Abstract: An approach is provided for overriding a call blocking feature. A request to establish a voice call over a wireless network to a called party is intercepted. A call blocking feature is detected as being enabled for the called party. The calling party is prompted for a passcode in response to the detected call blocking feature. The passcode is received from the calling party to override the call blocking feature.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided, even when the called party connects to the network by private trunk group facilities. In one disclosed embodiment, a trunk group trigger associated with the called communication station is encountered, launching a termination attempt query. If standard caller identification information can not be provided for the calling party, the call will be routed to a privacy service to obtain the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: Processes for providing a selective call waiting feature within a communications network entail accepting options for a selective call waiting feature into a database and, then, linking the options to at least one account. The selective call waiting feature can be activated. The processes continue by linking the activated selective call waiting feature to operation of the communication network to implement each network end users' options. The activated selective call waiting feature is then applied to incoming calls.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing privacy for a telephone number in a network are disclosed. The method receives a call associated with a disposable telephone number, and determines a call processing feature for the disposable phone number in accordance with a filtering function. The method then processes the call in accordance with the call processing feature for the disposable phone number.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes outputting a dial tone from a call block system. The dial tone indicates to a calling party that a call block feature is enabled for a party. The computer implemented method includes storing messages for the party when the call block feature is enabled.

Abstract: A cellular telephone system is provided with a process and apparatus for screening an incoming call. The process is carried out by, and the apparatus comprises, a service provider (20) and a mobile station (30). The mobile station (30) answers the incoming call and places the call on hold. The mobile station (30) connects to the service provider (20) and places the service provider (20) and the incoming caller on multi-party hold. The mobile station (30) then signals the service provider (20) to begin screening the call. In response, the service provider (20) prompts the incoming caller for the incoming caller's identification and then communicates this information to the mobile station (30). Based on this information, the mobile station (30) can elect to accept or reject the incoming call.

Abstract: AIN based methods and apparatus for transitioning telephone numbers and customers from the PSTN to a VOIP network are described. AIN line number portability features are used to allow a few gateway switches that interconnect the PSTN and VOIP networks to service customers whose telephone numbers were originally serviced by several remote PSTN switches. AIN LNP triggers are used to forward PSTN calls, directed to the PSTN switch previously used to service a telephone number, to the gateway switch assigned to route such calls to the IP network. AIN triggers set at the gateway switch insure that the subscriber with the ported telephone number continues to receive AIN services provided before the telephone number was ported to the IP network. Calls from ported telephone numbers to telephones in the PSTN are billed from PSTN switches through the use of AIN functionality and triggers set at the gateway switch.

Abstract: A system and method for postponing and managing outgoing calling tasks for on or off-site retrieval are presented. More precisely a system and method are presented to compile a list of pending calling tasks, transfer a task to a calling device and prompt a user to make a call. Optionally the list may contain synchronized sublists, one sublist on a personal computer and a second sublist an a mobile calling device. At the completion of a calling task or other event, the list is automatically updated.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying telemarketer communications directed to a subscriber of a call screening service is provided. A link monitoring system monitors all inbound and outbound calls of a carrier network collecting data such as calling and called telephone directory numbers, and a termination status for at least each inbound call to a calling number. The data is analyzed at a telemarketer detection module to determine calling patterns of calling numbers. If a calling pattern of a calling telephone number matches a profile of telemarketer communications, the calling number is stored in a database of telephone directory numbers associated with telemarketer communications. A call is received from a calling party directed to a subscriber of the call screening service. Then a determination is made as to whether a telephone directory number of the calling party is known.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for barring unwanted calls comprising at least a calling party, a protocol, a receiving party where the calling party is connected to an originating node, and the receiving party is connected to a terminating node. The system further comprises means adapted to provide the calling party with at least one category/identifier, means adapted to give the receiving party a possibility to access a service/application on the terminating node where the receiving party can indicate at least one user defined category, and a protocol having spare bits suitable for transportation of the calling party's at least one category/identifier. It is further disclosed a corresponding method for barring unwanted calls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three-way call detection system and method for detecting the addition of a third party to a pre-existing telephonic connection between a first party and a second party. The system includes a meter for measuring the amplitude of a line voltage of a telephonic connection between two parties, a first filter to remove a frequency band from the line voltage, a white noise generator for generating a low level white noise signal in the removed frequency band, a coupler for combining the white noise signal with the filtered signal, to create an additive line voltage, a second filter that passes only a portion of the additive line voltage including at least a portion of the white noise signal, and a processor for monitoring the passed signal for a shift in amplitude level associated with the addition of a third party to the connection.

