Abstract: A ringback replacement system for modifying or replacing certain communications network signals and tones in a roaming, forked-call, forwarded-call, or mobility environment is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback replacement system to allow for modification of the network service.

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 of routing telephone calls is disclosed that includes receiving Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) packets at an integrated access device (IAD) from a VoIP remote worker feature server. The IAD communicates with a first private branch exchange (PBX) located at a first location. The VoIP packets are related to a VoIP call intended for a telephone number assigned by a second PBX at a second location.

Abstract: A caller number is provided to a network element that associates name information with the caller number. The network element receives location information for the caller and provides the location information and name information as a response to being provided the caller number.

Abstract: The method and system guides a user to easily and effectively communicate with a potential recipient via an integrated communication server. The integrated communication server will track and aggregate user presence information about the potential recipient. The aggregated user presence information includes the current state, activity, and/or availability of the potential recipient. The integrated communication server dynamically analyzes and compares the aggregated user presence information with user preference information of the potential recipient in order to identify an appropriate communication method. The identified appropriate communication method is published to the user indicating that it has a great likelihood of reaching the potential recipient successfully in the right way at the right time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing location information associated with a calling party are disclosed. Generally, a query is received from a network element. A location associated with a calling party is identified in response to receipt of the query, and an indication of the location is transmitted for delivery to a called party.

Abstract: A system and methods for telephoning individuals associated with a domain. A current location of a given individual within a domain is automatically determined and the given individual is automatically associated with a telephone extension number based on the current location of the given individual. As the given individual moves around within the domain, the associated telephone extension number associated with the given individual is updated. A receptionist or other individual within the domain may select to telephone the given individual thereby automatically accessing and dialing the telephone extension number currently associated with the given individual in response to selecting to telephone the given individual. If the given individual is not currently located within the domain, an external telephone number associated with the given individual may be automatically accessed and dialed in response to selecting to telephone the given individual.

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 method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple addresses within the first service area and the second service area with multiple addresses within the second service area.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system having at least two communicants (i.e., a caller and a callee), a system and method are presented for collecting information associated with the geographical location of either of the communicants. In one embodiment, the approach entails receiving a geographical location corresponding to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone number, and collecting geographical location information associated with the received geographical location.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a service that delivers location information associated with a caller. The service operates in both wireline and wireless networks, providing called parties with the location information of calling parties who use either stationary terminal devices or mobile devices. The service can operate as a stand alone service or can be a part of a calling name delivery service (or caller-ID service), delivering location information in addition to the conventional name, number, date, and time. The components of the present invention include a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of mobile network users. The system further includes a mapping converter if the location data provided by the network is not meaningful to a subscriber.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for utilizing destination information stored in a database are disclosed. The database is queried for information about a service located at a destination, and location information of a requesting party is determined. Routing information is determined based upon the location information of the requesting party and the destination information of the service. The routing information is utilized to establish a route between the requesting party and the destination of the service.

Abstract: Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (timebased and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3d. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing calendar based routing of communications. Methods include receiving a communication from a sending party to a receiving party, the communication including a communication type. A current calendar entry type for the receiving party is retrieved in response to receiving the communication. A destination for the communication is determined. The destination is responsive to the communication type and to the current calendar entry type. The communication is transmitted to the destination.

Abstract: A location determination system and method in which a database stores details of locations of fixed landline or other communications devices alongside unique identifiers for these communications devices. These unique identifiers may be telephone numbers. The database can be queried to thereby determine the location of the communications device from the unique identifier. This will assist services such as the emergency services to determine locations of fixed communications devices such as landline telephones. The database can be in data communication with a server which can be accessed remotely if required.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to content delivery over a telephone call and provide a method, system and computer program product for delivering targeted content to a caller during call processing of an inbound telephone call. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for delivering targeted content to a caller during call processing of an inbound telephone call can include receiving a telephone call from a caller in a call handling system and identifying a telephone number for the telephone call from information contained in the telephone call. The method also can include determining a location corresponding to the telephone number and matching the determined location to content stored in a data store of content. Finally, the method can include retrieving the matched content from the data store of content, and delivering the matched content to the caller.

