Automatic Number Identification Or Calling Number Identification (ani Or Clid) Patents (Class 379/207.15)
  • Patent number: 8666046
    Abstract: Method for providing caller information during a telephony ringing signal, including the procedures of storing caller information, associated with at least one of a caller and a callee, on a caller information server, installing a client application on a callee device, dialing a callee device CLI by the caller, identifying a caller device CLI by the callee device, contacting the caller information server by the callee device and providing the caller information server with at least one of the caller device CLI and the callee device CLI, retrieving, by the callee device, from the caller information server the caller information associated with at least one of the caller and the callee according to at least one of the caller device CLI and the callee device CLI, and presenting, on the callee device, the retrieved caller information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Logodial Ltd
    Inventors: Saadia Ozeri, Eliahou Orr
  • Patent number: 8660253
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes presenting, at a first communication device, first location information after an incoming communication is answered. The first location information corresponds to a first location of the first communication device. The method further includes presenting updated first location information, at the first communication device, prior to the incoming communication being terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Millard, Ryan McKenney
  • Patent number: 8654948
    Abstract: A telephone fraud prevention system is provided. A fraud application server is in communication with a fraud database and a switch that determines which calls are sent to the fraud application server. A policy function may be integrated with existing fraud detection and correlation systems. When a call is originated and authentication fails, whether that's through a PIN, voice recognition, etc., the fraud application server sends a message indicating that this customer has failed to authenticate. After a number of authentication failures, evidence of high-risk calling is determined. Instead of reactively dealing with the fraud, the risk has been captured at the fraud application server and the switch blocks potential damage from that call and from that user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Dement, Todd Kechter, Michael Anthony Clark
  • Patent number: 8654938
    Abstract: When a call from a call terminal to a called terminal is received, a relay processing device transmits calling terminal specific information that specifies the calling terminal to the called terminal by using data communication. The calling terminal specific information, for example, is a phone number of the calling terminal, but may be a user's name of the calling terminal. The called terminal transmits to the relay processing device, connection information that indicates whether or not to respond to the call from the calling terminal. The transmission of the connection information may be performed by any one of voice communication and data communication. The relay processing device connects the phone call between the called terminal and the calling terminal or cuts off the connection between the calling terminal and the relay processing device according to the connection information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akihisa Kurashima
  • Patent number: 8634535
    Abstract: A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication system comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the calling entity and a first and second identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identities are recognizable in the first network and the second identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the second network the first identities with the second identity; establishing a connection between the calling entity and a second node; wherein the connection with second node is established using the first identity associated with the called entity; querying the first node with the first identity associated with the called entity and the first identity associated with the calling entity to determine the second identity associated with the called entity; and transmitting the communication event to the called entity using t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventors: Madis Kaal, Andres Kütt, Mart Oruaas, Asko Seeba, Taavet Hinrikus
  • Patent number: 8611894
    Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating access to a communication session for a client is provided. The method may comprise obtaining one or more call plan proposals, receiving a destination phone number for making a call on a wireless communications device (WCD) when the WCD is in a source country, determining the source country from which the call is to be made, determining a destination country code of the destination phone number, identifying each of the one or more call plan proposals available to the WCD in the source country, selecting a call plan proposal from the identified available call plan proposals, generating a destination number string, and executing the call using the destination number string. The destination number string can comprise the destination phone number combined with the destination country code and the country access code and the discount identifier code of the selected call plan proposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Itay Ben-Shaul, Baruch Eruchimovitch
