Abstract: A method includes previously downloading, to a device of a user, media content chosen by a buddy of the user and an indication that it is to be associated with the buddy, passing the downloaded media content to the device as the media content to be associated in a contact list with the buddy and playing the media content in response to an identification of the buddy.

Abstract: An automated ringback update system for customizing ringback signals is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the automated ringback update system via the recognition of a feature associated with a printed matter to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing a ring back to a calling party's communications device. A first call is placed to a called number. An identification sequence is received during the first call. When the first call ends, a second call is placed to a server. The identification sequence is sent to the server during the second call, and the ring back associated with the identification sequence is received. The ring back is stored in memory of the calling party's communications device and retrieved when subsequent calls are made to the called number. The ring back is then presented on the calling party's communications device to indicate the called number is ringing.

Abstract: A ringback replacement insertion system for customizing a communication network is disclosed. The system includes a first communication station associated with a first network service provider and a second communication station associated with a second network service provider. A network gateway is provided for connecting a call placed from the first communication station to the second communication station. The first network service provider receives information regarding a proximity location of the first communication station. The storage device transmits at least a portion of the at least one announcement to the first communication station that is related to information within a predefined geographical distance from the first communication station, where at least a portion of the at least one announcement is delivered as a call signal after establishing contact with a communication network.

Abstract: A method for intercepting signals so as to change the ring mode of a mobile device includes the following steps. Initially, a signal about to enter a predetermined area is intercepted. Then, a specific ring mode is added to the signal according to contents of the signal. Next, the signal having the specific ring mode is sent to a mobile device located in the predetermined area. Subsequently, the mobile device uses the specific ring mode as the ring mode of the mobile device upon receipt of the signal. A device applying the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, terminal and system for implementing a multimedia coloring ring back tone (MCRBT) service in IMS domain. This method comprises: after receiving a call from a caller, a core network setting up a connection with a MCRBT service system when the callee is called if determining that the callee subscribes the MCRBT service; said MCRBT service system triggering the MCRBT service, and sending an address of a MCRBT file set by said callee through said core network; and said caller downloading said MCRBT file from a media resource server of said MCRBT service system according to said address, and enjoying said MCRBT file from a calling terminal when a called terminal rings. The present invention can meet the requirement of the caller of enjoying the MCRBT file set by the callee when the caller calls the callee of IMS domain, and better services are provided.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes receiving an incoming call including caller identification information at an input responsive to a network. An audio alert and display information associated with the incoming call are sent to a multimedia device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a call protecting method for the coloring ring back tones in an intelligent network, wherein said intelligent network includes an intelligent network service control point (SCP), a service switch point (SSP) and an intelligent peripheral (IP). The method includes the following steps: an IP-state detecting module is added to the IP for detecting whether the IP is available; the IP-state detecting module sends a state-query request to the IP for checking whether the IP is available; if the IP returns a result of availability, the SCP will direct the SSP to connect the call to the IP; if IP returns a result of unavailability, or returns no IP-state detecting result on time, then the SCP will direct the SSP to connect to the called directly rather than to the IP.

Abstract: Wireless networks and methods provide call waiting distinctive ringback. A wireless network of the invention comprises a switching system and a subscriber database. The switching system receives a registration request from a mobile device of a subscriber, transmits a registration message to the subscriber database, and receives a response message from subscriber database that includes a call waiting distinctive ringback indicator for the subscriber. If the switching system receives a call attempt from a calling party directed to the mobile device of the subscriber that is busy, then the switching system processes the call waiting distinctive ringback indicator to determine the type of ringback to provide for the call attempt, either distinctive ringback or non-distinct ringback.

Abstract: A telephone caller identification system where potential callers can be assigned to call-in groups, each call-in group having a particular ring. When a member of a particular call-in group calls, the telephone presents the ring associated with that call-in group. A caller not assigned to any call-in group causes the telephone to present a default ring. The telephone can also present particular transfer rings when transferred indicating that the call being transferred is from a caller belonging to a particular call-in group, or provide unique voice mail rings when a member of a call-in group leaves voice mail.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to limit ring trees in voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) networks are disclosed. A disclosed example parallel ring policy enforcer comprises a memory to hold parallel ring tree information and a policy checker to enforce a parallel ring policy based on a parallel ring request and the parallel ring tree information.