Abstract: An interactive communication apparatus has a video signal, obtained by an image pickup device performing an image pickup activity, and which has the obtained video signal sent to another apparatus through a communication device while causing a display device to display an image based on a video signal received from the other apparatus through the communication device. The apparatus includes a storage device storing communicating party information about a communicating party at the other apparatus, the communicating party information including geographical location information and access point information about the communicating party. The apparatus also includes a graphic user interface generating a graphic user interface screen in order to have the display device display the generated screen by mapping an identification image identifying the communicating party onto a map based on the communicating party information in such a manner as to indicate a local time applicable to the communicating party.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple locations within the first service area and the second service area with multiple locations within the second service area.

Abstract: This application describes a system and associated method for routing messages, such as phone calls. The destination of incoming calls may be determined based on a variety of factors, such as the state of the callee's security system, the date and time, the identity of the caller, and the number of recent call attempts by the caller. Potential destinations include all or a subset of the phones associated with a subscriber and outside phones, such as cellular phones operated by third parties. The rules used to route calls may be defined or modified via a web interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to automated call screening, and specifically the utilization of location history of a call recipient to determine call authorization, are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer readable medium embodied in an article of manufacture is encoded with instructions for directing a processor to receive a request from a first device to communicate with a second device. The processor is further directed to determine at least one location associated with the first device, determine an authorization for the request based at least in part upon the at least one location associated with the first device and at least one prior location of the second device, and transmit the request to the second device in accordance with the authorization.

Abstract: Communications are routed in a communications network based on a location of a requesting party. A communication from the requesting party is received. A location of the requesting party is determined using a geographic address which defines the smallest of two of a set of multiple geographic areas defined by multiple available geographic addresses for the location of the requesting party. A communications destination address for the communication is selected, from multiple possible communications destination addresses, based on the location of the requesting party. The communication is forwarded to the selected communications destination address.

Abstract: A system and method for location-based configuration of an information handling system are disclosed. A method may include detecting an available network for communication with the information handling system. Based on at least the detected available network, a current location of the information handling system may be determined. Based on the determined current location of the information handling system, one or more parameters of the information handling system associated with the determined current location may be automatically configured.

Abstract: A system for controlling the presence of a user perceived by contacts is provided. In particular, a rules engine receives a number of inputs related to the desired accessibility of the user, and from such inputs generates a perceived presence for the user that can be used to control how the user is notified of an incoming communication. Inputs may include an accessibility rating assigned to a contact, the physical presence of the user, the user selected desired accessibility level, and environmental factors. The system allows a user to limit distractions from unimportant contacts or while the user is engaged in other tasks, while allowing more important contacts to have immediate access to the user.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to associate a DID/public or non-DID/private telephone number and/or reachable location information with a SIP Enabled Device. More specifically, an embodiment of the invention is directed to providing an additional data parameter comprising alphanumeric data, as a “Display_ID” parameter. The parameter includes information including a DID/public telephone number non-DID/private number and/or location information that is specific to the SIP user endpoint and is different from the SIP URI host address/user information (terminal name and/or terminal number). In another embodiment, a first SIP Enabled Device accesses the local Display_ID and includes the Display_ID in a communication request. A second SIP Enabled Device is capable of processing the incoming communication request, extracting the Display_ID parameter, and displaying the Display_ID associated with the first SIP Enabled Device on the text display of the second SIP Enabled Device.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide foreign call back number compatibility. The systems and methods receive a local telephone number assigned to a subscriber, the subscriber having a non-local telephone number as the normal calling number of the subscriber. Furthermore, the systems and methods query a database with the local telephone number to obtain the non-local telephone number and to provide the non-local telephone number. In addition, systems and methods provide a foreign call back number compatibility database. The systems and methods receive a local telephone number assigned to a subscriber and a non-local telephone number comprising the normal calling number of the subscriber and saving the local number and the non-local number to a database.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for flexible call jumping are disclosed. According to one method, an indication is received from a calling phone for initiating a call with a called phone. The call is established between the called and calling phone. During the call, an indication is received from the calling phone to jump the call to a user selected destination. In response to receiving the indication to jump the call, the call is jumped to the destination such that the call continues between the destination and the called phone.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a telephone call between a calling party telephone and a called party telephone over a wired network. A telephone number associated with the called party telephone is monitored using a telephone status monitor to obtain a status of the called party telephone. The status of the called party telephone is entered in a called party telephone status file that is accessible to a calling party processor over the wired network. The calling party processor dials the telephone number of the called party telephone when an on-hook status is detected by the calling party processor so as to establish a telephone call between the calling party telephone and the called party telephone over the wired network.

