incoming call protection mode is off, when an incoming call signal has been delayed and the incoming call signal still continues, releasing the incoming call signal, and when an incoming call signal has been delayed, but the incoming call signal becomes weak or has disappeared, prompting the user that there is a missed call. According to the present invention, a problem of unwittingly connecting or hanging up an incoming call by a user is effectively solved.

Abstract: A method and system including receiving a communication from a source, the communication including a request to connect to a destination, connecting, via a communication link, to the destination, detecting an event on the communication link to the destination, and connecting the source to the destination after detecting the event.

Abstract: A telephone incoming call control unit 21B of a communication apparatus B 20B counts the total number of incoming calls and the number of incoming calls for each communication type indicating the breakdown of incoming call operations, as incoming call history data 21B for each telephone terminal B 30B as a slave unit, retrieves the incoming call history data 21B upon arrival of an incoming call from a certain calling party for the telephone terminal B 30B, extracts incoming call history data on the calling party from which the telephone terminal has received the incoming call, transmits the data to the telephone terminal when the telephone terminal is in an idle state, and causes an indicator 31B of the telephone terminal to display the data. The telephone incoming call control unit 21B thereafter transmits the call signal to the telephone terminal.

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: The present invention is directed to processing calls to busy and Do-Not-Disturb capable telecommunications lines. In one embodiment, the presence of a subscriber accessing a computer network over a first telephone line via a first computer terminal is detected, wherein the subscriber also has a first telephone station connected to the first line. When a caller calls the first line and the first line is busy, the call is forwarded to a second telephone line associated with a call manager system. The call manager system determines when the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network. At least partly in response to determining that the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network, the call manager system transmits a text message to the caller, the message including the subscriber's phone number. The caller can then call back the first line using the transmitted phone number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for providing state information, which bears on the presence of a telephone user, to a presence system. The state information is derived by monitoring events relating to telephony use. Once derived, the state information is directly or indirectly sent to a presence service, which provides presence information to applications requiring such information about the telephone user. The state information preferably bears on the presence, absence, or availability of the telephone user based on their interaction with a telephony device or function. In one embodiment, a telephony switching system is configured to monitor events associated with a telephony device or function and send messages to a presence service over a packet-switched network when the state of the telephony device or function changes. In another embodiment, an IP telephone system is configured to provide state information to the presence service.

Abstract: Method and user terminal for handling a call over a communications network between a first user terminal, usable by a first user, and at least one other user terminal, usable by a respective at least one other user, wherein a client is executed at the first user terminal for participation in the call. The client determines a condition of a respective at least one network connection used in the call between the first user terminal and the at least one other user terminal over the communications network. The client also determines that the call has been dropped, and responsive to the determination that the call has been dropped, the client automatically attempts to re-establish the call in dependence upon the determined condition of the at least one network connection.

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 busy lamp field (BLF) system for remote telephones and a method for the same are disclosed. The busy lamp field system for remote telephones mainly has a plurality of switchboard systems and a XML server interconnected via the internet. Each switchboard system has a PBX and at least a telephone. Each telephone is connected to the XML server via internet and periodically uploads local phone status. The BLF key of each telephone is set to associate with a corresponding specific remote telephone by a subscriber of each telephone. Each telephone periodically retrieves the phone status of the corresponding remote telephone from the XML server displayed on the BLF key of the local telephone. Thus, a subscriber monitors status of a remote telephone and dials out via each PBX in addition to extension telephone of the local switchboard system.

Abstract: As a network control device which controls a call connection between a calling party terminal and a called party terminal, a network control device determines whether the own network control device is in a congestion state when a handover request is acquired from another network control device which is in the congestion state, and stops transmitting a busy tone to a mobile terminal which is the calling party terminal and transmits a ring back tone to the mobile terminal when it is determined that the own network control device is not in the congestion state.

Abstract: Callers of an enhanced communication system are enabled to improve their communication experience by receiving context specific call controls on their peripheral device before, during, and/or after a call. A communication application determines context specific commands and configures/reconfigures call controls on the peripheral device. The peripheral device displays the call context specific controls in different stages of operation and forwards user selection(s) to the communication application without a need to understand the commands of perform actions associated with the commands.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing calls to busy telecommunications lines. In one embodiment, the presence of a subscriber accessing a computer network over a first telephone line via a first computer terminal is detected, wherein the subscriber also has a first telephone station connected to the first line. When a caller calls the first line and the first line is busy, the call is forwarded to a second telephone line associated with a call manager system. The call manager system determines when the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network. At least partly in response to determining that the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network, the call manager system transmits a text message to the caller, the message including the subscriber's phone number. The caller can then call back the first line using the transmitted phone number.

