Abstract: A communication terminal is provided including a plurality of service providing sections (terminal adaptation function, operation section) which terminates a call, accepts operation instruction information, and provides a predetermined information service, a DCF for managing the setup information, which is commonly set for the plurality of service providing sections and outputting control instruction information based on this setup information or operation instruction information, and a control section which controls operation of the plurality of service providing sections based on the control instruction information which is output from the DCF, are disposed, so that operation control of the plurality of service providing sections (e.g. startup of transfer/telephone answering machine) according to the common setup information or operation instruction information is implemented.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a telephone and a computing device coupled to the telephone, the computing device to selectively route telephone call signals to the telephone based on user-specified rules.

Abstract: In one particular embodiment, the secure media includes information sent using secure real-time transfer protocol (sRTP). Supplementary services may include call transfers, forwards/redirects, call hold with music on hold (MOH), call hold with no MoH, call resume, call park, call pickup, call blast etc. In a call flow, a call request may be received from a first device for a second device. The call request may include at least one set of keys and be ready for establishment of an sRTP call. It is then determined that a supplementary service is needed for the call request. For example, a supplementary service may indicate that a call redirect to a third device is required. The gateway then facilitates a supplementary service call with the third device. This is facilitated without contacting the first device to generate a second key after receiving the initial call request.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for enhanced call pickup includes accessing data indicating a current status of each of one or more users in a call pickup group (CPG) with respect to an incoming phone call to a phone number corresponding to the CPG and communicating the data to one or more endpoints of one or more users in the CPG for display to one or more users in the CPG. A display of the data to a first user in the CPG facilitates the first user determining a current status of each of one or more second users in the CPG to facilitate a decision by the first user regarding whether to pick up the incoming phone call.

Abstract: A terminal operated at a switching facility has at least one indicating element which indicates operating modes of another terminal allocated to the indicating element. The other terminal is operated at another switching facility. Calls to the other terminal may be picked up by operating a function element, e.g., pressing a key, associated with the indicating element that indicates the operating modes of the other terminal, when an incoming call to the other terminal is indicated.

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: A telecommunications device. The device includes a receiver for receiving an incoming call and a processor in communication with the receiver. The processor has a call hold module for placing the call on hold prior to the call being answered by a user of the telecommunications device.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for selectively managing a call connection between a caller and each of a first directory number associated with a subscriber and a second directory number associated with the subscriber includes causing at least the first directory number to be rung in response to a call request from the caller. In response to a determination that the rung first directory number has answered the call request: a call is automatically allowed to be completed between the caller and the first directory number if the first directory number is of a first type; and, if the directory number is of a second type, a prescribed additional response is required from the first directory number prior to allowing the call to be completed between the caller and the first directory number, and the second directory number is allowed to be rung in response to the call request until the prescribed additional response is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for flexible call jumping are disclosed. According to one method, an indication is received from a calling phone for initiating a call with a called phone. The call is established between the called and calling phone. During the call, an indication is received from the calling phone to jump the call to a user selected destination. In response to receiving the indication to jump the call, the call is jumped to the destination such that the call continues between the destination and the called phone.

Abstract: A computerized device has an open communication session with a smart card via a smart card reader. The smart card reader and the computerized device cooperate to enable another computerized device to communicate with the smart card over the open communication session. Communication between the other computerized device and the smart card is routed via the computerized device that has the open communication session.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring a communications exchange using a mobile handset are described. A radio frequency (RF) signal is transmitted from a mobile handset to a base station to provide a communications exchange. The communications exchange exists between the mobile handset and a first communications device. The mobile handset automatically detects a second communications device when it is in close proximity to the second communications device. The second communications device is capable of receiving a call handoff. If the mobile handset is in close proximity to the second communications device, then a transfer request including information associated with the second communications device is received from the second communications device. The transfer request is accepted and the communications exchange is seamlessly transferred to the second communications device form the mobile handset.

Abstract: A method for providing communications between a requester and a desired party including receiving a request from a requester for information related to a desired party and retrieving at least one connection information related to the desired party. At least one connection message is sent to the desired party including at least one identifying information about the requester nd further offering the desired party at least one option for reply to be selected among of plurality of available predefined options. A reply is received from the desired party indicating an instruction for handling the request from the requester.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with an image memory for storing therein image data read from an original by an image sensor, an image processing portion for effecting image processing on the image data, and a sending portion for sending the image data to an external equipment. The image processing portion is disposed in a route along which the image data is forwarded from the image memory to the sending portion, and the contents of the image processing by the image processing portion is made changeable over. The external equipment is provided with an image analyzing portion for obtaining first image data image-processed in a first image mode from the scanner and analyzing it, and detecting the state of the original (such as whether the original is a white sheet) from which the first image data has been read. On the basis of the result of the detection by the image analyzing portion, second image data image-processed in a second image mode is obtained from the scanner.

Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of endpoints associated with predetermined groups of endpoints; a server adapted to store for each group of endpoints a list of the endpoints, among the plurality of endpoints, associated therewith; and a communication network adapted to allow the server and the plurality of endpoints to communicate with each other, wherein, for an incoming phone call from a calling endpoint, each endpoint of the plurality of endpoints includes modules adapted to: 1) receive from the calling endpoint a request to establish the incoming phone call; 2) send a message to the server reporting about the incoming phone call from the calling endpoint, and wherein the server includes modules adapted to: a) receive the message sent in 2); b) identify, based on the received message, a group of endpoints associated with the endpoint sending the message in 2); c) identify at least one monitoring endpoint associated with the group of endpoints identified in b); and d) send to the at least one mo

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: A method includes receiving a query message at a controller communicatively coupled to a destination device. The query message includes inbound call data associated with a call to the destination device. The method includes determining that the call to the destination device is from a redirecting number based on the inbound call data. The redirecting number is compared to an authorized set of numbers. When the authorized set of numbers includes the redirecting number, the controller formulates a response message to the query message. The response message includes a distinctive tone for use at the destination device that is identified based on the redirecting number. The response message is sent as a reply to the query message.

Abstract: The method for establishing a coordination link (40) between a first and second control center (10, 12) for carrying out services, including a stage in which one of the centers (10) transmits its address to the other center (12) by inserting the address in a call control signal transmitted to the other center (12), and a stage in which the center (12) which has received the address inserted into a call control signal establishes the coordination link (40) in order to transport the call control signal used in order to transmit the address of one of the centers to the other center.

Abstract: A rule-based intelligent call forwarding system is provided that typically includes a central office, a service control point, and an internet call routing system. The central office typically triggers a query responsive to receiving a call request. The service control point, which is coupled to the central office, receives the query, and triggers an internet call routing query. The internet call routing system, which is coupled to the service control point, typically receives the internet call routing query, determines presence of the called party with respect to a registered communication device, parses rules associated with the called party, and terminates the call request responsive to the rules parsing and presence determination. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method of providing a user the option to accept an incoming call, play a prerecorded message to the incoming party, ignore the incoming call or forward the incoming call to a separate telephone number is disclosed for use when the user is connected, via the same telephone line, to the Internet. The disclosed invention reduces the number of times the incoming call is transferred which reduces the number of reserves used in processing the incoming call. This reduction frees up system resources and allows overall system resources to be used more efficiently.

Abstract: A network scanner, communication protocols, and client and server programs and are provided which provide an improved way to transmit legally binding documents, obviating the need for outmoded, legacy fax transmissions. Using the network scanner, a document may be scanned and transferred directly into any shared folder inbox residing on any computer attached to the Internet. Enhanced server systems and network communications and messaging protocols are provided that are more practical to use than email for sending documents such as executed legal documents or other documents requiring robust integrity and authenticatability. Similarly, the inventive network scanner, server systems and communication protocols provide improved ways to perform large file transfers and to manage bandwidth to minimize problems associated with uploading/downloading large files as attachments to/from email servers and for enabling user control over VoIP quality during file transmission sessions.

Abstract: A method for inducing B-party defined behaviour in an A-party communications end-point (5), the method including the steps of receiving a user interface (71) at the A-party communications end-point, the user interface being associated with at least one B-party user or communications service and encoding one or more B-party defined or selected behaviours; invoking the user interface at the A-party communications end-point in response to at least one trigger; and interpreting the user interface at the A-party communications end-point to induce a resultant behaviour.

Abstract: A telecommunication system routes an incoming call to one or more telephony devices associated with a user, including personal digital assistants and other remote devices, based on the called party's historical call pattern created and updated by the system. The system enhances the routing using location or presence information. The call routing is designed to route calls to targeted devices to increase the likelihood that the call is answered by the intended called party while also alleviating the need to place multiple calls in an attempt to locate the called party.

