Abstract: A method and system for managing a call request in a network (100) is disclosed. The network (100) includes a plurality of call servers. The method includes a call request being received (304) by a central server (120) from a call server of the plurality of call servers (114 and 116) corresponding to a request from a source terminal. The central server (120) manages the call request received from the call server. Further, the method includes determining (306) the status of the called party. Moreover, the method includes processing (308) the call request, based on the status determined for the called party.

Abstract: A database for a telecommunication service includes a first record for a first number having a predetermined NXX, and a second record for a second number having the predetermined NXX. The first record includes an indication that a call having an automatic number identification associated therewith is acceptable for the first number. The second record includes an indication that a call having at least one of an automatic number identification and a calling party identification associated therewith is acceptable for the second number. Associated methods and systems for providing a telecommunication service for the predetermined NXX are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for routing a call to a common number from a calling party, where the common number corresponds to a plurality of users. The method and system determine whether availability of unique identification information for the calling party in response to receiving an indication of the call to the common number, and correlate the unique identification information when it is available to a destination number associated with one of the plurality of users in order to route the call to the destination number.

Abstract: A communications system provides customized messages based on presence and preference information by collecting presence information and preference information on a plurality of subscribers. The presence information includes information on the availability of a subscriber, while the preference information includes policies for different priority levels of callers. In response to unavailability of a called subscriber for a communication session, the communications manager transmits a customized response to the caller that is generated based on the presence information and the preference information of the called subscriber.

Abstract: A user is associated with a plurality of communication devices each of which belongs to a different type of network. A Unified Presence Information System is configured to communicate with the different networks, and more particularly, to receive information concerning the status of the user's communication devices. The status information can include presence information and/or activity information. The status information can then be used (with or without user-defined preference information) to determine the network device with which the user is most likely in the vicinity of. This information may be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, directing an incoming communication request to a device where the user can most likely be reached.

Abstract: A network operation center is provided. The network operation center provides a message to a customer over a communication link and waits for a reply to the message from the customer. When the reply is received, the network operation center determines whether the reply indicated the customer is receptive to contact from a call center. If the reply indicates the customer is receptive, the network operation center provides a notification to the call center along with customer contact information. The call center contacts the customer based on the notification.

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

Abstract: A phone call is selectively routed to a public switched telephone network or to a packet switched network based on a called number to which the phone call is directed. A phone call may be made as a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol call through, for example, the Internet except when a user dials an emergency number, in which case the call is made to the public switched telephone network.

Abstract: A communication system that intercepts incoming radio signals and transmits a second signal notifying the user that a radio signal has been intercepted. The communication does so by using an interference generator that is passive, such as a shield, or active, such as destructive interference generators to create a zone in which the radio device does not receive the original incoming radio signal. Using an antenna located outside that zone, a registrar then intercepts incoming signals and notifies the user of the communication using a user-defined method. For example, the incoming signal can be rerouted to a landline or a paper message can be generated and delivered to the user.

Abstract: An enhanced AIN telephone system that can screen incoming calls during predetermined time periods and block some calls while allowing selected calls to be completed.

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

Abstract: A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a wireless connect unit connected between an enterprise private branch exchange (PBX) network and a public switched telephone network. The wireless connect unit preferably serves as a gateway between the PBX and one or more remote communication devices. The remote devices can be used as standard PBX office telephones for both inbound and outbound telephone calls. Thus, features of the PBX network (e.g., voice mail, direct extension dialing, corporate calling plan, etc.) are available to the remote device even though they are not physically connected to the PBX. When the system receives an incoming call, it can route the call to an office telephone and one or more of the remote devices simultaneously or as desired by the user.

Abstract: Very flexible call management is achieved by a method for handling a call setup request (7-10, 7-22, . . . ) from A party (A1 . . . A9) to a B party (511). A reachability server (RS) receives (7-0) the B party's multiple simultaneous caller groups, profiles, redirection settings and associations thereof. Each time the B party's reachability changes, he indicates his current profile (7-20, 7-40, 7-50). Based on the call setup request, the server (RS) determines the A party's identity. Based on the A identity, one of the multiple simultaneous caller groups is determined. Then one of the multiple associations that corresponds to the determined caller group and the current B party is determined. Finally, the call setup request is processed according to the redirection setting of the determined association. The redirection settings may indicate a changed call mode, such as chatting, in case the B party is unable to take a voice call.

