Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for handling a telephone call. The method comprises receiving an incoming call at a computer-telephony server located as service provider equipment within a telephone network, followed by setting up a call from the computer-telephony server to a customer location. The customer location has a plurality of agents, each agent having an associated computer workstation. The call is forwarded at the customer location to a receiving agent selected from the plurality of agents. There is now communication between the computer-telephony server and one or more of the agents to allow the computer-telephony server to identify the receiving agent. The computer telephony server uses voice analytics on speech input from the receiving agent to identify the receiving agent.

Abstract: A telecommunication system establishes location information concurrently with the set-up of a landline as a network address for delivering wireless-based subscription services. A location register in the wireless system defines a current network location where a respective subscriber is connected and a current geographic location where said respective subscriber is located. An access device is provided for coupling with a landline within the public switched telephone network, wherein the landline has a landline ID, and wherein a user terminal connected to the landline is associated with a fixed geographic location. A control channel transmits an electronic identification number of a subscriber and a location coordinate corresponding to the fixed geographic location from the access device to the location register during registration of the landline as the current network address of the user terminal. The subscriber receives location-based wireless services via the landline.

Abstract: A hands-free apparatus determines whether there is an incoming call, and then determines whether the incoming call is to be answered by switching from a current call or to be rejected. When the incoming call is determined to be answered, the current call in a hands-free communication is put on hold for switching to the incoming call, and call partner information of the current call is spared from being displayed on a display unit to represent that the incoming call is now being established.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed that improve how an incoming call is handled across multiple data-processing systems, without some of the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, in a telecommunications call when a called telephone number is not associated with a particular in-service terminal, an enhanced terminating system of the call refrains from transmitting ringback to the calling terminal until an appropriate event occurs, such as the receiving of an asynchronous response from the auxiliary data-processing system to which the call has been directed. Depending on the response received, the terminating system might refocus the call or provide other treatment to the call. In some embodiments of the present invention, the terminating system also transmits a feedback signal to the calling terminal to provide status to the calling party on the progress of the call attempt, wherein the feedback signal is different than the ringback signal.

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: Connecting a caller with a plurality of destinations using a destination list received from a caller or a designated user. Attempts are made to connect the caller with each of the destinations in the stored destination list, with each attempt including a connectability query to determine whether either the caller or the destination is connectable. Thereafter, the other party is called and offered a connection attempt to the first party. If the second party accepts, a call is made to the first party. If the first party is indeed connectable and answers the call, a connection is established between the two parties. Once the destination list is stored, attempts to connect the caller with each destination can be separately initiated or paused. Furthermore, the stored destination list can be edited even after connection attempts have been initiated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing data communication between an information system, such as a LAN, and a communication system, such as a PBX operating under control of an automatic call routing system, is disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, data as to a particular LAN user's schedule, as reflected in an electronic calendar application, is used to properly route calls via the automatic call routing system. Alternative embodiments providing for the scheduling of events in the electronic calendar as well as the dissemination of information through the communication system are also disclosed.

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: A method and system are provided for implementing a call transfer service over a telephone network, a subscription for the call transfer service being alterable by a call transfer service subscriber, and includes a subscriber graphic user interface through which the subscriber may provide call transfer service information. A telephone network node such as a platform may further be provided, the platform in communication with the subscriber graphic user interface, and including a memory device that stores call transfer service information for use in implementing the call transfer service. The platform further includes a call transfer service controller coupled with the memory device, that communicates with the subscriber graphic user interface, and that receives call transfer service information, and updates the subscriber's call transfer service subscription responsive to information received at the graphic user interface.

Abstract: This invention proposes providing support for remote call forwarding set-up for IP desk phones via messaging. Whenever a user wants to set-up or change call forwarding for his/her IP desk phone, the user can send a Short Message (SM) to user's IP desk phone. The user can send such call forwarding set-up/change SM via user's mobile phone or from any Internet connected e-mail system. With this approach, the user can set-up the call forwarding for his/her IP desk phone anytime, anywhere and with immediate effect.