Abstract: Determining a customized delay value for setting a post-dial delay after a call has initiated is disclosed. In one embodiment, a randomized delay may be provided. In another embodiment, a set delay may be provided. Playback of a ringback tone may be delayed for at least the randomized or set delay period and/or the length of ring back tone period may be increased by the randomized time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying an end user of a messaging event in a multi-user setting is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device having a User Interface (UI) element that selectively identifies one or more parties to whom a messaging event is directed according to one or more matches between a caller identifier associated with the messaging event and one or more entries in a plurality of contact books corresponding to a plurality of users of the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a call set-up of a mobile radio terminal includes acquiring contact information associated with a callable device. The contact information includes call set-up audio data corresponding to audio content selected by a user of the device. The contact information is stored as an entry in a database maintained by the mobile radio terminal. The audio content corresponding to the call set-up audio data is played back when the entry is selected.

Abstract: There is provided a system capable of distributing code-compressed data based on audio data on a music composition via the Internet to a mobile telephone so that a user can cut out a desired range from the code-compressed data and register it as a call sound. The system has a data structure of a content frame (3GPP, 3GPP2) containing code-compressed data (AAC) of audio data. The content frame has at least one cut-out position information in the AAC data in its extended function section. A mobile telephone has a content storage unit, a cut-out selection unit to be used by the user to select at least one cut-out position information contained in the extended function section of the content frame, and a data cut-out section for cutting out data from the code-compressed data. The code-compressed data which has been cut out is decompressed when called and the sound is outputted from a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing a ring-back presentation to a calling terminal after receiving a call setup request from the calling terminal (A) for a first communication session (308) with a called terminal (B). A second packet-based communication session (310) is established with the calling terminal, independent of the first session, and pre-defined media content is provided as said ring-back presentation (312) to the calling terminal over the second session. Thereby, ring-back presentations to waiting callers can be selected from a great range of media types, including visual media. A calling user can also control the playout or display of the ring-back presentation irrespective of when the call is answered.

Abstract: A method for network maintenance and supervision of an on-board controlled audio agent, the method constituted of: providing a plurality of audio portions, each of the provided audio portions being selected responsive to user descriptive data associated with a call initiator; providing a reimbursement rule associated with each of the audio portions; selecting, for each call instance, a particular one of the plurality of audio portions responsive to the determined reimbursement rules; and outputting the particular one of the plurality of audio portions at each call instance initiation such that at least a portion of the particular audio portion is heard by the call initiator prior to call connection.

Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus for controlling play of a Customized Ring Back Tone (CRBT) service are disclosed. The method may be: receiving a play control instruction sent by a CRBT receiving terminal; and sending a CRBT to the CRBT receiving terminal according to the play control instruction. The system may include: a CRBT receiving terminal, configured to send a play control instruction to a CRBT platform, and obtain a CRBT sent by the CRBT platform according to the play control instruction; and a CRBT platform, configured to send the CRBT to the CRBT receiving terminal according to the play control instruction. A User Equipment (UE) and a CRBT platform are also disclosed. Through the information interaction between the CRBT receiving terminal and the CRBT playing terminal, the CRBT receiving terminal can control the play of the CRBT, and the user experience of the CRBT receiving terminal is improved.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a system for playing Multimedia Ring Back Tones (MRBTs) are disclosed. The method includes: generating MRBT play information or rules according to presence information of a user; generating MRBT play data according to the MRBT play information or rules; and sending the MRBT play data to a User Equipment (UE) for playing. The apparatus for playing MRBTs provides MRBT services for the calling UE and the called UE respectively, enables customization, and plays the MRBT service according to conditions.