Abstract: A method for performing external call forwarding between the Internet and a telephone network in a Web-phone system. The Web-phone system has a terminal to be connected to the Internet and the telephone network. The Web-phone system allows the terminal to forward an incoming call directed to the Internet to the telephone network, or allows the terminal to forward an incoming call directed to the telephone network to the Internet. The call is forwarded for image communication as well as voice communication.

Abstract: After detecting that an event occurs for which notification is desired, a notification service determines an appropriate way to notify the user given the user's current circumstances. The notification service determines the appropriate notification method by accessing context information for the user (e.g., whether the user's telephone is on, busy, in hands-free mode, in meeting mode, or the like). The notification service then accesses a set of rules from which the appropriate notification method may be determined based on the current circumstances of the user. These rules may be, for example, default rules or may be set of the user. The notification service then causes the notification to be sent to the user using the appropriate notification method. The notification methods include voice notifications in which the notification is read to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication system that is adapted to notify a calling party that no further call attempts should be made and to automatically register a complaint with a calling party complaint registration database. The calling party complaint database is further adapted to notify an enforcement authority of repeated violations by a calling party. The called party communication terminal is adapted to automatically block subsequent call or communication attempts from a repeat offending calling party while simultaneously sending an additional complaint registration to the calling party complaint registration database.

Abstract: Improved techniques for communicating short messages forward an electronic message to an alternate communications device if the system is unable to deliver the short message to a destination communications device. The electronic message is formatted to be compliant with the alternate communications system. Alternatively, the short message may be formatted in compliance with a destination communications device that is not short message compliant and sent to the destination communications device. In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for communicating short messages includes forwarding an electronic message to a first communications device, the forwarding in response to at least an indicator of unsuccessful delivery of a short message to a destination communications device. The first communications device may be incompatible with short message service. The forwarding may be enabled from the destination communications device, the first communications device, or a web browser.

Abstract: Upon detecting an incoming call, a call screening system determines the CALLER ID information associated with the call and compares it to a database of allowable calling parties. If the calling party is to be allowed to ring through, the call screening system routes the incoming call to one or more communication devices associated with the calling party information in the allowable calling party database. In this manner, certain screened calls only ring through to a handset if authorized, while others are authorized to ring through to a fax machine, an answering machine, another handset, or a remote device connected between a remote handset and the local exchange. A single call screening device having several ports thus filters calls to multiple communications devices. Incoming call screening may be selectively different during different times of the day, for different calling parties, or for different communications devices connected to the call screening device.

Abstract: A system and method of routing calls made to a called party Universal Access Phone Number (UAPN) in a telecommunications network is provided. The method includes determining the time the call is made, determining the day the call is made, selecting a time/day-phone number for a destination phone number based on the time the call is made and the day the call is made, and routing the call to the called party terminal using the destination phone number. The system selects a time/day-phone number for a destination phone number based on the time the call is made and the day the call is made, and routes the call to the called party terminal using the destination phone number.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a system for identifying redirected calls that includes a service switch point and a service control point. The service switch point is coupled to a communications network. The service switch point is configured to receive a call termination request that indicates call redirection. The service control point is coupled to the service switch point and is configured to direct the service switch point to utilize a distinctive ring in response to receiving the call termination request.