Abstract: A platform for the delivery of dynamic, interactive audio advertisements played in response to a consumer initiated request for information via a telephone. The platform invention provides advertising supported information services that are related to a geographic location associated with a response to a consumer initiated request. In one specific embodiment, at a customer station, a consumer dials an information access number and is connected to a call processing system. The call processing system receives a request for information from the consumer, and determines a response. The response is then further processed to determine a geographic location associated with the response. An advertisement is then selected that is associated with the geographic location of the response (as opposed to the geographic location specified in request, or as opposed to the geographic location of the consumer, which may not necessarily be the same).

Abstract: Exemplary methods and apparatuses are provided for assisting a subscriber, e.g., a subscriber with cognitive limitations, in making decisions concerning contacting a called party. In response to a subscriber's request to speak to the called party, a cognitive processor queries a database to retrieve records stored in a profile which relates the called party to rules for contact of the called party. Upon receiving the records, the cognitive processor determines a requested telephone number and one or more alternative contact telephone numbers having a high likelihood of satisfying the request. The telephone numbers are prioritized based on stored rules or calling history and a prioritized list is presented to the subscriber. The subscriber may select the telephone number of the person best qualified to satisfy the subscriber's objective. The cognitive processor generates a signal for the network to connect the subscriber to a final called party determined for the subscriber.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for utilizing destination information stored in a database are disclosed. The database is queried for information about a service located at a destination, and location information of a requesting party is determined. Routing information is determined based upon the location information of the requesting party and the destination information of the service. The routing information is utilized to establish a route between the requesting party and the destination of the service.

Abstract: A method provides a no-ring telephone call service. The method includes receiving notification that a telephone call from a calling party device requesting to use the no-ring telephone call service has arrived at a switch. The notification includes a called party telephone number. The method also includes determining if the called party telephone number corresponds to a voice mail platform telephone number in a region wide messaging database. When the called party telephone number corresponds to a voice mail platform telephone number, instructions to route the telephone call to the voice mail platform telephone number are communicated to the switch. When the called party telephone number does not correspond to a voice mail platform telephone number, instructions to play a pre-recorded no voice mailbox message are communicated to the switch.

Abstract: Calls to a wireless telephone number that are to be redirected by a gateway switch to another number can be properly billed, even if the wireless telephone number is ported to another service provider by billing the wireless telephone number subscriber for the charge that would have been incurred by placing a call to the forwarded number from the mobile telephone located in its home service area.

Abstract: Method and communication system for providing a value added service, such as an intelligent network (IN) service, which is available in a first network (5), to a subscriber (3) in a second network (7). The first network (5) comprises a first network node (11) for executing the value added service. The method comprises detecting in a terminating call to the subscriber (3) that the subscriber (3) desires to use the value added service, forwarding control of the call towards the first network node (11) associated with a forwarding number in the first network (5), executing the value added service by the first network node (11), and, when necessary, further directing the call towards the subscriber (3) associated with the terminating call. The present method can also be applied to originating calls from a subscriber. In this case, the call is further directed towards a destination associated with the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable a data-processing system, such as a server, to determine whether or not to grant a telecommunications terminal one or more privileges, without some of the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, in accordance with the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a call-processing server transmits, to a first terminal, a first signal for verifying a second terminal, such as one that has been designated by a user. The user is then required to transmit a second signal to the call-processing server via the second terminal. The call-processing server then examines the received second signal with respect to the first signal and determines whether or not to grant the second terminal a privilege (e.g., handling calls on behalf of the user, etc.), based on the relationship between the first and second signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for using messages received from a remote switch to detect remote call forwarding. Embodiments utilize call intelligence associated with a database on an SS7 network to receive messages from a terminating switch. The return address of the message may be compared to an expected terminating switch address to confirm that the expected switch terminated the call. Embodiments may further compare a terminating phone number contained within the received message to an expected terminating phone number. Embodiments provide for various call handling in the event that a query is received from a switch other than the expected terminating switch. Such call handling may include terminating the call, recording the call, attempting to identify the called party, notifying proper authorities of the call, and/or the like.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using location information associated with wireless devices. The system includes a wireless device, a location system, and a feature server. The wireless device includes any wireless apparatus having wireless communications capabilities. The location system can generate location information pinpointing the location of the wireless device. The feature server can use the location information to determine whether to execute an action in accordance with subscriber rules. A large number of applications may be implemented to execute the action via a number of communications channels, including without limitation, a wireless communications network, a computer network, and a public switched telephone system, for example.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for call routing from a wired telephone switch. A virtual number may be registered with a database of the wired telephone switch for call routing. Outgoing calls are routed from a standard telephone utilizing the virtual number. The virtual number is unregistered to disable the call routing from the standard telephone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to establish a connection with a party at an interactive voice response (IVR) system and provide a plurality of virtual agents associated with virtual departments based on a current stage within the process. A caller or party can be prompted with a first virtual agent when addressing content related to a first virtual department and prompted by a second virtual agent when addressing content related to a second virtual department.