Abstract: A method of providing ringback in a telecommunications network (100) includes: receiving a call at a service switching point (114) for a called party (112) served by the service switching point (114), the call being from a calling party (122); encountering a trigger detection point (116) while engaging in a call setup for the call, the trigger detection point (116) being provisioned for the called party (112) at the service switching point (114); in response to encountering the trigger detection point (116), extending a first leg of the call to a service node (130) that provides ringback to the calling party (122); setting-up a second leg of the call between the service node (130) and the called party (112); bridging together the first and second legs of the call at the service switching point (114); and, removing the service node (130) from participation in the call after the first and second legs have been bridged together at the service switching point (114).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for porting a personalized indicium, i.e., a Personal Information Number or PIN, from a first mobile communications device to a second mobile communications device. Upon receiving identity information from the first mobile communications device via a secure peer-to-peer communication session, the second mobile communications device is operable to negotiate with a network node using at least a portion of the received identity information for reassigning the PIN to an identifier associated therewith. Upon successfully porting the PIN to the second mobile communications device, a service provisioning database is accordingly updated.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for conveying availability information of a calling party to a called party. A PBX serving the telephones of the calling and called parties is connected to a presence server. In an embodiment of the invention, the presence server is also connected to a computer and/or other information device (such as a personal data assistant or telephone) of the calling party. After the calling party has left a voice mail message for the called party, the called party will subsequently retrieve the message. In an embodiment of the invention, the PBX then queries the presence server as to the availability of the calling party. The presence server senses whether the calling party has indicated his or her presence; if so, it is inferred that the calling party is probably present and available for a return call. If the presence server detects no such indication by the calling party, it is inferred that the calling party is likely to be absent.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a ringback tone in a ringing tone comprises comparing the ringing tone to a benchmark tone so as to detect the presence of a ringback tone. Based on the comparison, a notification is provided as to whether a ringback tone is present.

Abstract: A customer premises equipment (CPE) device, such as a telephone, connected to a local communications line existing on the premises is capable of receiving incoming telephone or like communication calls. The device has an interface which connects the device to the local communications line on the premises and enables the device to receive an alternating voltage analog ring signal corresponding to a notification of an incoming telephone call. The device also includes a demodulator for decoding and processing the ring signal including additional media data which is of low amplitude relative to that of the alternating voltage analog ring signal and which is modulated on the alternating voltage analog ring signal. Further, the device includes an input/output (I/O) component providing a means for audible and/or visual output of media from the device. The media output from the device directly corresponds to the media data modulated on the ring signal. CPE telephone systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method, system, and relevant apparatuses for selecting a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) are disclosed. The method for selecting an MRBT includes: receiving a call request sent by a calling party, where the call request carries an MRBT type required by the calling party; sending the MRBT type required by the calling party to the MRBT server; obtaining MRBT information sent by an MRBT server, according to the MRBT type required by the calling party; and sending the MRBT information to the calling party. With the present invention, the calling party sends the required MRBT type, and the MRBT server provides the corresponding MRBT information for the calling party. Therefore, the calling party has an opportunity of selecting the MRBT type required by the calling party, and thus user experience is improved.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide a ring back to a calling party during a wait time. Weather, sports scores, and financial data may be associated to ring backs. When a communication request is received, a ring back may be chosen by a called party for presentation to a calling party.

Abstract: Audibly identifying an event includes enabling selection of a first sound based upon an identifier. The identifier enables identification of an entity related to the event. A notification of an occurrence of the event is received. The notification includes the identifier. An intended recipient is alerted of the event by playing, in response to the notification, at least a portion of the first sound and at least a portion of a second sound that is related to the event.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that utilize a set of heuristics to more intelligently determine when to utilize an audible tone associated with a notification profile or other mechanism used to alert a user of events such as an incoming instant message. The heuristics employed consider the layering of the message screens for the corresponding conversations, in combination with one or more device usage indicators such as the status of the backlight, the idle timer, and the orientation of the mobile device 10A itself as indicated by the orientation sensor.