  • Patent number: 8600029
    Abstract: In a caller information notifier system, a calling terminal transmits a calling signal having a phone number for callback inserted which is different from the phone number of the calling terminal. When a callback is tried from a called terminal, a communication network server, where the calling signal passes, determines the relationship between the phone number of the calling terminal and the phone number for callback inserted in the calling signal to authenticate the phone number for callback. A terminal which receives the calling signal extracts the phone number for callback from the calling signal and keeps the extracted number as a callback phone number. The callback phone number is, for instance, an FMC service number. The probability of success in reaching a caller is thereby increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Chida
  • Patent number: 8582746
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing incoming and outgoing call information in a mobile communication terminal. A display unit displays detailed incoming/outgoing call information integrated for a particular phone number. A memory stores an incoming/outgoing call list according to an incoming/outgoing event. A controller controls an operation for adding the detailed incoming/outgoing call information to an associated phone number item of the incoming/outgoing call list when the incoming/outgoing call event occurs, and controls an operation for displaying the detailed incoming/outgoing call information integrated for the particular phone number selected from among phone numbers of the incoming/outgoing call list. The detailed incoming/outgoing call information mapped to the same phone number can be viewed at one time by integrating and providing the incoming/outgoing call information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jeong-Sik Cho, Young-Jip Kim, Young-Seop Han, Jun-Young Choe, Kyung-Shin Lee, Tae-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8537998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC
    Inventor: Hank J. Hundemer
  • Patent number: 8532088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing call center agents with calling party information for calls initiated behind trunks on packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks are disclosed. The method enables a network service provider such as a telephone company to provide toll free service to an enterprise customer, and to provide the enterprise customer with the trunk group identifiers that customers of the enterprise utilize to access services provided by the enterprise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Patent number: 8520829
    Abstract: A message is received from a first device in an information/call center, wherein the message identifies a second device in an information/call center capable of providing a requested service and includes a command directed at he second device to activate the service. The first device may comprise, e.g., an operator terminal, The message may comprise a uniform resource locator (URL), and may additionally identify a software application residing on the second device. The message may also include one or more parameters used to provide the requested service. The command is retrieved from the message, and the command is transmitted to the second device, thereby causing the second device to provide the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Byron De Mott
  • Patent number: 8515037
    Abstract: An approach provides managed caller identification services. An image is retrieved from a repository maintained by a service provider in response to initiation of a communication session by the user with another user. The image is associated with a directory address for a user. The image is transmitted along with the directory address for presentation to the other user during establishment of the communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Baoqing Ye
  • Patent number: 8509406
    Abstract: A method for integrating presence services into a telecommunications system that includes a presence server. The method includes receiving a query, by the presence server from service logic, the query including call parameters and call information, regarding a call from a session initiator to a session terminator. The method also includes comparing, by the presence server, the call parameters and the call information with a stored presence profile established for the session terminator, the stored presence profile including preferred treatment information. The method further includes collecting usage information of the session terminator, and automatically generating the preferred treatment information, when the preferred treatment information has not been established. The method then determines a treatment of the call, by the presence server, based upon the stored presence profile and the preferred treatment information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen Mark Mueller, Alicia Marie Russell
  • Patent number: 8494148
    Abstract: A method comprising receiving, at a call-processing switch, a call from a calling entity in which the calling entity is a natural person and a telecommunications terminal, and, wherein the call received at the call-processing switch comprises (i) the identity of the caller telecommunications terminal, (ii) the identity of the caller, and (iii) the geo-location of the calling entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya, Inc.