Abstract: A method for enabling originating and destination telephones to conduct a call session through an intermediary telephone includes the following steps: (A) enabling the originating telephone to send a query request to the intermediary telephone so as to search the intermediary telephone for contact information of the destination telephone; and (B) if the contact information of the destination telephone is available in the intermediary telephone, enabling the originating telephone to conduct the call session with the destination telephone using the contact information in the intermediary telephone. Applications of the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for authorizing and allocating outdial communication services are disclosed. A disclosed system comprises an application server to initiate an outdial communication service, a gateway to transport the outdial communication service from the application server to an access network via a shared communication facility, and a policy server to selectively authorize the initiated outdial service and, if the outdial service is authorized, to allocate a portion of the shared communication facility to the authorized outdial service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that establishes a disaster recovery plan to recover from the occurrence of a predetermined event. The plan enables the transfer of communications for at least one phone number from one switch to another switch by changing the local number portability database and programming the second switch to terminate the phone numbers from the first switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods that allow more sophisticated use of custom calling services by consolidating the access to and administration of services for multiple lines and/or telephone devices. Embodiments include a single configuration interface for the calling services on all of an individual's telephone lines or devices, a single system for providing incoming calling services for all of an individual's telephone lines or devices, and a single system for providing outgoing calling services for all of an individual's telephone lines or devices. The present invention also includes features which allow custom calling services for a particular telephone device to be customized so as to interact with the custom calling services on another telephone device belonging to the same user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing calendar based routing of communications. Methods include receiving a communication from a sending party to a receiving party, the communication including a communication type. A current calendar entry type for the receiving party is retrieved in response to receiving the communication. A destination for the communication is determined. The destination is responsive to the communication type and to the current calendar entry type. The communication is transmitted to the destination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forwarding calls placed to a primary destination comprising receiving at least one call forwarding profiles, each call forwarding profile having a predefined duration and at least one call forwarding destination, receiving an instruction to activate one call forwarding profile to an activated profile and forwarding calls placed to the telecommunications destination according to the activated profile.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system to process telephone calls. The system can receive a telephone call and identify the telephone number of the calling party. A database of processing instructions then specifies whether to block the telephone call, forward the telephone call to another telephone number, send the telephone call to a voicemail system or an answering machine, or ring the telephone assigned to the called number. Based on the time of the call, the instructions to be applied can differ.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for remote establishment of a call from a first device to a second device. In said methods and systems the information is retrieved from the first device regarding the second device along with information associating the user with a device associated with the user. The call is then transferred to a switch associated with the user's device. The switch then forwards the call to the second device.