Abstract: A call screening system and method. The method can include receiving an inbound telephone call destined for a called party. Associated caller identification data can be identified from the inbound telephone call. The associated caller identification data can be compared to a filter list of caller identification data. Finally, based upon the comparison, call management rules can be applied to the inbound call to manage the inbound call by either deferring the inbound call to voice mail, or automatically answering the inbound call without requiring pro-active intervention by the called party. Significantly, each of the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps is performed in a telephone tranceiving device. Alternatively, the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps can be performed centrally in a call processing switch.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a cellular telephone includes a memory and a transmitter. The memory is adapted to store a telephone number associated with an incoming telephone call, and the transmitter is adapted to transmit the telephone number to another telephone. The cellular telephone may also include a receiver and a calling unit. The receiver is adapted to receive a different telephone number from the another telephone, and the calling unit is adapted to place an outgoing telephone call to the different telephone number. In an alternative embodiment, a method of placing a telephone call from a telephone includes the steps of receiving, over a wireless link, call related information from another telephone, and placing an outgoing call based on the call related information. The other telephone may be a cellular telephone, and the call related information may include a telephone number associated with a telephone call previously received by the other telephone.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, a cordless telephone comprises a base unit and a handset. An RF link between the base unit and the handset is adapted for use during a telephone conversation and for use as an intercom. When in an intercom mode, an incoming call is handled in a manner that does not automatically terminate the intercom mode in response to the incoming call. For example, call related information associated with the incoming call may be analyzed, and a decision to terminate the intercom mode may be based on the call related information. In an alternative example, call related information may be transmitted by the base unit to the handset, and the handset may be adapted to display at least a portion of the call related information, so that a user may elect whether to respond to the incoming call or to maintain the intercom.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically routing calls made to an unavailable number to a directory assistance service for further assistance are disclosed herein. An intercept system intercepts these erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service then can inform the caller of the unavailable status of the telephone number the caller is attempting to dial. Likewise, the directory assistance service can provide any additional information associated with the unavailable subscriber associated with the unavailable number, such as alternate numbers. The directory assistance service also can provide information regarding other subscribers having similar characteristics to the unavailable subscriber that the caller is attempting to reach. Additionally, the directory assistance service can be adapted to provide general or targeted advertisements to the caller before, during, and/or after providing directory assistance to the caller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for routing communications. A plurality of communication devices are coupled to a communications network. Each communication device has a device identifier. A user-programmable database associates each of a plurality of user identifiers with a device identifier. A call-routing switch arrangement is coupled to the communication network through a portal communication device having a portal identifier. A user designates a destination user identifier when making a communication. The call-routing switches the call, directing the call to a destination device identifier responsive to the user-programmable database association between the destination user identifier and a device identifier. According to the present invention, communications are directed to users and are routed to associated equipment, a user identifier serving as a virtual extension number.

Abstract: A distributed communication system that is capable of providing emergency call diversion during an event such as a power outage, network or sub-network failure, site closure, or the like, allows devices within the system affected by the event to rapidly inform one another that it is necessary to enter a call diversion state or mode during the duration of the outage. In this manner, calls may be diverted from different points within the network, or with different diversion behaviors as necessary.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for reconfiguring communications call paths enables more efficient use of communications network resources and enhanced service offerings. A plurality of feature control points (FCPs) located in a plurality of different types of communications carrier networks are controlled by a single call service node (CSN). The CSN receives a report from a FCP each time the FCP receives a call control signaling message. The CSN uses the reports to map the call path, so that when a connection change request is received, the CSN can select which of the FCPs to use to effect the requested change based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for routing an incoming call to a subscriber-selected destination number in accordance with dynamic data concerning the subscriber provided by an address book, a calendar and a presence server. A routing system routes the incoming call in accordance with a subscriber-defined routing rule associated with the originating number of the incoming call, as determined from the address book. The routing rule may specify that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with the current date and time, as indicated by the calendar. The routing rule may specify, alternatively or in addition thereto, that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with a presence-enabled service on which the subscriber is currently active. The subscriber or caller may also be alternatively notified of the routing of the incoming call.

Abstract: Call identification information regarding calls placed to or from a wireless device that subscribes to a Call Log service is recorded and stored in network-based incoming and outgoing call information logs, preferably at a Service Node. The network is prompted to capture call identification information by triggers provisioned on the subscribing line, wherein the triggers identify the subscribing directory number as a subscriber to the Call Log service. The call information logs can be retrieved by any requesting communication device that sends a presentation request and can be authenticated at the network via provision of an authentication code, or via referencing number in a network-based database permissions associated with the requesting communication device's directory.