Abstract: A system for implementing multimedia ring back tone service is disclosed, which includes a communication network, an MRBT platform storing multimedia ring back tones in the communication network and a VIG. The MRBT platform is respectively connected to the Service Switch Center dominating the terminal and an MGW in the communication network through the VIG; when a calling terminal initiates a call through the Service Switch Center, the VIG establishes a communication link from the terminal to the MRBT platform through the MGW and the VIG before the call is put through; and MRBT platform plays multimedia ring back tones for the calling terminal via the established communication link. The present invention also provides a method for implementing multimedia ring back tone service is also disclosed. The system and the method can implement multimedia ring back tone service in 3G communication networks.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products are disclosed for providing ring backs to a calling party's communications device. The ring backs are selected by the called party and can be delivered to the calling party in many ways, such as by delivering a file, a pointer, or a command. The ring backs allow the called party to personalize the experience for a calling party when that calling party attempts a communication with the called party. The ring backs can be audio, visual, tactile or any such combination.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to method, apparatus, system and User Equipment (UE) for Color Ring Back Tone (CRBT) processing, the method including: transmitting a CRBT list acquisition request message that carries a CRBT list ID for a CRBT platform to match a CRBT list corresponding to the CRBT list ID, the CRBT list including CRBT IDs and CRBT names; and receiving the CRBT list returned according to the CRBT list acquisition request message. With the embodiments of the present invention, the UE can acquire a CRBT list of user-designated type. The operation is simple, which increases the efficiency of realizing CRBT service with the UE by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing ring back tones in a communication network. At first, a ring back tone device for storing and playing the ring back tone customized by a subscriber is established in the communication network. Whether a subscriber is a ring back tone service register subscriber is judged with a certain triggering mode, such as intelligent network triggering, signaling interception triggering, call forwarding triggering or switching device triggering. If it is judged the subscriber is a ring back tone service registered subscriber, a connection between the originating switching device and the terminating switching device and a connection between a switching device and the ring back tone device are established. When the called terminal is idle, the ring back tone device provides a piece of customized ring back tone to the calling subscriber for replacing traditional ring back tone.

Abstract: A communication system allows a receiving party to request additional time to accept a communication. A telecommunications device of a receiving party detects when the receiving party has indicated a desire for an extended period of time in which to accept an incoming communication. A message is sent to a network communications processor that indicates the receiving party has requested additional time to accept. The network communications processor then processes the communication by resetting or extending a communications availability period associated with the incoming communication.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to allow ringback tones that provide personalized ringback greetings on calls that have reached a multi-line hunt group in which all lines are busy. The personalized ringback greeting is continued until an agent is available to answer the call. In one form, if more than one call is awaiting answer, the ringback application determines which call has been listening to the ringback announcement longest and forwards that call to the next available agent. All other calls receive the standard ringback tones.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of generating and transmitting a ring back tone and a system thereof. The method of generating a ring back tone in a first terminal based on an internet protocol comprises identifying a type of a network to which a second terminal requesting a call setup belongs, generating ring back tone data to be transmitted to the second terminal according to the type of the network, inserting the ring back tone data into a response message to the call setup, and transmitting the inserted response message to the second terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for timed ring suppression are disclosed. After a communications device receives an incoming call and the ringer is activated to produce an initial audible alert, the ringer of the communications device may be silenced for subsequent audible alerts until the calling party hangs up or until the call is further processed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling and adjusting the audio profile of pervasive devices, like cellular phones, within controlled zones. The system and method utilizes RFID and sensors to geographically control and adjust the audio profiles based on set criteria, such as default settings and hierarchy. The audio profiles may be controlled or adjusted based on a control zone profile settings or based on the profile settings of other individual devices within the same control zone. The zones may be adjusted due to the hierarchy or rank of devices present within the zone.

Abstract: The present invention(s) provides for methods and systems for digitally processing a ringtone. In various embodiments, a method comprises generating a profile comprising a plurality of filter equalizing coefficients, configuring a plurality of filters of a graphic equalizer using the plurality of filter equalizing coefficients from the profile, receiving a ringtone for processing, adjusting the plurality of filters using a first gain, equalizing the ringtone using the plurality of filters of the graphic equalizer, and outputting the equalized ringtone.

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: Disclosed is a method for setting up a substituted ring back tone (RBT) provided from a predetermined communication provider, and more particularly, a method and system for recognizing a first substituted RBT of a first subscriber and setting up the first substituted RBT as a substituted RBT of a second subscriber, between subscribers of different communication providers. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily copy a substituted RBT from another user's substituted RBT and set up the same as a user's own substituted RBT. In this instance, the substituted RBT is provided according to a request for a call setup of a mobile terminal. Also, it is possible to set up a substituted RBT of a subscriber of a different communication provider as a user's substituted RBT, while not receiving predetermined information from the communication provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for providing an arbitrary sound chosen by a called subscriber instead of ringback tone to a calling subscriber. In this present invention, if a call is received, a terminating exchanger requests a trunk connection to a sound db server based on the first information on whether or not to replace a ringback tone and the second information on a route to the sound db server that are received from a home location register (HLR), and provides a called subscriber identification for the sound server. Then, the sound db server searches its db for a sound specified by the called, and provides the found sound for the caller instead of a conventional ringback tone via the terminating exchanger connected through a trunk. Through this sequential procedure of network elements, a caller can hear a sound specified by a called instead of a dry ringback tone.