    Inventors: George William Erhart, Valentine C. Matula, David Joseph Skiba
  • Patent number: 8488761
    Abstract: A call log associated with outgoing calls originating from calling devices may be established and maintained. Filter parameters may be set to specify which outgoing calls to log. Outgoing call information associated with calls originating from a user's calling devices may be obtained and transmitted to a service center. A server in the service center may determine whether or not to log the outgoing call information based on the filter settings. The outgoing call information may be stored in the call log, which may reside in a database in the service center. The user may access the call log from a user terminal and/or the calling devices. The call log may be used to add contacts to a contact list and facilitate data analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Verizon Data Services LLC, Verizon Services Corp., Telesector Resources Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig L. Reding, John R. Reformato, Mahesh Rajagopalan, Shadman Zafar, John Wurster
  • Patent number: 8451998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Millard, Ryan McKenney
  • Patent number: 8433295
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling multiple telecommunications terminals that are associated with a common user to notify their user of the arrival of an incoming message via a ringtone, where the ringtone is: (i) coordinated across the terminals, and (ii) customized for each terminal based on one or more attributes of the terminal. In particular, in the illustrative embodiments a network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a wireless base station, a server, etc.) that receives a message directed to a telecommunications terminal sets the values of one or more properties of a ringtone (e.g., tempo, timbre, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on one or more attributes of the telecommunications terminal (e.g., terminal type, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Taryn Moody, Doree Duncan Seligmann
  • Patent number: 8374323
    Abstract: In a communication system comprising multiple networks, a system is provided for notifying a caller that a call destination who was initially unavailable is now available, involving subscribers of possibly different networks. The system, when installed in a network, can support destination availability notifications following failed call attempts in which at least one user is a user of the network, regardless to which network the other user subscribes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ON-Q Telecom Systems Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Oren Tal, Reuven Tal
  • Patent number: 8351590
    Abstract: A telephone includes first circuitry enabling communications with a telephone network. A call block list includes at least one user designated number. A call blocking logic module is implemented within the first circuitry and selectively blocks incoming calls to the telephone over the telephone network responsive to the at least one user designated number in the call block list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Metropcs Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Mesut Guven
  • Patent number: 8345843
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a caller investigation in order to provide relation information to a called party (200) regarding an unknown calling party (202), when implemented in a service entity (204) serving said called party. A relation query for the calling party is received from the called party, and it is then determined whether the calling party is known and related to any third party directly or indirectly known to the called party by checking a contact list (210-214) defined for said third party. The reliability of the calling party can then be better assessed based on how the calling party is related to the called party, if related at all. The called party may use this information for deciding how to respond to a communication request from said calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Mattias Lidström, Johan Hjelm, Theo Kanter, Asparuh Rashid
  • Patent number: 8340270
    Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes receiving input identifying a plurality of callers within a listening or speaking range of a phone device being used to place a call. The input is then sent over a packet-based network to a server that authenticates and authorizes each of the callers to the call. Following authentication and authorization by the server, a name or caller ID of each of the callers is sent to a destination endpoint device of the call. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mukul Jain, Joseph F. Khouri, Laurent Philonenko, Shmuel Shaffer, Paul J. Russell
  • Patent number: 8320547
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing incoming and outgoing call information in a mobile communication terminal. A display unit displays detailed incoming/outgoing call information integrated for a particular phone number. A memory stores an incoming/outgoing call list according to an incoming/outgoing event. A controller controls an operation for adding the detailed incoming/outgoing call information to an associated phone number item of the incoming/outgoing call list when the incoming/outgoing call event occurs, and controls an operation for displaying the detailed incoming/outgoing call information integrated for the particular phone number selected from among phone numbers of the incoming/outgoing call list. The detailed incoming/outgoing call information mapped to the same phone number can be viewed at one time by integrating and providing the incoming/outgoing call information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jeong-Sik Cho, Young-Jip Kim, Young-Seop Han, Jun-Young Choe, Kyung-Shin Lee, Tae-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8300777
    Abstract: A computing device displays a call history graphical user interface (GUI). The call history GUI includes a new list and an old list. The new list may include new missed call elements and missed call elements associated with new unopened voicemails. The old list may include other call history GUI elements, such as old missed call elements and missed call elements associated with opened voicemails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Flavio Lerda, Hugo Hudson, Debashish Chatterjee, Simon Tickner, Marcus Alexander Foster
  • Patent number: 8300796
    Abstract: An application server that provides RBT treatment to a caller and simultaneously notifies the called party, as subscriber of the service facilitated by the present invention, of an incoming call, whereby the called party is able to select a treatment for the call to be presented to the caller based on input collected from the called party on a real-time basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Babu Mani
  • Patent number: 8295473
    Abstract: A technology for converting a source or destination telephone number according to usage purposes of a telephone apparatus user. A number converter (115) is provided to convert the source telephone number based on the destination telephone number to which a call is made from an IP voice terminal (130) or a voice terminal (140), using information stored in a called number conversion database (112). The number converter (115) also converts the destination telephone number based on the source telephone number from which a call is made from the IP voice terminal (130) or the voice terminal (140), using information stored in a calling number conversion database (113).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Fujita
  • Patent number: 8275110
    Abstract: An examples of active call filtering, screening and dispatching is described, including receiving data representing a call from a first communication endpoint; presenting at a second communication endpoint, prior to connecting to the call, a subset of prompts that specify dispatching actions for the call, at least one of the dispatching actions including transmitting a response via a communications network, detecting selection of a prompt that specifies a dispatching action for the call, and transmitting an instruction from the second communication endpoint to a call messaging system to perform the dispatching action. In some embodiments, a determination is made as to whether a bypass condition exists, the bypass condition specifying that one or more customized screening rules are to be bypassed. If the bypass condition exists, then a call messaging system can bypass the use of a subset of prompts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: RingCentral, Inc.