Abstract: A cordless handset receives status information from two or more base units indicating at least one of a waiting status and a non-waiting status. The non-waiting status may further include an internal-line-call status and/or an external-line-call status. The cordless handset may display the status information on a display with the status information corresponding to the base units.

Abstract: The monitor is for monitoring the status of a first client telephone, and for sending this status information via a central server to an authorized second client telephone. The central server stores a database of registered client telephones and corresponding client telephones that the client may monitor. A user of a registered client telephone monitors in real time the telephone status of registered friends, family, or co-workers that have agreed to be monitored by the user.

Abstract: When one party to an active call has momentarily stepped away from the call that has not been put on hold, the other party can record and leave a message for the party that stepped away, and then hang up. The call is monitored for return of the party that stepped away. When the returned party begins to speak, the message is immediately played to the returned party in response. In a conference, after a conferee who wishes to leave the conference, records a message and hangs up, the conference is monitored for either a break in the conversation or conversation directed to the party that left, and in response the message is played to the other conferees.

Abstract: A service to a user is prevented by providing, to the user, at least one communication link used to provide multiple services to the user. The plurality of services are activated over the at least one communication link. Transmission for the prevented service is prevented based on at least one characteristic of the at least one communication link over which the prevented service would be provided.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, comprising storing, within a telecommunications network, contact information for each of a plurality of contacts, the contact information for at least one of the plurality of contacts comprising a telephone availability status; and updating the telephone availability status for said at least one of the plurality of contacts.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method produces a hook status notification. The method comprises detecting an off-hook state, allocating a half-dialog identification, generating an off-hook notification message, and associating the half-dialog identification with the off-hook notification message. In an alternative embodiment, a communication platform is adapted to comprise a processor component operable to receive an off-hook notification message comprising a half-dialog identification, and to store the half-dialog identification. The communication platform subsequently receives a signaling protocol message initiating a dialog, wherein the signaling protocol message is associated with the half-dialog identification. The communication platform then correlates the second signaling protocol message with the stored half-dialog identification.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the state of a structure over a network. The system and method provides for providing the status of a monitoring device to a status file. The status file is accessible over the Internet by computer so that a party can first determine the status of the device. The system operates over normal PSTN's, over cable systems, over wireless networks and over the Internet.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a call completion service for a call between a caller and a destination over a network. Outgoing and Incoming call profiles, identifying enabled call completion services, are associated with callers and destinations, and are retrieved from a database based on the particular caller and destination. The caller and destination profiles are compared to select the appropriate call completion service for the call. In the absence of retrieving an outgoing call profile and an incoming call profile, a default profile can be generated and associated with the respective party to enable determination of the call completion service. The determination is made, at least in part, on the basis of a common call completion service identified as being enabled in both the OCP and the ICP. Additionally, a hierarchy of call completion services can be further considered in the determination of the call completion service.

Abstract: This document describes Toll Free IP (TIP), a business model and its enabling methods to provide no-charge-to-user (“toll-free”) connectivity through IP-based access networks (e.g., public wireless hotspot networks based on IEEE 802.11), which may be operated by different network operators. With TIP, the use of networks to communicate with a toll-free IP destination will be paid by the owner of the toll-free IP destination. A toll-free IP destination can be identified in many ways, e.g., by a toll-free IP address, toll-free Internet Domain Name, a toll-free Universal Resource Identifier or Universal Resource Locator. TIP enables a user to use networks without prior service subscriptions with network or service providers and without any special terminal software or hardware for gaining permission to use a network. It allows users to use more access networks, i.e., larger “footprints”, than any individual network operator or aggregator can provide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solution for managing telephone calls that allows a telephone switch to maintain a connection with one Party to a telephone call while allowing the connection between the switch and the other Party to be disconnected. When the parties wish to be reconnected, the switch re-establishes the connection between the switch and the other Party and reconnects the call.

Abstract: This invention integrates instant messaging, presence, and other collaborative capabilities with conventional PBX functionality through use of a PBX-Messaging Integration Client (PMIC). The invention in its several embodiments features a method and system for using the PMIC-based computer interface to perform off-hook/on-hook presence notification for a PBX phone, establish media sessions concurrent with PBX telephonic communication, execute custom call treatment in conjunction with a PBX phone, implement call transfer capability between a PBX phone and numerous other devices, and provide PBX call control. The PBX is generally enabled with computer telephony integration (CTI) and, depending on the embodiment, a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The invention empowers enterprise workers with a diverse, unified and integrated set of both PBX functions and SIP-based collaboration tools.