Abstract: Ringback tone preference information, input by a user of a communication device, is presented to a ringback tone service subscriber or a proxy for the ringback tone service subscriber to assist the ringback tone service subscriber or the proxy select a ringback tone to be played to the user of the communication device on a call to the ringback tone service subscriber.

Abstract: A method for implementing a ring back tone, including: receiving, by a first Service Control Point, an intelligent service request triggered by a Service Switching Point, based on a call of a calling party; obtaining personal ring back tone information of a called party and/or group ring back tone information of a group which the called party belongs to; acquiring first ring back tone information according to the personal ring back tone information and/or the group ring back tone information delivering a connect message containing the first ring back tone information to the Service Switching Point the connect message being used to instruct the Service Switching Point to connect the call to an Advanced Intelligent Peripheral for playing the ring back tone to the calling party according to the first ring back tone information.

Abstract: A ring tone is played to a called party for a call that meets one or more criteria. The ring tone is remotely selected by a calling party or a third party.

Abstract: A method for protecting incoming calls in coloring ring back tone service, wherein comprising: the service switching point device sends a message for triggering intelligent networks service to the service control point device; the service control point device instructs the service switching point device to connect the call to the intelligent peripheral; the service control point device reports the connect result and reason to the service control point device; the service control point device analyzes the connect result as well as its reason, if there is a need to protect the call, the service control point device will instruct the service switching point device to connect the called number directly; again, the service switching point device sends a message for triggering intelligent network service to the service control point device; the service control point device sends down the continue message, and the service switching point device will connect the called number.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for providing universal access to caller-specific ringtones are described. A universal address book server is implemented that contains user-specific address books for users of a communications network. Each address book includes ringtones associated with contacts and groups defined in the address book. The universal address book server also provides a synchronization service to the communication devices of each user allowing the communication devices to synchronize the ringtones associated with the contacts and groups between the user's address book on the universal address book server and a local storage of the ringtones in the communication device.

Abstract: A ringback/ringtone synchronization system for utilizing ringtones as replacement ringback announcements is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback/ringtone synchronization system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: There is provided an telephone control apparatus including storing unit for storing ringtone patterns for each incoming call group relative to one or more telephone terminals; and controlling unit for performing a ring operation of the telephone terminal belonging to the incoming call group which is to receive a call based on the ringtone pattern specified from the storing unit, wherein when a certain incoming call group among the plural incoming call groups becomes in a call receiving condition, the controlling unit specifies the ringtone pattern corresponding to the incoming call group in a call receiving condition by referring to the storing unit and controls the telephone terminals belonging to the incoming call group in the call receiving condition to perform a ring operation based on the ringtone pattern.

Abstract: A sound information providing system, which can eliminate inappropriate sound information, is provided. The sound information providing system includes a receiving unit that receives a phone number for identifying a cellular phone of the destination side and a phone number for identifying a cellular phone of the source side. Both information is transmitted from the cellular phone of the source side, a sound information requesting unit for requesting sound information based on the received phone number. A sound information monitoring unit monitors the sound information are output in response to the request. It eliminates inappropriate sound information, and selects the sound information conforming to a predefined condition. A transmitting unit transmits the selected sound information to the cellular phone.

Abstract: A method and system for storing, transmitting and retrieving an audio message is disclosed herein. The invention allows a recipient to access a voice message sent by a sender by clicking on an access key in a SMS text sent to the recipient's phone. The SMS text preferably provides information on the sender and the length of the voice message. Once the recipient accesses the message, another SMS text is sent to the sender providing information on the when and how much of the voice message was communicated to the recipient. The voice message is preferably stored at a server of the system.