Abstract: A dial tone generator outputs a particular dial tone to a party to indicate that a call block feature is enabled for the party. The call block feature is disabled for the party in response to a number of incoming calls for the party being greater than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of modifying policy settings in a network having a plurality of subscriber devices. An embodiment includes a plurality of base stations, each capable of wirelessly transmitting across a geographic region and a server. A cell-phone, capable of roaming between regions, is operable to establish a wireless link with the base stations and through the base stations, with the server. The network contains a communication policy determining from which other communication devices a subscriber device can receive voice calls. The communication policy is updated, by the server, based on requests from the subscriber devices. Once a request is received from a subscriber device, the determination whether to update the communication policy can be based on a record of rejections respective to the caller requested to be blocked.

Abstract: According to the various embodiments of the present invention, an outbound call to a number on an emergency call list may change the incoming call controls to a telephone. In particular, methods of altering incoming call controls after a call has been placed to an emergency number comprises steps of performing a first modification of a first call control related to a first incoming calling number, and performing a second modification of the first call control related to the first incoming calling number after a predetermined period of time. Systems for altering incoming call controls after a call has been placed to an emergency number are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tangible storage medium stores code which permits handling of unwanted calls from callers such as telemarketers, when caller identification is provided. In one embodiment, the called party adds the caller identification information for the telemarketer to a personal list after receiving the unwanted call. Subsequent calls from the telemarketer are intercepted. In a second embodiment, the called party identifies the telemarketer by detecting the caller identification information before answering the call. By providing a screen listing indication, the caller identification information is added to the called party's personal list before the call is completed, permitting the call to be intercepted and while future calls from the telemarketer to be intercepted.

Abstract: A first list and a second list of identifications are established, with which a telemarketing advertisement or no undesirable telemarketing advertisement is expected. The identification of the caller an incoming call is compared to the identifications in the list. If the identification of the call is not found in the lists, the call is routed to a call processing which enables the reception of a telemarketing advertisement to ascertained and, based on the result of that determination, the lists are correspondingly updated. The calls for which the identification of the caller is recorded in the second list are routed to the called party and the calls for which the identification of the caller is recorded in the first list are rejected. Such protection against telemarketing is particularly efficient in the context of an industrial operation with numerous human resources and for lines on which several calls can be simultaneously carried.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for performing inbound call screening in a packet-based network, such as an H.323 Voice over IP (VoIP) network. The inbound gateways on the network are registered with inbound gatekeepers, and standard messages are used between an inbound gateway, an inbound gatekeeper and an inbound screening database to decide: whether an inbound call to a particular called number (DID) is to be allowed into the network; whether the called number should be translated into a different called number; and whether a routing index should be included in the called number to indicate the destination of the call.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying telemarketer communications directed to a subscriber of a call screening service is provided. A link monitoring system monitors all inbound and outbound calls of a carrier network collecting data such as calling and called telephone directory numbers, and a termination status for at least each inbound call to a calling number. The data is analyzed at a telemarketer detection module to determine calling patterns of calling numbers. If a calling pattern of a calling telephone number matches a profile of telemarketer communications, the calling number is stored in a database of telephone directory numbers associated with telemarketer communications. A call is received from a calling party directed to a subscriber of the call screening service. Then a determination is made as to whether a telephone directory number of the calling party is known.

Abstract: A screening service for individual telephone lines to block unwanted calls based on call character signals and caller identification signals function in conjunction with a public switched telephone network. Calls identified by call character signals, as which identify a facsimile machine, and caller identification signals, as which identify an undesired call source, are recognized selectively in accordance with each program for individual telephone lines to provide blocking service including a termination cue. Using a dial-up connection, a subscriber can modify blocking information by a control program.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of visually or auditorily indicating spam status or a spam class for a calling number through a called terminal.