Abstract: A communication system based on a communication protocol such SIP includes a first communication terminal Bob and a second communication terminal Bill, wherein the second communication terminal Bill has a unit, when the first communication terminal Bob receives an incoming message from a source communication terminal Alice, transmitting a substitute response control message to the first communication terminal Bob, the first communication terminal Bob has an incoming message transferring unit, when receiving the substitute response control message, transferring the incoming message given from the source terminal Alice to the second communication terminal Bill and has a response message transmitting unit transmitting to the source communication terminal Alice a response message containing contact information for specifying the second communication terminal Bill, and a call is established between the source communication terminal Alice and the second communication terminal Bill.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for forwarding a telephone call. The inventive method includes receiving a telephone call from a calling party line to a called party line, determining a location of the called party, determining a proximity of the location of the called party to one or more subscriber locations, and directing the telephone call to the one or more subscriber locations based on the determined proximity. The subscriber locations may be predefined by the called party. The location of the called party may be determined using a global position system and/or a radio frequency signal, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plurality of requests for multi-media services received at a call control element (CCE) defined on the system from a calling communication device. The system includes a Network Routing Element, a Service Broker (SB), at least a primary media severs (MS) and at least a secondary MS, a plurality of application servers (ASs) and a plurality of border elements, all of which are coupled to the CCE. The SB is adapted to receive a plurality of requests including parameters for requesting multi-media services, via the CCE, and to selectively redirect the requests to one or more ASs for providing feature processing for the requests. The ASs can instruct either the primary MS or secondary MS, via the CCE, to form a preliminary interactive communication path with the calling communication device for collecting caller-entered data, which can be validated prior to providing the feature processing.

Abstract: A PBX, when notified information of an originating manipulation such as dialing of a receiver's number from a keyboard connected with a PC, judges whether an origination request is from the PC or a first terminal. In a case of the request being from the PC, the PBX performs number analysis processing of the PC which is the originator. The PBX judges whether there is information about a terminal associating with the terminal requesting the origination, and when there is information for the terminal, performs to connect with the associating terminal, and processes the origination request to thereby connect with the counterpart terminal. When there is no information about the terminal, the PBX processes the origination request as usual to thereby connect with the counterpart terminal.

Abstract: A method of processing calls received at an interactive voice response (IVR) server is provided and includes receiving a telephone call at the IVR. Caller identity data that is associated with the telephone call is received and a customer profile that includes a list of individual names associated with the caller identity data is received. Each of the individual names is mapped to a speech recognition grammar pattern. Further, a caller of the telephone call is prompted to speak their name. A spoken name from the caller is received and recorded. Moreover, the spoken name is converted into a speech recognition grammar pattern. Thereafter, the speech recognition grammar pattern associated with the spoken name is compared to each of the speech recognition grammar patterns associated with the individual names retrieved from the customer profile.

Abstract: A menu is provided in a telephone call. The menu provides a plurality of destination options including a first destination option for a residence of a family, a second destination option for a first member of the family at a first location other than the residence, and a third destination option for a second member of the family at a second location other than the residence. A first selection of one of the destination options is received in the telephone call, and the telephone call is routed to a first telephone number corresponding to the first selection. Thereafter, an originating dual-tone multi-frequency trigger is detected. The telephone call to the first telephone number is interrupted, a second selection of the destination options is received, and the telephone call is routed to a second telephone number corresponding to the second selection.

Abstract: Dynamic telephone call routing. A voice service initiates a voice call session on a data communication network in response to an incoming telephone call directed to a user and generates a notification of the telephone call. An alerts service receiving and responsive to the notification executes a set of routing rules to select a computing device associated with the user. The alerts service also generates an alert directed to the computing device. If the computing device is online, a messaging service sends the alert to the computing device and receives a user request from the computing device in response thereto. The messaging service communicates the user request to the voice service for completing the voice call session to the computing device if specified by the user request. If the computing device is not online, the telephone call is routed to a telephone device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a caller who does not provide caller identification on an unanswered call. The caller is asked to record his/her name (or some other characteristic utterance). If the call is unanswered, the record is retained and can be accessed by the called party when that party requests his/her stored voice mail. Advantageously, even on unanswered calls, the identity of the caller can be presented to the called party when that called party requests stored voice mail messages, even if the calling party has private service.