Abstract: If an attempt by a first user to contact another party fails, a callback server sets a flag. The callback server monitors terminals that have such flags set and is arranged to transmit an alert to the calling party when the called party next becomes available. However, if at the time when the called party becomes available, the calling party is himself no longer available, being now switched off or busy, an additional flag in the store, indicative of activity by the calling party, prevents a callback alert from being generated until the monitoring process can obtain availability indications in respect of both parties simultaneously. Availability may be determined by factors such as available bandwidth or terminal capabilities. A callback may be initiated when a predetermined number of called parties become available to participate in a conference call.

Abstract: The invention implements specialized resource functions (SRFs) associated with wireless intelligent network (WIN) in a mobile switch center (MSC) of a wireless network. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for handling SRFs associated with WIN in an MSC of a wireless network. In another embodiment of the method, the invention provides a method for handling SRFs in an MSC of a wireless network, wherein the wireless network includes the MSC and a service control point (SCP) in communication with the MSC. In still another aspect, the invention provides an MSC for a wireless network that includes: a switch service function (SSF) process, an SRF process, an SSF/SRF interface, and an SCP interface.

Abstract: A system and method for equipment status data over a network. Equipment adapted for reporting status data indicative of the status of the equipment is connected to a first network A status file connected to the first network receives the status data from the equipment over the first network. A second network is connected to the status file and to a processor. The processor comprises instructions for accessing the status file over the second network, acquiring the status data from the status file, and processing the status data. Based on the processed status data, the processor may take action to control a device or issue an alert. The action taken by the processor is determined by instructions selected by a user of the processor or the equipment.

Abstract: The likelihood that a called party to a telephone call has forwarded the call to another party, or has conferenced the call to include another party is estimated by requiring that the called party supply a first signal, illustratively a first DTMF signal, later requiring that the called party provide a second signal, illustratively the same DTMF signal provided by the first signal, and comparing characteristics of said first and second signals as received at a telephone network node.

Abstract: If an attempt by a first user (3) to contact another party (6) fails, a callback server (1) sets a flag (246). The callback server (1) monitors terminals that have such flags set (25) and is arranged to transmit an alert (27) to the calling party (3) when the called party (6) next becomes available. However, if at the time when the called party (6) becomes available, the calling party (3) is himself no longer available, being now switched off or busy, an additional flag (243) in the store (2), indicative of activity by the calling party (3), prevents a callback alert from being generated until the monitoring process (25) can obtain availability indications (263, 266) in respect of both parties (3, 69) simultaneously. Availability may be determined by factors such as available bandwidth or terminal capabilities. A callback may be initiated when a predetermined number of called parties become available to participate in a conference call.

Abstract: The present invention may include a call controller for initiating third-party call control requests. The invention may also include an endpoint control manager for determining whether a remote endpoint is a simple endpoint or intelligent endpoint. The invention may further include an intelligent device manager for coordinating third-party call control requests from the call controller for endpoints determined to be intelligent by the endpoint control manager, and a simple device manager for coordinating third-party call control requests from the call controller for endpoints determined to be simple by the endpoint control manager.

Abstract: A SS7/PSTN network is monitored with non-intrusive hooks. Upon detecting or monitoring a signal event, combinational services are provided using one or more other communication channels.

Abstract: A gateway includes a transceiver operable to transmit and receive communications to a fixed communication device, and a processor cooperatively operable with the transceiver. The processor is configured to facilitate during a non-alerting mode: detecting when a fixed communication device attempts to connect via the transceiver to a voice over packet (VOP) network service which is temporarily unavailable, and then switching to an alerting mode. Also, the processor is configured for, during the alerting mode: monitoring an availability of voice over packet (VOP) network service; when the VOP network service becomes available, causing the fixed communication device to provide an audible alert via the transceiver and switching to the non-alerting mode.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the state of a structure over a network. The system and method provides for providing the status of a monitoring device to a status file. The status file is accessible over the Internet by computer so that a party can first determine the status of the device. The system operates over normal PSTN's, over cable systems, over wireless networks and over the Internet.

Abstract: A method for providing spectral containment over telecommunications service lines is provided. The method includes selecting a filter having spectral characteristics corresponding to a predetermined passband. The method also includes connecting the filter in series to at least one loop used to provide at least one telecommunications service to a customer. The method further includes activating service over the at least one loop. The filter attenuates signals transmitted on frequencies outside of the predetermined passband over the at least one loop.