Abstract: Embodiments may provide a telephone and a computing device coupled to the telephone, the computing device to establish a telephone call with the telephone using a signaling protocol other than a Session Initiation Protocol.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for blocking a telephone call from a calling party to a called party, the calling party associated with a calling party directory number, including a local-designated trunk group over which the incoming telephone call from the calling party is received. A service switching point is coupled with the local-designated trunk group, the service switching point receiving the telephone call, generating a query message including the calling party directory number, and sending the query message to a service control point. The service control point is coupled with the service switching point, receives the query message, and determines if the calling party is inter Local Access and Transport Area (interLATA) with respect to the service switching point.

Abstract: Personal mobility, multiparty control, and device augmentation features are provided within a voice-over-Internet protocol environment, such as a distributed feature composition (DFC) telecommunications architecture. The personal mobility features allow a caller to be identified to a callee using a desired identifier in place of an identifier of the device from which a call is made. Such personal mobility features are made available in multiparty calling environments and after mid-call moves. Device augmentation features provide enhanced calling options to a device that may otherwise be unequipped to provide such options, thus enabling personal mobility and multiparty control features across a wide variety of telecommunications devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for using a presence database to deliver enhanced presence information regarding communications made to or from a presentity are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method may include obtaining enhanced presence information including information regarding parties involved in communications made to or from a presentity and storing the enhanced presence information in a presence database. A request may be received from a subscriber for obtaining the enhanced presence information regarding the presentity. In response to the request, the enhanced presence information may be delivered from the presence database to the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring the original calling number in a call routed through an out-of-network enhanced service provider to a forwarding destination. The system comprises a service control point, a service switching point in communication with the service control point, and an enhanced service provider service node in communication with the service switching point, wherein the service node is located outside of a network while the remaining components reside within the network, and wherein the service switching point is provisioned with two triggers: an incoming trigger for calls to the service node and an outgoing trigger for calls from the service node. According to the method, the service control point, in response to the incoming trigger, removes and stores the private call information of a call exiting the network and, in response to the outgoing trigger, restores that private call information to the call once the call re-enters the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for contact channel redirection to improve agent routing/assignment efficiency and customer experience. For example, the system may redirect a customer, waiting in a queue for an agent for telephonic communications, to a chat agent for online chat.

Abstract: A video camera and microphone associated with a telecommunications terminal are used to gather information about the environment in the vicinity of the telecommunications terminal. Such information includes, but is not limited to: (i) how many people are in the environment, (ii) which specific people are in the environment, (iii) if the environment is dark, (iv) if the environment is quiet, and (v) if the environment comprises human speech. When a specific person is associated with the telecommunications terminal and a request arrives to establish a telephone call with that person, then the information about the environment can be used to decide whether: (1) to transmit the call to the telecommunications terminal, or (2) forward the call away from the telecommunications terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing company call service in wireless and wired integrated network are provided. For example, a call between an employee's wireless device and a client's device can be connected while indicating the employee's wired telephone number as a caller's telephone number. When an employee is receiving a call, one example is to call an employee's wired device first, and if there is no response, employee's wireless device may be called subsequently. In another example, employee's wired and wireless device may be called simultaneously.

Abstract: In call forwarding of a call there is an original calling network device, an original recipient of an incoming call, and a forwardee of the call. Systems, network devices, and methods are provided for delivering local call forwarding functionality. Each network device is capable of functioning in the capacity of any one or more of the above three roles, namely, originator, original recipient, and forwardee by providing local call forwarding functionality. In some implementations there is no central processing equipment used to provide local call forwarding functionality for forwarding calls. Furthermore, a network device may provide a call forwarding destination on behalf of another network device when the other network device cannot be reached.