    Inventor: Vlad Vendrow
  • Patent number: 8238907
    Abstract: A mobile communications network in which a home location register stores two dialed numbers for a mobile station, a first number for use in a licensed radio access network and a second number for use only in an unlicensed radio access network. The core network discontinues connection of a call to the mobile station when the call uses the second dialed number and the mobile station is not located in the unlicensed radio access network. The core network may route the discontinued call to voice mail or to another number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Jari Vikberg, Tomas Nylander
  • Patent number: 8223938
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing caller identification services to an Internet Protocol-enabled device are provided. The method includes receiving a communication request from a caller device over a voice network, the communication request including a caller party number, mapping a called party number to an Internet Protocol-enabled device address of a called party, and sending the caller party number to the Internet Protocol-enabled device address corresponding to the called party number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Cassanova, James Carlton Bedingfield, Sr., Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 8223750
    Abstract: A packet switched telephone system includes a packet switched routing apparatus. The packet switched routing apparatus selectively associates a local telephone number with a phone call based on a called telephone number, and routes the phone call based on the called telephone number. The local telephone number may be substituted for a calling telephone number when the called telephone number corresponds to a predefined number, such as an emergency number. When the called telephone number corresponds to an emergency number, the phone call may be routed with the substituted local telephone number to a Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) that services the local area of the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Epley
  • Patent number: 8223939
    Abstract: A displayed name is assigned to a telephone number on a first communication terminal of a communication system, the telephone number of a second communication being detected on the first terminal or the communication system during a connection between the first and second terminals. The displayed name is transmitted to the communication system and stored along with the telephone number once the displayed name has been input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Schaade
  • Patent number: 8200189
    Abstract: A method includes receiving at a voice portal a telephone call from a caller and acquiring from the caller a billing telephone number. The method also includes determining, based on the billing telephone number, that the telephone call should be transferred to a specific call center; identifying an exchange number for the specific call center; assembling a refer message based on the billing telephone number and the exchange number of the specific call center; and sending the refer message to a network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Prashant Desai, Juan Vasquez, Mayuresh Mohan Hegde, Parind Poi
  • Patent number: 8199887
    Abstract: A method of operating a phone is provided and includes receiving input to set a phone in a do-not disturb mode and to set a time period during which the do-not-disturb mode is activated and setting the phone accordingly, upon reception of an incoming call from a caller during the time period, activating a caller ID function of the phone, detecting a caller ID of the caller and searching for the caller ID in black- and white-lists. In an event the caller ID of the caller is stored in the blacklist, the voicemail function is activated or the incoming call is ended. In an event the caller ID of the caller is stored in the whitelist, an input of the password associated with the caller ID is requested, and, in an event the caller inputs the password, the ringing function is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Gerard Marmigere, Joaquin Picon, Pierre Secondo
  • Patent number: 8175259
    Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method provide an improved call log that presents information relating to logged phone calls in a collapsed manner, meaning that for each phone number having a call stored in the memory of the device, only the most recent in time call is listed on the call log. An improved handheld electronic device and an associated method also provide a call history for any phone call from the improved call log that is selected by the user. The call history includes a listing of all of the calls stored by the device that are associated with the selected call log call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Andrew D. Bocking, Raymond P. Vander Veen
  • Patent number: 8175245
    Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include, for example, voicemail services, facsimile messaging services, paging services, and outbound calling services. A guest caller may call the single phone number to speak to a subscriber, leave a voicemail message for a subscriber, leave a facsimile message for a subscriber, or place a page to a subscriber. A subscriber may call the phone number to place outbound calls. In addition, a subscriber may call the single phone number to retrieve or send facsimile messages and/or voicemail messages. A subscriber may also call the phone number to configure service options. For instance, a subscriber may select routing options and choose what services are available to guest callers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Yolab Networks, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karen A. Gross, Thomas J. Galvan, Rupika Chib
  • Patent number: 8170550