Abstract: A system and method for call forwarding between a subscriber's fixed-site and mobility devices. An incoming call is received that is directed to a fixed-site device belonging to the subscriber. When a busy/no-answer condition is detected at the fixed-site device, a subscriber profile is consulted, and the call is forwarded to the subscriber's mobility device in accordance with the profile. A similar procedure is followed for an incoming call to a mobility device, which can be forwarded to the subscriber's fixed-site device.

Abstract: A method for logging Voice Over IP (VOIP) calls from a caller client device to a recipient client device. The method includes the steps of generating a VOIP call from the caller client device directed to the recipient client device; storing identification information associated with the caller client device in server call log resident on a hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP) server associated with the recipient client device; generating an update request at the recipient client device requesting updated call log information associated with the server call log from the HTTP server; transmitting the updated call log information from the HTTP server to the recipient client device; and updating a client call log resident on the recipient client device in response to the updated call log information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing calls to busy telecommunications lines. In one embodiment, the presence of a subscriber accessing a computer network over a first telephone line via a first computer terminal is detected, wherein the subscriber also has a first telephone station connected to the first line. When a caller calls the first line and the first line is busy, the call is forwarded to a second telephone line associated with a call manager system. The call manager system determines when the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network. At least partly in response to determining that the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network, the call manager system transmits a text message to the caller, the message including the subscriber's phone number. The caller can then call back the first line using the transmitted phone number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephone subscriber with data of uncompleted calls. A determination unit detects an uncompleted call by receiving a signal from a telephone switch or by monitoring the operation of the network exchange switch. The switch is then interrogated to provide the call details. The data is stored in a format for forwarding to the called party.

Abstract: The monitor is for monitoring the status of a first client telephone, and for sending this status information via a central server to an authorized second client telephone. The central server stores a database of registered client telephones and corresponding client telephones that the client may monitor. A user of a registered client telephone monitors in real time the telephone status of registered friends, family, or co-workers that have agreed to be monitored by the user.

Abstract: A switchboard apparatus and method for a telecommunications system, for switching incoming calls through to subscribers, with an input device for entering connection data of a required subscriber, a condition device for determining the telephone condition of the required subscriber, and a switching device, which automatically forwards the incoming call to the required subscriber.

Abstract: A communications network with callback completion to public network stations. An enterprise private network (EPN) includes a communications server, e.g., a private branch exchange (PBX) managing communications with communications devices located at EPN stations and is connected to a public communications network. A call completion (CC) server connected through a Parlay Gateway to the public communications network manages callback requests from connected communications devices to public communications network stations. Call completion to busy subscriber (CCBS) and call completion on no reply (CCNR) services are thus made available from the EPN to the public network or networks including a mixture of public and private telephones.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an indication of the busy condition to a calling party on a telecommunications system. The calling party may be the user of a text telephone device such as a TTY device. When a called party's line is busy, the method and system send a text message to the calling party that indicates that the called party's line is busy.

Abstract: A communication exchanger has a memory which memorizes a presence state table for all of users and a forwarding destination table for each of the users. In the presence state table, presence information of all users is registered. In the forwarding destination table, forwarding destination information classified by each presence of the user is registered. Upon receiving a call, the exchanger retrieves the presence information of the corresponding user from the presence state table. The exchange further retrieves the forwarding destination information according to the presence information from the forwarding destination table to forward the call. When the presence information is rewritten, the forwarding destination of the call is changed without rewriting the forwarding destination information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, implemented within a private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system, which cancels or modifies a PBX feature for a telecommunication endpoint, based on activity associated with the telecommunication endpoint. The system comprises a feature/application module for executing the PBX feature. The system also comprises a line monitor for monitoring the activity associated with the telecommunication endpoint and can cancel or modify execution of the PBX feature for the telecommunication endpoint based on activity sensed by the line monitor. The present invention also provides a method for implementing the system.

Abstract: A filter passing only desired frequencies is selected according to a desired level of service for copper lines. At a point of access between a loop plant and Central Office, the filter is interposed in series over a telephone service line to provide spectral containment by restricting the frequencies of transmission passing along the line. The filter is preferably mounted within a 5-pin module used in a protector block at the Central Office or remote terminal facility, interfaces with a 5-pin module, or is placed upstream or downstream of a protector block such that it does not interfere with the operation thereof. Service is activated, and the spectral containment apparatus prevents the transmission of unexpected or unintended services over the line.