Abstract: A method for caller association includes receiving from a user a first request for a number that may be called to reach the user and generating a first number that may be called to reach the user. The method includes communicating the first number to the user and receiving from the user a first identifier associated with the first number. The first identifier comprises an identifier of a first party. The method includes receiving a first call for the user at the first number and communicating the first call and the first identifier to the user. The method may include storing the first identifier associated with the first number in a memory and retrieving the first identifier associated with the first number from the memory upon receipt of the first call for the user at the first number.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for signaling asynchronous supplementary services in a telephony network. The method comprises initiating a call between a sender and a recipient on a telephony network including generating a telephony request and disconnecting the call prior to completion of a connection. Concomitantly, an asynchronous communication is initiated between the sender and the recipient using information in the telephony request. The call may be disconnected prior to allocation of a traffic channel or prior to generating a ring at a device of the recipient. In one embodiment the call is disconnected after receipt of the telephony request by an originating mobile switching center but before continuing set-up of the call. Calls aborted in this way can be used to initiate messaging or other services without utilising voice circuits in a network.

Abstract: All calls terminating to a customer's directory number are intercepted. If caller identification information can be presented, the call is forwarded to a service node for disposition. The service node reconfigures signaling information of the call so that the call is not intercepted, then forwards the call to the subscriber's telephone. When the call is answered, the service node states the name or telephone number of the calling party which has been retrieved from the signaling information. The caller can decide whether to take the call, deny the call, send the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message or other disposition option.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the computer-assisted identification of a class of VoIP calls of a first type (spam) in a communication network (internet). Said communication network has a plurality (N) of first subscribers (Tn1-1, . . . , Tn1-5) and a plurality (M) of second subscribers (Tn2-1, . . . , Tn2-7), the first and the second subscribers being allocated a definite characteristic (IP address, telephone number, e-mail address) wherein, at least some of the first subscribers (Tn1-1, . . . , Tn1-5) are allocated, respectively, with at least one list (white list, black list) which contains at least one definite characteristic of the second subscriber.

Abstract: The concept of “roaming” is extended to wireline networks with a network hosted technique which emulates a wireline telecommunications network user's environment when the user is using a wireline telecommunications device located at a physical location other than his or her “home” location, or when using a wireline or wireless telecommunications device other than his or her own regardless of the location. Any telephone or other telecommunications device being used by the user advantageously appears to be logically connected directly to his or her home telecommunications network, irrespective of the location of the telephone or other telecommunications device being used and the telecommunications network to which that device is actually connected.

Abstract: Framework for countering VoIP SPAM. The framework is applicable to all sessions sending out the spam from an outbound domain to a inbound domain, in which the outbound domain and the inbound domain respectively has: a spam prevention system for detecting whether an outbound call is spam and blocking the call if needed; a spam prevention policy server for adding, modifying, or deleting spam countering policies being applied to the spam prevention system; and a call server for making or receiving a call, in connection with the spam prevention system.

Abstract: A system and methods through which incoming calls to and/or outgoing calls from a telephone can be controlled. The present invention utilizes an authorized caller list to determine whether an incoming call should be connected, and a similar list to determine whether an outgoing call should be connected. The present invention can also facilitate the use of new telephone user interfaces, including by iterating through telephone numbers associated with a contact, until communications with the contact are established.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of challenging an incoming call to a called party based on predetermined call challenge rules. The call challenge rules may include challenging a calling party when an incoming call falls within a call challenge time window of the local time of the called party. A method may include determining the local time of the called party, announcing the local time to the calling party, and prompting the calling party whether to ring the ringer of the called party or be routed to voicemail.

Abstract: A facility for screening service requests for requesting assistance is described. The facility receives from a user a service request that requests assistance with solving a problem associated with a system accessible to the user and includes information related to the system. The facility searches a collection of system status information for at least one entry that corresponds with the received information related to the system. Where a corresponding entry is found, the facility provides to the user an indication of the correspondence and an opportunity to cancel the service request.

Abstract: In a SIP network, SIP servers are provisioned with information used to authenticate subscribers and entities that will be placing calls. This information can be used during call establishment to allow or deny calls, as well as to determine the appropriate party to bill if the call involves a charge, such as a long distance charge. In addition to allowing calls between authenticated and trusted entities, there is a need for the SIP server to allow certain kinds of calls that involve non-trusted users or entities. If non-trusted entities where not recognized, trusted users and entities within the SIP network would not be able to receive calls from users or entities not know to the SIP server that is providing them services.