Abstract: Connecting two or more persons by telephone without any person having to give their telephone coordinates. A messaging server adapted to send to one or more invited persons a message sent by an inviting person and containing an invitation to communicate by telephone, to create automatically a number dedicated to a telephone call in which at least one invited person has agreed to participate, and to broadcast the dedicated number to the inviting person and to the invited person(s) who have agreed to participate. An exchange is adapted to connect at least two calls to the dedicated number.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for the management and routing of telecommunications information on data and telephone lines. In one exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a flexible system whereby business information is correlated to a user's telephone number is provided. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an on-line answering service in which the identification information of the called party can be maintained during call forwarding and/or diversion. In another exemplary embodiment, the identification information of the user called can be detected by the answering system. In addition, in another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides answering services access to information about the called party as well as the calling party in order to facilitate the answering services' responses on behalf of their users.

Abstract: A system that is configured for determining the value of one or at least one incoming call and routing the call for processing based on this determined value. In one embodiment, the system routes very low value calls to an automated system for processing, and directs all other calls to human operators for processing. In another embodiment, the system assigns at least one agent to one or more of a plurality of groups of agents based on the agent's past performance in executing a particular task. For example, the highest performing agents at handling a particular type of call are assigned to a first group, and the second highest performing agents at handling this type of call are assigned to a second group. In one embodiment, the most important calls are routed to the first, “highest performing” group for processing, and less important calls are routed to the second group for processing.

Abstract: A method of call forwarding a call originally placed to a mobile telephone number of a mobile telephone to a landline telephone number of a landline telephone is provided, wherein the call is routed through a telephone network by a service provider. A forwarding location of the mobile telephone is determined using a mobile location technology. The landline telephone number of the landline telephone is provided to the service provider. A current mobile telephone location is determined by a mobile location technology. The mobile location technology is capable of locating the mobile telephone using service provider equipment. The service provider determines that the call is being made to the mobile telephone when the current mobile telephone location is at the forwarding location. The call to the mobile telephone number is forwarded to the landline telephone number when the current mobile telephone location is at the forwarding location.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a do not redirect or reject call management system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a memory comprising, (i) a do not redirect or reject application that allows a caller to prevent a call recipient from redirecting or rejecting a call, and (b) a processor coupled to the memory that executes the do not redirect or reject application.

Abstract: A telecommunication system routes an incoming call to one or more telephony devices, including personal digital assistants and other remote devices, based on the called party's historical call pattern created and updated by the system. The system may also enhance the routing using transient information and/or real-time information when available. The call routing is designed to route calls to targeted devices to increase the likelihood that the call is answered by the intended called party while also alleviating the need to place multiple calls in an attempt to locate the called party.

Abstract: A method of providing a user the option to accept an incoming call, play a prerecorded message to the incoming party, ignore the incoming call or forward the incoming call to a separate telephone number is disclosed for use when the user is connected, via the same telephone line, to the Internet. The disclosed invention reduces the number of times the incoming call is transferred which reduces the number of reserves used in processing the incoming call. This reduction frees up system resources and allows overall system resources to be used more efficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that provide a technique for managing held calls. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a call-handling system receives a first indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near a terminal for which the system is receiving incoming calls. Examples of messaging resources include instant messaging, email, short messaging service, and so forth. The system might also receive a second indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near the originating terminal of an incoming call. If the first indication and second indication match, the system will prompt the caller of the originating terminal to use the available messaging resource. In some embodiments, the system will also assign the corresponding incoming call a lower priority relative to other calls because of the availability of the alternative form of communication to the caller.

Abstract: During establishing a communication or power characteristics, an idle state is activated such that a communication terminal is at least temporarily unattainable. The idle state results in reducing electric power consumption in the communication terminal for which switchings off such as Always-on-Device are not provided.

Abstract: For use in a cellular network, a method and device are provided for establishing communication sessions with a user of a single telephone device, wherein the requests to establish the communication sessions are destined to more than one different communication address. Also, there is provided a method for managing a plurality of requests to establish communication sessions with a user of a single desktop telephone device having a single subscriber address identification defined in the cellular network, and wherein the plurality of requests are received while another communication session is active with that user. Also, there is provided a method for establishing communication sessions with a user of such a single desktop telephone device, wherein at least two of the requests for establishing these communication sessions with the user specify each a different communication address.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for implementing Wide Area Centrex (WAC), wherein the long number and short number corresponding relationship of the WAC users is set and saved. The method includes: routing the call initiated by a user to a soft-switch; receiving by the soft-switch the call information the calling user sends; after determining that the calling user is a WAC user based on the calling number, the soft-switch determining the route to the called user based on the call information and completing the call. The WAC, covering the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)/Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) user and the Next Generation Network (NGN) user of different physical networks, can be implemented by using the method of the present invention without any software or hardware change to the switches in the existing network.