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireline telephone to a geographic-based local access directory number. A signaling node associated with the dialed local access DN sends a location request that includes the local access DN to an HLR. The HLR obtains the wireless DN from an internal database in which the wireless DN is associated with the local access DN. The HLR utilizes the wireless DN to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register, associates the TLDN with the local access DN and forwards the TLDN to the signaling node, which relays the TLDN to the originating switching node. The call connection is then established directly from the originating switching node to a visited cellular switch using the TLDN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GTE Wireless Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter Wesley Howe
  • Patent number: 8170190
    Abstract: A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include receiving, from a customer, limitation data associated with managing telephone number allocation, determining a limitation threshold based on at least the limitation data, allocating one or more telephone numbers to a customer based on at least the limitation threshold, and providing the one or more telephone numbers to a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Yang Huang, Becky Lynn Reynolds, Godfrey Chisanga, Bharath Nelakonda
  • Patent number: 8159934
    Abstract: A server for automatically handling dial-up connectivity problems via a voice connection can include a controller to interface with a caller during a voice call, query a network operations center using a data connection to determine whether a dial-up number associated with the caller and received by the server is out of service, and present alternative dial-up numbers during the voice call without prompting the caller for further information. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Jon Paden, Bobby Sams, Dennis Collins
  • Patent number: 8150011
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and computer program product are provided for producing a geographical mapping of the status, activity, security, work-force, and other information of call centers. The systems and methods may receive call center data and call data, generate a geographical data, and display at least a portion of the geographical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: James T. McConnell, Charles V. Miller, IV, Roy D. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20120033797
    Abstract: A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication system comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the calling entity and a first and second identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identities are recognizable in the first network and the second identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the second network the first identities with the second identity; establishing a connection between the calling entity and a second node; wherein the connection with second node is established using the first identity associated with the called entity; querying the first node with the first identity associated with the called entity and the first identity associated with the calling entity to determine the second identity associated with the called entity; and transmitting the communication event to the called entity using t
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Skype Limited
    Inventors: Madis Kaal, Andres Kütt, Mart Oruaas, Asko Seeba, Taavet Hinrikus
  • Patent number: 8107610
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and devices for processing a call to a call distribution point. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: receiving a request from a caller to the call distribution point; parsing the request for information included in the request indicating the nature of the request; assigning a call recipient to service the request based on the information obtained in the parsing step; and acknowledging receipt of the request to the caller and providing an estimate of time before the assigned call recipient will be able to service the call. Other methods and devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Isaiah Harris, Jr., Robert A. Koch
  • Patent number: 8102994
    Abstract: An automatic call distribution system includes a first software control module and a caller identification device for capturing caller identification information associated with an incoming call, a call agent station in communication with the automatic call distribution system, and an interactive voice response system in communication with the automatic call distribution system. The interactive voice response system administers a survey to a caller associated with the caller identification information. In response to receiving the incoming call, a transaction is completed between the caller and a call agent. Upon completion of the transaction, the call agent asks the caller to take part in the survey and seeks permission of the caller to use the caller's caller identification information in the survey. Upon obtaining consent from the caller, the call is routed by the automatic call distribution system from the call agent to the interactive voice response system to initiate the survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Perrella, Barrett Kreiner
  • Patent number: 8098798
    Abstract: A method of logging call data for failed emergency calls includes: receiving from a calling party an emergency call that is to be routed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (40) over a telecommunications network (20); determining if the received emergency call is connected to the PSAP (40); and, if the received emergency call fails to be connected to the PSAP (40), then capturing selected call data regarding the failed emergency call and recording the captured call data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Stuart O. Goldman, Richard E. Krock, Bernard L. Malone, III, Karl F. Rauscher, James P. Runyon
  • Patent number: 8098804