Abstract: In a SIP network, SIP servers are provisioned with information used to authenticate subscribers and entities that will be placing calls. This information can be used during call establishment to allow or deny calls, as well as to determine the appropriate party to bill if the call involves a charge, such as a long distance charge. In addition to allowing calls between authenticated and trusted entities, there is a need for the SIP server to allow certain kinds of calls that involve non-trusted users or entities. If non-trusted entities where not recognized, trusted users and entities within the SIP network would not be able to receive calls from users or entities not know to the SIP server that is providing them services.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables the screening of unwanted telephone calls, such as voice or video calls, for one or more called parties. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an anti-SPAM system receives signaling information for one or more telephone calls made to one or more called parties by a calling party. Although the calling party can be a human caller, in a SPAM-over-Internet-Telephony context the calling party can alternatively be a server or other network element that originates SPAM voice calls for advertising purposes; both possibilities are accounted for in the illustrative embodiment. The anti-SPAM system then observes the behavior of the called party or parties that is exhibited in response to receiving the telephone calls. Based on the observed behavior, the anti-SPAM system then updates one or more rules for handling future telephone calls made to the protected called parties.

Abstract: A system of connection between computers. First and second computers are connected over a network. The network preferably uses an existing channel, such as a wireless connection or a telephone line. The first computer may be a PDA or a cell phone. One aspect may take speech into the telephone, send it over the network connection to the second computer, where it is recognized, and return the recognized speech to the first computer.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a primary unit having a processor, memory device, speaker, microphone, and transmitter. The system further includes an auxiliary unit having a processor, speaker, microphone, and a receiver. The primary unit processor stores routing instructions, each one being call specific and identifying at least one of the primary or auxiliary speakers. The primary processor includes programming to route caller data to a respective one or both primary and auxiliary speakers (e.g. to ring the appropriate telephone(s)). The primary unit includes programming for transmitting call data to the appropriate respective telephone. The primary unit processor further includes time-filtering instructions such that incoming call data may be selectively sent to a voicemail unit or rejected depending on predetermined call data characteristics. Similarly, the system includes blocking instructions stored in the primary memory and utilized by the processor for blocking predetermined incoming calls.

Abstract: In an embodiment, call information is received indicating that a called party, responsive to receiving a call from a calling party, desires to record a complaint against the calling party relating to receipt of the call. A call complaint based on the call information is added to a complaint database. Call rejection information based on the call information is forwarded to a call rejection database configured to indicate blocking of further calls from the calling party to the called party. The complaint information may be forwarded to the complaint database through a number of different communications paths. In another embodiment, a request for a change in status of an identifier entry on a user call rejection list is received. The status of the identifier entry on the user call rejection list is changed based on a comparison of the current status of the identifier entry with the request.

Abstract: Wirelessly-linked, distributed resource control (RCS1-RCSn, RCSB, RCC, ARM) supports a wireless communication system (50) for operation in non-exclusive spectrum (24-29). An available resource map (ARM) contains resource availability information gathered by mobile stations (MS1-MSn), and a wired communication channel supports sharing of resource control information among fixed-site stations (BS).

Abstract: A system to automatically block a telephone number is provided. The system, in one example embodiment, comprises a detecting module to detect a refused telephone call; a counter to be adjusted (e.g., incremented) in response to the refused telephone call; a processing module to determine a value of the counter; and a blocking module to block the telephone number based on the value of the counter. The counter is incremented in response to each refused telephone call.

Abstract: A first list and a second list of identifications are established, with which a telemarketing advertisement or no undesirable telemarketing advertisement is expected. The identification of the caller an incoming call is compared to the identifications in the list. If the identification of the call is not found in the lists, the call is routed to a call processing which enables the reception of a telemarketing advertisement to ascertained and, based on the result of that determination, the lists are correspondingly updated. The calls for which the identification of the caller is recorded in the second list are routed to the called party and the calls for which the identification of the caller is recorded in the first list are rejected. Such protection against telemarketing is particularly efficient in the context of an industrial operation with numerous human resources and for lines on which several calls can be simultaneously carried.

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.