Abstract: A user is pre-qualified for a service provided at a particular location. Location data indicative of where the service is to be triggered and a service element are stored. The service instance element is a full customised instance of the service delivery code or other item that provides an association between the user and an instance of the service for which the user is qualified. The user location, as indicated by a mobile entity associated with the user, is periodically checked against the location data. When a location match occurs, the service instance for which the user has been qualified is executed to deliver the required service to the user. An example is an airline traveler buying, from a travel agent, an air ticket having an associated service wherein, the traveler, upon arriving at the relevant airport, is contacted via its mobile device and guided through check-in and boarding.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining a first service area and a second service area for a service provider. The method also includes associating, at a memory apparatus accessible to a networked data processing apparatus, the first service area with multiple locations within the first service area and the second service area with multiple locations within the second service area.

Abstract: A communication system based on a communication protocol such SIP includes a first communication terminal Bob and a second communication terminal Bill, wherein the second communication terminal Bill has a unit, when the first communication terminal Bob receives an incoming message from a source communication terminal Alice, transmitting a substitute response control message to the first communication terminal Bob, the first communication terminal Bob has an incoming message transferring unit, when receiving the substitute response control message, transferring the incoming message given from the source terminal Alice to the second communication terminal Bill and has a response message transmitting unit transmitting to the source communication terminal Alice a response message containing contact information for specifying the second communication terminal Bill, and a call is established between the source communication terminal Alice and the second communication terminal Bill.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes identifying a service provider based on information received from a requesting party at a networked communications apparatus. The method also includes determining whether a plurality of predefined service areas have been defined for the identified service provider. When the plurality of the at least one predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider, determinations are made as whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. When the requesting party is in a predefined service areas, information specified for a service location for the predefined service area is forwarded to the requesting party.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system having at least two communicants (i.e., a caller and a callee), a system and method are presented for collecting information associated with the geographical location of either of the communicants. In one embodiment, the approach entails receiving a geographical location corresponding to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone number, and collecting geographical location information associated with the received geographical location.

Abstract: A call forwarding system forwards telephone calls based on presence information of a user as reported by computing devices associated with a telephone number. When a telephone system receives an incoming call directed to one of the telephone numbers of the user's computing devices, it sends an incoming call event to each computing device. Upon receiving the incoming call event from a telephone system, each computing device determines whether the user is most likely present at that computing device based on the presence information. When a computing device determines that the user is most likely present at that computing device, it sends a notification to the telephone system to forward the incoming call to the telephone number associated with that computing device to effect the automatic forwarding of a call based on presence information.

Abstract: A caller number is provided to a network element that associates name information with the caller number. The network element receives location information for the caller and provides the location information and name information as a response to being provided the caller number.

Abstract: A terminal control method includes device processing executed by using a device that a terminal includes, an application program installed on the terminal, a service definition file for storing user setting required when the application program is executed and a broker for judging the device processing, judging whether or not an item corresponding to user setting condition defined by the service definition file is executed by the device processing and executing processing defined to the application program if the corresponding item is executed by the device processing.

Abstract: A system and method of routing calls in a telecommunications network is provided. The method includes receiving an incoming call for the called party, determining the called party location, selecting a long distance carrier preferred by the called party for incoming calls made to the called party location, and routing the call to the called party using the selected long distance carrier. The system includes means for receiving an incoming call for the called party, means for determining the called party location, means for selecting a long distance carrier preferred by the called party for incoming calls made to the called party location, and means for routing the call to the called party using the selected long distance carrier.

Abstract: A system and method that enables callers to dial a subscription code instead of a telephone number to reach a subscriber of the subscription code. The system includes a lookup table that associates the subscription code with the subscriber's telephone number. The system also uses a routing device that is in communication with the lookup table. The routing device is adapted to receive calls that were initiated by callers using the subscription code. When a call originated by a caller using the subscription code is received by the routing device, the routing device reviews the lookup table to retrieve the telephone number that is associated with the subscription code. The telephone number is then used by the routing device to terminate the call to the telephone number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing location information associated with a calling party are disclosed. Generally, a query is received from a network element. A location associated with a calling party is identified in response to receipt of the query, and an indication of the location is transmitted for delivery to a called party.