Abstract: A pushed value associated with a party is received by a telephone network element. The pushed value is a function of a plurality of pushed values associated with the party. An incoming call for the party is received after receiving the pushed value. An Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service for the incoming call is conditionally invoked based on the pushed value.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that enables a voice call to be initiated on the Public Switched Telephone Network and directed to a VoIP telephone on the Internet without the association of a unique telephone number to the VoIP telephone. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a user who has a PSTN wireline telephone or a PSTN cell phone associates his or her VoIP telephone with the telephone number of the PSTN wireline telephone or the PSTN cell phone or with both numbers. In other words, the VoIP telephone is not assigned its own telephone number but shares the telephone number of the PSTN telephones of its owner.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering a personal interactive voice response service. A personalized greeting is retrieved that is associated with a calling party and with a called party. The calling party's response to the greeting is received, and stored information is retrieved that is associated with the calling party's response and with the called party. The stored information is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a communication channel according to usage patterns maintained in a database for multiple communication channels available to reach a recipient are described. Each communication channel is associated with at least two communication systems. Usage patterns of a communication channel are related to daily communication channel usage information including the corresponding business activities of the recipient. In responding to a request to reach the recipient, one communication channel of a communication service is selected according to the usage patterns retrieved from the database to establish a network communication with the recipient.

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. With most individual accounts, the telephone number consists of the subscriber's initials plus date of birth. 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, internet, and cellular connections.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method that can comprise, responsive to a request from a second telecommunications device for a first call between the second telecommunications device and a first telecommunications device, determining one or more signals adapted to cause a second call to be set-up between a virtual subscriber and the second telecommunications device. Certain exemplary embodiments can, via the one or more signals, cause the second call to be set-up between the virtual subscriber and the second telecommunications device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for call routing from a wired telephone switch. A wireless device is registered with a database of the wired telephone switch. Incoming wireless calls destined for the wireless device are routed to a standard telephone. The wireless device is unregistered to disable the call routing to the standard telephone.

Abstract: An information system includes a first module and a second module that interoperate over first and second communication ports. Interoperation over the first and second communication ports provides the first module access to functions and features of the second module, and likewise provides the second module access to functions and features of the first module. The first and second modules may be further operable to communicate over first and second networks, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide voicemail service using a packet data messaging service such as multimedia message service (MMS). Upon detecting that the presence status of a destination device is “unavailable”, the voicemail message is recorded at an origination mobile station and transmitted in a packet data message through a packet data messaging service center such as a multimedia messaging service center (MMS-C). If the destination device is a destination mobile station subscribing to the packet data messaging service, the packet data message is deposited in the destination mobile station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for providing notification of an incoming call from the calling party to the called party. The method includes receiving a request to connect the call from the calling party to plurality of end devices of the called party. A profile information associated with the called party is retrieved. The profile information includes data on plurality of the end devices provisioned to be alerted upon connection of the incoming call and on instructions for alerting the end devices in a specific sequence. Additionally, the end devices of the incoming call are alerted in accordance with the specific sequence which would be either parallel ringing order or sequential ringing order.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic assignment of outbound and inbound call identity between a salesperson and a client is disclosed. For automatic assignment of outbound call identity between a salesperson and a client, a salesperson places a call to the telephone number of the client. A phone server matches a sales group to a salesperson and an entered sales group and an NPA (i.e., area code) of the client in a database. If a match is found, the phone server substitutes a replacement caller ID for actual caller ID of the salesperson. When the client answers the call, the replacement caller ID or default caller ID is displayed on client's phone. For automatic assignment of inbound call identity between a client and a salesperson, the client places a call using the replacement caller ID. The phone server searches the database for a sales group that matches the DID of the replacement caller ID.

Abstract: A network for providing a telecommunications service with automatic speech recognition to a telecommunications user, including a switch in communication with a telecommunications device associated with the telecommunications user for detecting a terminating trigger specific to the telecommunications service in response to an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, and an intelligent resource server in communication with the switch for receiving the incoming communication from the switch, for placing an outgoing communication to the telecommunications device via the switch, the outgoing communication including an audible message identifying the calling party, and for automatically recognizing a predetermined keyword spoken by the telecommunications user in response to the outgoing communication.