Abstract: A communications network with user presence availability and a capability of locating call forwarded users or other users. Network stations display selection of do-not-disturb (DND) at other stations, e.g., by fluttering corresponding line keys. Network stations also may selectively display call forward locations, numbers for call forwarded stations or other designated user locations that may not normally be related to call forwarding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an automatic called party locator service by intelligently managing lists of contacts. The apparatus includes a contact list manager (10) where lists of contacts are stored, and a locator (60) capable of sending out location request messages and receiving and handling responses. In some embodiments, the current invention may be integrated with call messaging systems, fax and or e-mail systems. In some cases, advanced features such as message delivery method selection, message customization, contact message retrieval or expiration and automatic call dialing may be enabled. In embodiments which support caller identification capabilities, the invention may be configured to have different behaviors based on the identification of the caller.

Abstract: An incoming telephone call is held in a telephony network while a subscriber is notified that the call is waiting to be handled. A guide menu presenting call handling options is displayed on an entertainment center while a program played through the entertainment center is paused and recorded. The subscriber selects a desired call handling option using a remote control device and the call is handled in a manner corresponding to the selected call handling option.

Abstract: A method of linking call control functions of a telephony server with voice processing functions of a voice server using a common server side program can include receiving a call in the voice server, invoking the server side program to generate a voice processing script, executing the voice processing script in the voice server to process the call, and sending the call to the telephony server to perform a call control function on the call. The call control function can be indicated by the server side program.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for routing a call to a called party's landline or wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a called party's landline communication unit is routed to the called party's wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available, otherwise, the call is routed to the called party's landline communication unit. Unlike past attempts to facilitate communication with a called party having wireless and landline communication units, these preferred embodiments operate automatically (without called party intervention) before a call is terminated at the landline communication unit and are responsive to the availability of the called party's wireless communication unit. Further, there preferred embodiments do not rely on complex, pre-determined hunting sequences or expensive adjunct customer premises equipment.

Abstract: A method for utilizing proxy designation in a call system includes receiving a call from a first user over a first connection with a first endpoint of the first user. The method includes receiving a proxy designation from the first user. The proxy designation comprises a proxy user designated to handle the call for the first user. The method also includes establishing a second connection with the proxy user and detecting the presence of the proxy user over the second connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for utilizing calling party personal calendaring and scheduling information to facilitate enhanced directory assistance information. After obtaining a directory number for a called party from a subscriber's address book or from a directory assistance service, a voice services node queries a personal scheduling calendar of the called party to determine whether the called party is currently located at a location other than the location accessible by the obtained directory number. If so, the voice services node may obtain an alternate directory number for the current location of the called party, and the voice services node may automatically place a call to the called party via the alternate directory number or provide the alternate directory number to the subscriber.

Abstract: The Web customer contact system is based on distributed execution of service logic programs that can be dynamically altered based on changing business needs. The distributed and dynamic program modification makes the Web customer contact system scalable and customization to the most demanding business operation needs. For example, existing workflow based GUI programming tool, which only support centralized specification, down load and execution of routing rules for incoming calls in a contact center. The new system WCC system can allow user to specify a set of service logic program (SLP) can be dynamically attached to any distributed “addressable entities” in the WCC system. The addressable entities can be a user, an agent, an email box, a work group, IVR system, or a department web site. The addressable entities can be located anywhere that can be reached by internet address (an URL or other types of identities).

Abstract: The invention relates to tracing of a malicious call to be implemented in a telecommunications network, especially in a mobile communication network. The inventive idea is that the called subscriber activates the tracing service in real time on finding the call to be malicious. One way of activating the tracing service is a service code sent from the called subscriber's terminal equipment and defined by the operator. The means required for implementing the service may be located according to the operator's wishes either in a mobile services switching center or in an intelligent network.

Abstract: A technique for use in controlling routing of a call in a communications system is provided. In one embodiment of the technique, a call routing script is used. The script includes at least one call routing instruction that refers to a variable whose value is stored externally to the script. The value of the variable is determined by the system when the system executes the script for determining a destination for the call. The value of the variable is stored in a database, and the database is read to determine the value of the variable.

Abstract: A method improves mobility and service recovery for a user in a wireless communication network. Service information concerning the user is stored in a registrar. A subscription message is sent from a user terminal to the registrar. A header in the subscription message contains a unique indication. In response to the subscription message containing a unique indication in a header, the registrar returns a notification message to the user terminal. The payload of the notification message includes service information for the user to be used by the user terminal for communication services.