    Abstract: Systems and methods which detect unauthorized, impermissible, or otherwise undesired call activity through the use of one or more third party databases are shown. For example, a controlled environment facility information management system may access a database external thereto, such as a victim notification database, which is created and maintained by a third party unrelated to the controlled environment facility. Such third party database access may be accomplished at the point of call validation or caller verification for determining the treatment of the call (e.g., allowed, blocked, allowed with limitations, etcetera). Such call treatment determinations may be made with respect a particular prisoner or other resident of the controlled environment facility making the call, may be made with respect to all calls made from a particular controlled environment facility, may be made with respect to a group of controlled environment facilities, etcetera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Rae, John J. Viola, Richard Falcone
  • Patent number: 8059813
    Abstract: A control method of a communication terminal having a telephone directory user interface and a communication system, the control method and system include storing a plurality of telephone numbers corresponding to a destination user as telephone directory data, requesting a notification of location information of the destination user to a server, receiving location information of the destination user from a server, and displaying a telephone number corresponding to a current location of the destination user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Akimoto
  • Patent number: 8054828
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system identifies an Internet Protocol (IP) device as a calling party for calls from either a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) portion or a cellular portion of a multi-protocol phone. As a result, return calls to the multi-protocol phone are always sent through an IP device to allow call handling or Single Number Reach (SNR) functionality for the return calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Volkaerts, Paul Andrew Gelsthorpe
  • Patent number: 8041014
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively answering incoming telephone calls based on a caller ID is disclosed. Selected calls may be handled with a number of call handling functions including an auto-answer function, a custom message function, and a custom call forwarding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Daily, Christopher R. Gentle, Lisa Y. Kawahara, Ashis Maity, Michael J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8036356
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for identifying a geographic location for a source of a call is presented. A central office receives a call from a calling party, the call including a telephone number of the calling party. A geographic location of the calling party is determined from information associated with the calling party. The geographic location is then provided to the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Arpan Ghosh, David Mohler, Mary Elise Ricker
  • Patent number: 8019317
    Abstract: A system and method for supporting updates of database contact information to mobile communications devices includes a system having a data entry computer for compiling database contact information for a group of mobile communications devices, a service provider computer server in signal communication with the data entry computer for uploading the database contact information into the service provider computer server and for downloading the database contact information substantially simultaneously to the group of mobile communications devices, and a mobile communications device in signal communication with the service provider computer server for receiving the database contact information and for updating its own global logical database; wherein the method for supporting updates of database contact information to mobile communications devices includes the steps of compiling database contact information for a group of mobile communications devices, uploading the database contact information to a service provid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Louis Robert Litwin
  • Patent number: 8014511
    Abstract: A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication system comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the calling entity and a first and second identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identities are recognizable in the first network and the second identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the second network the first identities with the second identity; establishing a connection between the calling entity and a second node; wherein the connection with second node is established using the first identity associated with the called entity; querying the first node with the first identity associated with the called entity and the first identity associated with the calling entity to determine the second identity associated with the called entity; and transmitting the communication event to the called entity using t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Skype Limited
    Inventors: Madis Kaal, Andres Kütt, Mart Oruaas, Asko Seeba, Taavet Hinrikus
  • Patent number: RE44597
    Abstract: A system and method for supporting updates of database contact information to mobile communications devices includes a system having a data entry computer for compiling database contact information for a group of mobile communications devices, a service provider computer server in signal communication with the data entry computer for uploading the database contact information into the service provider computer server and for downloading the database contact information substantially simultaneously to the group of mobile communications devices, and a mobile communications device in signal communication with the service provider computer server for receiving the database contact information and for updating its own global logical database; wherein the method for supporting updates of database contact information to mobile communications devices includes the steps of compiling database contact information for a group of mobile communications devices, uploading the database contact information to a service provid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Louis Robert Litwin