Abstract: A method of assisting an end user is provides. A first assistance request signal is received from a communication device. A communication node determines an assistance center in close proximity to the communication device to provide assistance to the end user. The communication node then forwards a second assistance request signal to the assistance center. The communication node receives a first response signal from assistance center. Finally, the communication node transmits a second response signal to the communication device.

Abstract: A virtual private branch exchange (PBX) system that routes calls within a packet-switching network. Login information is received from a data device. The login information includes an alias identifying a user at the data device and a network address identifying the location of the data device on the packet-switching network. The virtual private branch exchange system associates the user's private branch exchange extension with the network address and routes calls to the user's (PBX) extension to the data device on the basis of the network address of the data device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling supplementary service functions, such as group pickup, to be implemented in a communication network having one or more local servers. The group pickup system is adapted to enable one group member to automatically receive or manually pick up another group member's call from anywhere within the network, including outside the local server in a multiserver network. The group pickup system includes an automatic mode unit for enabling the system to pro-actively seek a group member to take a call and a manual mode unit for enabling the system to search for an alerting group member. The system further includes a local connect unit and a remote connect unit to establish local or remote connections to a group member, respectively. A remote search unit enables the system to request a remote search. A queue/dequeue unit is provided for selecting a group member from a group list.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for collecting and maintaining an up-to-date database of points of interests, whereby agents of the points of interests, such as owners or operators of hotels or restaurants, can register their point of interest onto the database by uploading their contact information and physical address. Subsequently, on a periodic basis, the agents of the points of interests may log into the system and update their information, such as operating hours. The collected data is then made accessible to the general public and can be searched through using a variety of search criteria.

Abstract: A location device for associating a physical location with a communications device. The communications device has assigned device identification and uses an assigned network address for use in routing call data over a communications network. The location device comprises a memory for storing location information related to the physical location and a device port for coupling to the communications device and a network port for coupling to the communications network. The ports are configured for communicating the call data between the ports. The device also has a monitoring module configured for monitoring operation of at least one of the ports in order to detect an initialization process of the communications device, as well as to identify the assigned device identification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing location information associated with a calling party are disclosed. Generally, a query is received from a network element. A location associated with a calling party is identified in response to receipt of the query, and an indication of the location is transmitted for delivery to a called party.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining at least one predefined service area for a service provider. A networked communications apparatus receives a communication including a first identifier that identifies the service provider based on input from a requesting party. A determination is made as to whether multiple predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider based on receiving the communication at the networked communications apparatus. A determination is made as to whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas, when the multiple predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider. A determination is made as to which of the predefined service areas the requesting party is in, when the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. Information specific to a service provider location is provided for the determined predefined service area the requesting party is in.

Abstract: A contact number encapsulation system is disclosed that is operable to consolidate a plurality of contact numbers associated with a given user into a single contact number. The system includes a call processing application that uses information contained in a SIP message header to determine a list of contact numbers to call. The SIP message header contains a call destination indication that is used by the call processing application to retrieve the list of contact numbers. The list of contact numbers is user defined and may be updated or modified by an account holder at any given time. Once the list of contact numbers is obtained, a simultaneous call module is used to simultaneously call each number contained in the list. As such, the account holder only needs to provide the primary contact number to individuals desiring to reach him/her instead of various numbers that are associated with various locations the account holder may be located.

Abstract: A system and method for providing location information is provided. The system may include a communication device. The communication device may include a communication interface to receive a notice of an incoming communication. The communication device may also include a display to display a representation of a present location of a calling party and to display a representation of a location of the communication device.

Abstract: A method for location-based communications routing includes determining a location of a requesting party in accordance with an address of the requesting party. Whether the location of the requesting party is in a first subscriber service area is determined and, when the location of the requesting party is not in the first subscriber service area, whether the location of the requesting party is in a second expanded subscriber service area larger than and including the first subscriber service area is determined. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the first subscriber service area, data corresponding to the first subscriber area is forwarded. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the second expanded subscriber service area, data corresponding to the second expanded subscriber service area is forwarded.

Abstract: A method and system to verify the identity of a user are described. The system may include a communications module to receive a telephone number and a plurality of digits; an address detector to obtain a geographical address associated with a user, based on the telephone number; and a business rules engine to determine whether the plurality of digits correspond to at least a portion of the social security number of the user, utilizing the obtained geographical address and the received plurality of digits.