Abstract: A vPBX server manages calls in a bridged line appearance (BLA) group. A BLA group can include extensions for location-aware mobile devices. The vPBX server contains location based forwarding rules that can be applied together with BLA redirection rules in managing incoming calls. A single extension can appear as a user interface element (e.g., an icon or button) on multiple mobile devices. Using the user interface element, a primary user can view a secondary user's status, including the secondary user's location information. The vPBX server allows the primary user to redirect the incoming calls to devices in accordance with the forwarding rules and the redirection rules.

Abstract: A disclosed application server and method are operable to enable a user to access and modify a remote user profile stored on or otherwise accessible to the application server. The user profile identifies the user's CPE devices and information indicative of priority based call handling rules defined by the user. The profile may also include priority levels assigned by the user to selected telephone numbers. The application server downloads a user's profile information to the CPE devices identified in the profile, which may include multiple CPE devices that operate on different telecommunications networks, for example, VoIP networks, wireless cellular networks, and/or traditional TDM networks. The application server communicates the profile information to the CPE devices defined in the profile. In the case of a TDM phone, the application server uses an intermediary, such as a central office or Service Node, to implement the service on behalf of a TDM telephone.

Abstract: Initiating a communication is disclosed. An identifier associated with an intended destination with which the calling party desires to establish communication is received from a calling party. Communication with a compliance node is established. An identifier is provided to the compliance node. The compliance node is configured to establish with the intended destination a communication session in which the compliance node, the intended destination, and the calling party are participants.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network. The method includes, at a signaling node that includes at least one processor: receiving a first signaling message that includes a toll-free called party number, where the first signaling message is one of a non-TCAP call setup message, a mobility management query, a number portability (NP) query, and an E.164 number (ENUM) query; determining a directory number associated with the toll-free called party number; and sending the first signaling message or a second signaling message, the sent message including at least one of the directory number and routing information associated with the directory number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for terminating telephony communications to a mobile telephony device that is roaming outside of its native service area make use of a mobile roaming termination service. The mobile roaming termination service causes the native mobile telephony service provider that provides service to the mobile telephony device to forward incoming telephony communications directed the native telephone number of the mobile telephony device to a forwarding access number. The mobile roaming termination service receives telephony communications directed to the forwarding access number, and then terminates the telephony communication to the mobile telephony device via any one of multiple different methods.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are disclosed. According to one example the apparatus may be configured to receive via the receiver a message from a mobile device to connect with an agent. The apparatus may also be configured to determine and select an available agent via the processor in order for the mobile device to communicate with the available agent, and transmit via the transmitter an agent availability message to the mobile device, wherein the agent availability message requires an acknowledgement from the mobile device prior to connecting the mobile device with the available agent.

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer-network related information about a second party. First, the second party receives a telephone number of a first party. The second party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the first party's computer-network address is retrieved, first-party-customized information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the second party's CPE. Also, the first party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the first-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the second party's CPE.

Abstract: A positioning system (e.g., GPS) integrated in, or coupled to, a mobile device determines the position of the mobile device. An availability status manager (ASM) in a vPBX acquires the position of the mobile device. The ASM can contain rules on how to route or otherwise control incoming phone calls based on availability status of one or more mobile devices in the vPBX network. When a call is received by the vPBX, the ASM determines the availability status of the receiving mobile device based on the geographic location of the receiving mobile device. The ASM then routes the call to the receiving mobile device, to another mobile device, or to a landline based on the availability status of the receiving mobile device and the availability status based rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating telephony calls are presented. In one example, a phone call initiation is detected on a first communications network. The phone call initiation is redirected to a second communications network. The call is connected utilizing the second communications network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for enhanced call routing. A system configured to practice the method determines the communicative intent of a caller based on the caller's identity, communication history, job title, and/or other factors. Based on this communicative intent, the system develops a list of most probable call destinations. From this list of most probable call destinations, the system selects the most-likely call destination the destination most likely to meet the needs of the caller based on the subject received. Then the system can initialize communications are then initialized between the user and the most-likely call destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for routing a call to a landline communication unit or a wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a landline communication unit is routed to the wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available. Otherwise, the call is routed to the landline communication unit.

Abstract: A telephone device has a storage unit 17 in which prescribed count information 173 is pre-registered, telephone call initiating/receiving means 181 for initiating a call to a telephone number of a receiving party, determining whether the receiving party responds to the call, and registering outgoing call history information 172 in the storage unit 17 each time a call is initiated, and function switching means 182 for acquiring the number of continuous non-responses of the same receiving party with reference to the outgoing call history information 172 when the receiving party does not respond and initiating a mail function when the acquired number of the non-responses is no less than the prescribed count.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, special feature, and cellular connections. Telephone numbers are permanent and fixed for the life of the subscriber. Global call numbers, such as GE's, shrink from 011-44-207-302-6000 to ‘UK-LO-GE.