Abstract: In one method and apparatus for blocking unwanted calls in a callback system, parameters associated with a callback request (e.g., the user device to which the call is to be directed, the IP address from which the request originated or an identifier of the source computer from which the callback request originated, the party from whom the call is requested) are tracked for each call. A decision to automatically block the requested callback is made based on one or more criteria based on a combination of these parameters, which may be a total over a period of time. In a second method, one or both of the parties to the callback is queried as to whether the callback is unwanted and, if so, one or more parameters associated with the request are blacklisted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of redialing in telecommunication networks for a call back when not engaged, whereby a caller carries out a call attempt to reach a callee, whereby the callee does not respond at firs. According to the invention, the callee may be reached without the caller having to continually undertake a further call attempt, whereby a radialling is automatically carried out by the relevant exchange within a given time window at given time periods and a connection to the callee is established should the same respond.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a call blocking service to which a user subscribes. The preferred call blocking service includes maintaining an updateable list of calling parties that the user wishes to block from being able to complete telephone calls to the user, maintaining a buffer for storing information associated with the most recent calling party placing a telephone call to the user, and recognizing a signal that the user activates to automatically add the most recent calling party to the list of calling parties blocked from being able to complete telephone calls to the user.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method for determining whether an incoming telephone call originated from a number on a blacklist, and either hanging up on the call, or allowing the connected phone to ring through. A means of adding or deleting numbers simply with one touch of a button is implemented.

Abstract: Communications from a first communications address identified by a service user are controlled. Data of a communication from the first communications address to a third party communications address is received. The communication is disallowed when an identification number received from a party requesting the communication is not a personal identification number specified by the service user, the first communications address is a restricted address for which the service user has elected to disallow communications, and the third party communications address is not a priority communications address for which the service user has elected to allow communications.

Abstract: Controlling use of a telephone line includes receiving a specification from a first entity that defines one or more supervisory controls on use of a controlled telephone line by a second entity. The supervisory controls specify people with whom the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line, and times at which the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line. An indication of desired communications between the second entity and a third entity at a particular time over the controlled telephone line is received. A determination is made as to whether the desired communications are consistent with the specified supervisory controls. The desired communications are controlled when the desired communications are not consistent with the specified supervisory controls. In addition, the supervisory controls enable the first entity to interrupt existing calls over the controlled telephone line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing restrictions on long distance calls from wireless communication devices which operate in a wireless communication network are described. The wireless devices are preferably combined voice and data communication devices. In one illustrative example, each wireless device receives and stores long distance call restriction information which is pushed from a private computer network through the wireless network. During typical operation, a wireless device determines whether call attempts from the wireless device are restricted by the long distance call restriction information. If a call attempt is restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device restricts the call attempt from the wireless device and provides for a call restriction alert indication (e.g. an alert tone or visual text). If a call attempt is not restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device allows the call attempt from the wireless device.

Abstract: A method and system for long distance dispatch calling restrictions are provided. A user who does not subscribe to long distance dispatch services can make a long distance dispatch call to the originator of the last received dispatch call within a predetermined period of time of the last received dispatch call. If an amount of time equal to or greater than the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the last received dispatch call, then the long distance dispatch call is rejected.

Abstract: A system and method of establishing a telephone connection between an A-subscriber device and a B-subscriber device in a telephone system is disclosed. The method involves receiving a first approval signal from a first approval device before establishing the telephone connection. The first approval signal signals the approval of a user of the A-subscriber device to establish the telephone connection with the B-subscriber device. Also, a second approval signal is received from a second approval device before establishing the telephone connection. The second approval signal signals the approval of a user of the B-subscriber device to establish the telephone connection with the A-subscriber device. In the proposed method, the telephone connection is established between the A-subscriber device and the B-subscriber device only after receiving the first approval signal and the second approval signal.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a call blocking service to which a user subscribes. The preferred call blocking service includes maintaining an updateable list of calling parties that the user wishes to block from being able to complete telephone calls to the user, maintaining a buffer for storing information associated with the most recent calling party placing a telephone call to the user, and recognizing a signal that the user activates to automatically add the most recent calling party to the list of calling parties blocked from being able to complete telephone calls to the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a directory assistance system. The method includes the steps of storing a plurality of directory listings, including listings relating to identification of Voice over IP devices. A directory request is received for one of the directory listings and a call completion record is generated for providing information responsive to the directory request. The call completion record includes information relating to at least one of the Voice over IP devices, in a case where the requested information relates to a Voice over IP device. The call completion record includes information relating to a mobile phone device in a case where the requested information relates to a mobile phone device. The call completion record includes information relating to a landline device in a case where the requested information relates to a landline device.