Abstract: A repeating device 14 for relaying the call to a plurality of receiver telephones 12a–12c that are connected to a local area network, comprising a function for requesting a reply to the plurality of receiver telephones 12a–12c asking their availability to receive a call, a function for selecting the destination of the call out of the receiver telephones 12a–12c that responded, and a function for notifying the address of the selected receiver telephone 12a to the caller telephone 22a. Further, the present repeating device comprises a function for receiving the transfer request from a user.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network having switching points (such as SSPs and/or MSCs) controlled by a control point (such as an SCP), the switching points are provisioned to send messages to the control point when they encounter trigger conditions during processing of a call to a called station that has a forward-to number. When the control point receives the messages, it determines whether a loop condition exists, i.e., whether the call has already been forwarded from the forward-to number. If the control point determines that a loop condition exists, the control point instructs the switching point so as not to forward the call to the forward-to number.

Abstract: Calls (ar) directed to wireless communication terminal equipment (KE) wirelessly connected to base stations (BS-H) of a home area (H) and to a communication network (KN) are switched to the appertaining base station (BS-H) in the home area (H) using the communication network (KN). The availability of the called wireless communication terminal equipment (KE) is determined using the base station. Given non-availability of the called wireless communication terminal equipment (KE), the calls (ar) are rerouted to the communication network (KN) using the performance feature of “call deflection” provided in the base station (BS-H) in the home area (H). The method can be integrated into existing communication networks (KN) with minimal outlay.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for selecting a destination number upon receiving a dialed number from a calling party. The preferred embodiments include a telecommunications system that, after receiving a dialed number from a calling party, selects a particular destination number and routes the call to that number. In one preferred embodiment, information about the calling party's end office, such as an originating point code, is used to select a destination number. In another preferred embodiment, destination numbers are stored in a plurality of database locations in the system, and the zip code of the calling party is used to select the appropriate database to query for the destination number. Since the database location selection is independent of the dialed number, the system—not the number dialed by the calling party—determines the appropriate database location to query. These preferred embodiments can be used in a variety of situations and find particular use in a non-emergency service environment.

Abstract: The present invention deploys an intelligent voice response (IVR) unit to interface between the subscriber and the operational support system of the telephone system. After proper authentication, the subscriber can access control over certain predefined behaviors associated with the subscribed line connection, resulting in improved utility and functionality for the subscriber as well as improved busy line interrupt actions.

Abstract: In a handheld mobile phone (10) having a detachable battery pack (20) which can be removably mounted to a body (11) of the handheld mobile phone, the detachable battery pack has a memory card receiving recess (22) for removably receiving a body of a memory card (30), and the body of the handheld mobile phone has a plurality of contacts (15) which are brought into electrical contact with contact terminals (31) of the memory card mounted to the detachable battery pack when the detachable battery pack is mounted to the body of the handheld mobile phone.

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

Abstract: An integrated telephony service can provide users with a single phone number and a single handset for use as a cordless device at a stationary location and for use as a mobile device. Incoming calls can be routed to the handset at the stationary location over a landline network. If unanswered at the stationary location, the calls can be routed to the handset via a service delivery point of presence over a wireless network. For outgoing calls from the handset, a switch within the handset can select cordless device operation when the handset is within range of a landline base station unit connected to the landline network and the handset can function as a cordless device in cooperation with the landline base station. If the handset is not within range of the landline base station, the switch can select mobile device operation and the call can be placed over the wireless network with the handset functioning as a mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the auditory differentiation among forwarded phone calls within a phone network, and in particular an advanced intelligent phone network. Unique distinctive forwarded ring alerts and distinctive forwarded call waiting alerts are assigned to selected subscriber phone numbers in the phone network. Upon the forwarding of one or more of these subscriber phone numbers to a target phone number within the telephone network, auditory differentiation between the forwarded phone numbers and the target phone number can be achieved by a customer.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for notifying a communications-switching center that subsequent communications directed to a wireless number associated with the wireless unit are to be routed to a destination number associated with the wireless unit. In response to a triggering event by the wireless unit through the base unit, the base unit causes the wireless unit to transmit an SMS message to the communications-switching center. The SMS message includes a notification that subsequent communications directed to the wireless number associated with the wireless unit are to be routed to the destination number associated with the wireless unit.