Abstract: The present invention provides flexible, user-definable call screening processes. The user can optionally define to which telecommunication terminals a screened call is to be broadcast to and under what conditions. An incoming call is forwarded to a call management system that asks the caller to leave a voice message. The call management system selectively couples the call to a POTS line or a VoIP-capable device so that the user can listen to the incoming message and thereby screen the incoming call. Based on the screening, the user can instruct the call management system to connect the caller to the user.

Abstract: A call management system having a call monitor operable to identify an attempt, in use, by a user to call a predetermined number attributed to a first entity; a processor, configured to derive at least one alternative number, attributed to another entity, based on the predetermined number attributed to the first entity; and a router to provide a user with an opportunity to route a or the call to at least one of the derived at least one alternative numbers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for inbound call identification and management. One of the systems includes one or more repositories that can include data representing call action policies and data representing attributes associated with the caller devices and the callee devices; and one or more computing devices that include a call identifier (“IDer”) configured to characterize the attributes of the caller devices to form characterized attributes, a call management system controller configured to match the characterized attributes against routing criteria specified in the data representing the call action policies, and a call management system router configured to route calls from the caller devices to the callee devices responsive to a match between the characterized attributes and the routing criteria.

Abstract: An attempt by a first endpoint device to establish a particular communication session with a second endpoint device is identified during a first, preexisting communication session between the second endpoint device and a third endpoint device. It is determined whether the first communication session has priority over the particular communication session. If the precedence level of the attempted particular communication session preempts the precedence level of the first communication session, the first communication session is terminated and the particular communication session is established between the first and second endpoints. A notification is provided to the third endpoint corresponding to the end of the particular communication session. Alternatively, if the first communication session has priority over the particular communication session, the attempt to establish the particular communication session is denied.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for performing message deposit transaction screening. One method includes receiving a call setup signaling message for a call for which a message deposit transaction is indicated and determining a message deposit transaction parameter associated with the message deposit transaction based on the signaling message. At least one message deposit transaction screening criterion is determined for the message deposit transaction based on the at least one message deposit transaction parameter. A message deposit transaction screening action is performed based on application of the screening criterion to the message deposit transaction parameter.

Abstract: An exemplary telephone apparatus which can transfer a first phone call from a Bluetooth enabled cellular phone to a home phone and, making a second cellular phone call by a home phone via a Bluetooth enabled cellular phone, includes a Bluetooth enabled integrated chip (IC). The IC includes a Bluetooth modem configured for receiving a Bluetooth signal from a Bluetooth radio frequency (RF) antenna of the cellular phone, a central processing unit (CPU) built-in the IC, for switching controlling of transferring between the first phone call and the second phone call, and a digital signal processor (DSP) and a CODEC built-in the IC. The telephone apparatus makes use of digital signal processing technology to generate and decode various tones and signals. The telephone also avoids the problem of distortion of DTMF tone during transmission through a Bluetooth RF.

Abstract: A system may include a call controller configured to receive a refer message configured to transfer a first endpoint of a call session, the call session being between at least the first endpoint at a first communications device and a second endpoint at a second communications device, the refer message indicating to transfer the first endpoint from the first communications device to a third communications device. The call control may be further configured to subscribe the first communications device to notification messages associated with the referral of the transferred call session, the subscription to the referral extending beyond the call transfer until termination of the call; and send, through the subscription to the first communications device, a notification message indicating termination of the transferred call.

Abstract: A wireless computer device, such as a mobile telephone, that receives attempted communication connections, such as phone calls, across a wireless network and can respond thereto without the user directly entering the communication. The wireless device classifies the attempted communication connection, such as through receipt of Caller ID, and performs a predetermined response to a communication connection attempt based upon the classification, such as blocking the call, answering with a prerecorded message, or sending data to the calling device.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may include a method and apparatus configured determine an optimal routing path to route a call through a network. One example method may include retrieving and parsing a routing table and storing the parsed routing information in a routing database. The method may also include determining a plurality of routes that could be used to route the call through the network by applying at least one cost metric to the plurality of determined routes. The method may also include determining an order of the plurality of routes used to route the call, and create a route used to route the call based on the determined order of the plurality of routes.