Abstract: A method for establishing a communication connection between two subscribers of a plurality of subscribers in a direct communication network is provided. Subscriber address information required for establishing paired communication connections between the subscribers is stored in the plurality of subscribers in a distributed manner; a searching subscriber sends a broadcast request message aimed at the establishment of at least one communication connection between a calling subscriber and at least one sought subscriber; each subscriber receiving the broadcast request message sends a response message containing subscriber address information required for the at least one communication connection, provided that the emission of a response message is associated therewith according to the respective functionality thereof; and said subscriber address information is then used to establish the communication connection between the calling subscriber and the at least one sought subscriber.

Abstract: Responding to a telephone call made by a calling party includes receiving a first telephone call and identifying an account associated with the telephone number to which the first calling party directed the first telephone call. Configuration data related to the account is accessed. A first identity associated with the account is identified based on the configuration data accessed. A first electronic communication is sent to a computer of a first called party associated with the first identity. The first called party may respond to the first electronic communication by dynamically and manually inputting a call redirection telephone number, sending an e-mail, or sending an instant message. If a call redirection telephone number is inputted, the first telephone call may be redirected to the call redirection telephone number.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying redirected calls are provided. A particular method includes receiving a redirected call. When the redirected call is redirected from a first address, the method includes generating a first distinctive ring at a communication device. When the redirected call is not redirected from the first address, the method includes generating a second distinctive ring at the communication device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing a forced hold service such as is used for an emergency services call, which is supported at least in part over a packet network. The forced hold service acts to effectively hold a connection for the call with a called party, even when the caller takes an action that would normally end a call, such as going on hook, pressing end, or the like. When the caller takes an action that would normally end the call, the forced hold service allows the caller to automatically reconnect to the emergency services provider over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like. Alternatively, the emergency services provider can effectively re-engage the call wherein the caller is reconnected over the held connection upon going offhook, pressing send, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method, system, and storage medium for providing automated call acknowledgement services over a network. The method includes receiving a data request from a call-receiving device to acknowledge an incoming call from a calling device. The data request includes a phone number for the call-receiving device, a phone number or text address for the calling device, a message type, and a voice/text indicator selection. The method further includes retrieving a pre-defined acknowledgement message from a database based upon the message type and sending the pre-defined acknowledgement message to the calling device in lieu of answering the incoming call.

Abstract: A media gateway built in an exchange comprises a media gateway control unit connected to a control unit of the exchange, a first protocol processing unit for executing a call connection procedure according to a first call control protocol with an IP call connection controller on the IP network, and a second protocol processing unit for executing a call connection procedure according to a second call control protocol with the IP call connection controller. The media gateway control unit instructs the first protocol processing unit to start call connection processing in response to a call connection command from a PSTN telephone, aborts the call connection processing of the first protocol processing unit when receiving a connection protocol change command from the IP call connection controller before completing the call connection according to the first protocol, and instructs the second protocol processing unit to execute call connection processing.

Abstract: An addressee information notification system includes an application server which, based on an addressee number requested by an incoming call connection request, selects one transfer destination terminal from plural alternative transfer destination terminals associated with the addressee number, and transfers the call connection request to the selected terminal, and plural terminals configured as alternative transfer destinations. The application server includes an addressee information attachment section that attaches addressee information in the form of the addressee number or identification information associated with the addressee number to the call connection request to be transferred to the selected terminal. At least one of the plural terminals has an addressee information output section that, when a call connection request is provided to that terminal from the application server, outputs the addressee information attached to the call connection request before the terminal is taken off-hook.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically routing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls made to an unavailable number to a directory assistance service for further assistance. An intercept system intercepts these erroneous VoIP calls and automatically routes them to a directory assistance service. The directory assistance service can provide any additional information 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 number that the caller is attempting to reach. Additionally, the directory assistance service can provide general or targeted advertisements to the caller before, during, and/or after providing directory assistance to the caller.

Abstract: A telephone call processing method comprising the steps of: (i) receiving a telephone call for transfer to a first telephone number; (ii) determining whether the first telephone number has been set to divert calls to a second telephone number; and (iii) processing the call in dependence upon the determination of step (ii).