Abstract: A target phone number previously associated with a first user is presently associated with a second user such that the target phone number is not presently associated with the first user. A caller uses a calling phone number to initiate a phone call to the target phone number. In response, it is determined whether the calling phone number is on a list of phone numbers associated with the first user. If the calling phone number is on the list of phone numbers associated with the first user, then the caller is notified that the target phone number is no longer associated with the first user. It is determined whether the caller wants to continue with the phone call, and if not, the phone call is terminated before it reaches the second user.

Abstract: A telephony system is presented that enables one user to monitor another user's extension and perform functions on calls destined for the other user's extension. The system includes a server with a telephony management software (TMS) unit, a telephony application programming interface (TAPI) unit, and an application unit. The application unit includes a control module, association module, presentation module, park module, monitoring device interface module, and storage interface module. A server sends information to a monitoring device regarding the status of a monitored extension and calls offering on that extension. A server also enables a user to navigate through multiple calls offering and park a selected call.

Abstract: Communication systems and methods are described that include call notification with rich caller identification. Components of the communication systems are configured to receive a call for a user via an enterprise voice channel. A call request is automatically generated in response to event data of the received call. The call request includes caller data from enterprise databases or directories. The caller data provides identifying information of the caller to the user via the call request. The call request can include response options by which the user can participate in the call. The call request is routed to a target device of the user via a data channel of the host enterprise. The target device provides the user with multiple action or response options via the call request. The response options include for example accepting the call, delaying the call, forwarding the call, ignoring the call, and ignoring the caller.

Abstract: A system includes an event notification system coupled to a communication network element and to a subscription database. In response to a subscribe message for a party received from the communication network element, the event notification system determines at least one service from a plurality of services for the party from the subscription database, sends a service subscribe message to a device associated with a service for each service of the at least one service, determines a notification value for the party based on service pushed values received in response to each sent service subscribe message, and sends the notification value to the communication network element. The notification value is used by the communication network element to determine whether to invoke an internet protocol multimedia subsystem service for an incoming call to a communication address associated with the party.

Abstract: A call destination mapping method executes on a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device requests a call action within the device for a first call destination number of a call destination, maps the first call destination number to a second call destination number in accordance with one or more call destination mapping rules stored on the device, and replaces the first call destination number in the call action with the second call destination number.

Abstract: A telephone call management system is provided including a local system and a central site server using improved blocked or restricted call means including network traffic management. Decisions to allow or block a call to called parties are accomplished by using flagged indicators associated with certain called telephone numbers, with subsequent verification of a central database. The system includes management software capable of implementing widespread or local changes to the system and is further capable of modifying or setting any number of user account parameters.

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 method for performing configurable actions based upon the detection of one or more mobile devices includes receiving from a detection point an identifier for each of one or more mobile devices detected within a detection perimeter associated with the detection point. The identifiers are then filtered to determine a change in status for each of the one or more mobile devices. An action is then performed based upon at least one of the determined changes in status for each of the one or more mobile devices.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, special feature, and cellular connections. Telephone numbers are permanent and fixed for the life of the subscriber.

Abstract: Implementations for mobile device notifications are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for a mobile device is disclosed. The method includes outputting a first notification of an event at the mobile device responsive to occurrence of the event. The method further includes discontinuing the first notification after a period of time. The method further includes receiving an indication of motion of the mobile device via a motion sensor of the mobile device after discontinuing the first notification. The method further includes outputting a second notification of the event at the mobile device after discontinuing the first notification responsive to receiving the indication of motion of the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for enhanced call routing. A system configured to practice the method determines the communicative intent of a caller based on the caller's identity, communication history, job title, and/or other factors. Based on this communicative intent, the system develops a list of most probable call destinations. From this list of most probable call destinations, the system selects the most-likely call destination the destination most likely to meet the needs of the caller based on the subject received. Then the system can initialize communications are then initialized between the user and the most-likely call destination.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement, directory assistance information and a variety of other information and services to the callers based on a highest expected revenue value of the advertisement or directory assistance services provided.

Abstract: A method and system for providing directory assistance to erroneous calls. The method and system includes an intercept system that intercepts erroneous calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service provides a least one advertisement, directory assistance information and derived information including caller demographics information.

Abstract: A communication device includes a communication unit, a storage unit, a processor, and a transfer module. The communication unit communicates with an external communication device. The storage unit stores a call transfer code. The processor records a ring data of the external communication device. The ring data is defined to a ring count of each incoming call made from the external communication device and number of times called made from the external communication device. The transfer module compares the ring data with the call transfer code, sets the telephone number of the external communication device to be a transferring telephone number of the communication device when the ring data is equal to the call transfer code, and implements a call transfer function and message transfer function of the communication device.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

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: Safe parking and retrieval of multimodal conversations is enabled through a park server generating a token and encoding it in an address identifier associated with a parking slot. A client application can display the address identifier with the token as a link in a text-based message or in conversation history items. The identifier encoded link may ensure that the intended call can be retrieved from a given parking slot without being confused with another parked call. If another call is parked at the same orbit, the encoded token does not match, and the park server may reject the retrieval attempt with an error message.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed useful for enabling wireless signals representing control messages to be sent between a wireless handheld telephony device and a call control server during an ongoing communication session when an out-of-band path becomes unavailable, the communication session being controlled by the call control server.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing additional routing information in response to a query to determine whether a dialed number is ported or not. Many customers change service providers and yet keep the same phone number. Thus, whenever a call is made, a service provider may determine whether the dialed number has been ported. This determination may be made via a local number portability (LNP) query to a database. An embodiment of the present invention provides additional information in a LNP query response that assists in routing the call. For example, the LNP response may include a local access transport area (LATA) identifier. The LATA identifier represents a geographic section of the United States and provides routing information. The LATA identifier may be processed to determine the proper routing information for a dialed number. By using LATA identifiers, a more manageable database size may be realized.

Abstract: A communications system for providing a service includes an interface configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a requester seeking a desired listing from among a plurality of available desired listings. A processor is configured to obtain a stored profile associated with the requester, the profile including at least one delivery preference set by the requester relating to the format in which said requester desires to have the desired listing delivered to them. A device configured to provide a communication listing associated with the desired listing to the requester, in response to the directory assistance request, in accordance with the preference proscribed by the requester in the profile and then connecting the requester to a second communication listing associated with the desired listing.

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer-network related information about a second party. First, the second party receives a telephone number of a first party. The second party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the first party's computer-network address is retrieved, computer network information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the second party's CPE. Also, the first party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the first-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the second party's CPE.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling a process of establishing a call, comprising: setting group codes in a called terminal; sending a calling number and a corresponding group code to the called terminal; the called terminal determining whether the received group code is one of the group codes set in the called terminal, if the received group code is one of the group codes set in the called terminal, allowing a call to be established between the calling terminal corresponding to the calling number and the called terminal, otherwise, refusing the call. According to one aspect of the invention, the called user enables a function of group code call when he does not want to be disturbed by frequent calls. So the called user will not be disturbed by unimportant calls or harassing calls while simultaneously the called user will not miss any important call.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring calls. A voice communication is received. The voice communication is placed on hold in response to receiving user input. Multiple phones are rung simultaneously in response to receiving the user input. The voice communication is connected to one of the multiple phones in response to a user answering the voice communication on one of the multiple phones.

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer-network related information about a calling party. First, the called party receives a telephone number of a calling party. The called party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the calling party's computer-network address is retrieved, calling-party-customized information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the called party's CPE. Also, the calling party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the calling-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the called party's CPE.

Abstract: A method of using a computer to provide music on hold, including receiving a telephone call from a caller; determining that the telephone call is to be put on hold at a computer at a first location; using the computer to retrieve from a memory coupled to the computer a music genre corresponding to a telephone number for the telephone call, wherein the telephone number corresponds to a second location; sending a request to a media server for a music file containing music fitting the music genre corresponding to the second location, wherein the media server has stored therein music files for a plurality of genres for a plurality of locations; and streaming via the media server the music file containing music fitting the music genre corresponding to the second location to the caller.

Abstract: A call management system, comprising: a call monitor operable to identify an attempt, in use, by a user to call a predetermined number attributed to a first entity; a processor, configured to derive at least one alternative number, attributed to another entity, based on the predetermined number attributed to the first entity; and a router to provide a user with an opportunity to route a or the call to at least one of the derived at least one alternative numbers.

Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for routing a call to a landline communication unit or a wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a landline communication unit is routed to the wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available. Otherwise, the call is routed to the landline communication unit.

Abstract: Mid-call features are implemented during a call placed over a communications network. The mid-call features are implemented through a set of call feature modules, each of which having been categorized in accordance with a feature implementation architecture. An exemplary method for routing requests within a feature server computer to set up a feature implementation includes receiving, at a per-incoming call feature module of a feature server computer, an initial incoming call request, routing the initial incoming call request from the per-incoming call feature module to a multi-call feature module of the feature server computer, routing the initial incoming call request from the multi-call feature module to an omniscient call feature module, routing the initial incoming call request from the omniscient call feature module to a multi-device call feature module, and routing the initial incoming call request from the multi-device call feature module to a per-outgoing device feature module.