Abstract: Routing telecommunications to a user including receiving a call, determining that the call is intended for the user, receiving an RFID signal from an RFID tag located with the user, determining the user's location in dependence upon the RFID signal, identifying a plurality of available telephony devices in dependence upon the user's location, identifying a device-based preference for the user, selecting one of the plurality of available telephony devices in dependence upon the device-based preference, and forwarding the call to the selected telephony device. In typical embodiments, determining that the call is intended for the user also includes prompting the caller for the name of the user and receiving from the caller the name of the user.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for providing an advanced call forwarding feature for telephone service subscribers. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and apparatus to forward a phone call to multiple phone numbers in a progressive manner. With this invention, when a phone number is called, the call is forwarded to a list of phone numbers in the following manner: a) call to the first phone number in the forwarding list, b) wait for a pre-provisioned period, if not answered, c) call to the second phone number from the list while the first phone is still ringing, if not answered by either phones, e) call yet another phone number from the forwarding list in the same manner until the end of the list while keeping all phones ringing simultaneously f) stop ringing of all other phone stations when one of the phone stations in the call list is picked up.

Abstract: A system and methods for telephoning individuals associated with a domain. A current location of a given individual within a domain is automatically determined and the given individual is automatically associated with a telephone extension number based on the current location of the given individual. As the given individual moves around within the domain, the associated telephone extension number associated with the given individual is updated. A receptionist or other individual within the domain may select to telephone the given individual thereby automatically accessing and dialing the telephone extension number currently associated with the given individual in response to selecting to telephone the given individual. If the given individual is not currently located within the domain, an external telephone number associated with the given individual may be automatically accessed and dialed in response to selecting to telephone the given individual.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables a user of one telecommunications terminal that is engaged in a call to move or “extend” the call to a second telecommunications terminal without notifying any other party on the call of the move. This is particularly useful in many situations. For example, the user might be at work and engaged in a call with a client on the user's wireline desk telephone. If the user needs to leave the office, the user can extend the call to his or her cell phone, while the call is in progress, without notifying the client. This enables the user to leave the office and continue the call on his or her cell phone without having the client ever know that the user is on his or her cell phone and not in the office.

Abstract: Calls placed to a call recipient bypass the terminating messaging system, creating an enhanced message in the call originator's messaging system and delivering the enhanced message using alternate routing information. A caller creates enhanced messages for a call recipient even when the call recipient's messaging system does not support such functionality. The caller also embeds stored content and/or use links in the enhanced messages to allow the message to be modified and/or deleted before it is accessed by the call recipient.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing secure call forwarding are provided in the present invention. The method includes: a calling party calling a called party, the called party triggering the subscribed call forwarding service; a key management server (KMS) obtaining information of a legal call-forwarded party of the called party through an application server; the call-forwarded party obtaining a media key from the KMS; and the calling party establishing a call connection with the call-forwarded party.

Abstract: This application describes a system and associated method for routing messages, such as phone calls. The destination of incoming calls may be determined based on a variety of factors, such as the state of the callee's security system, the date and time, the identity of the caller, and the number of recent call attempts by the caller. Potential destinations include all or a subset of the phones associated with a subscriber and outside phones, such as cellular phones operated by third parties. The rules used to route calls may be defined or modified via a web interface.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication network comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identity is recognizable in the first network; allocating a calling identity to the called entity, wherein the allocated identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the first network the first identity with the calling identity; providing the calling identity to the calling entity; establishing a connection with a second network node located in the second network; wherein the connection with the second network node is established using the calling identity, querying the first node with the calling identity associated with the called entity to determine the first identity associated with the called entity; transmitting the communication event to the called entity using the first identity associat

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling an embedded media terminal adapter (EMTA) with included MIB objects to redirect a received telephone call. Based on the MIB objects, the EMTA communicates with a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to set up two service flows where one flow is set up between two EMTAs and one flow is set up between the endpoint EMTA and the NOC.

Abstract: A second device (120) has a first virtual terminal and a second virtual terminal. The second device (120) switches the access point of a third telephone terminal (32) to the first virtual terminal and switches the access point of a second telephone terminal (22) to the second virtual terminal by control of a first device (110). Then, the first virtual terminal is put on hold. Then, the first virtual terminal calls the first telephone terminal by an outgoing call for forwarding to a first telephone terminal (12). Then, the first device (110) connects the first telephone terminal (12) to the third telephone terminal (32).

Abstract: A method includes receiving a telephone call at a network device and forwarding the telephone call to a proxy device. The method also includes forwarding the telephone call, from the proxy device, to a first voice portal and determining that telephone call should be transferred to a second voice portal. The method further includes forwarding, by the first voice portal, a transfer request to the network device and forwarding, by the network device, the telephone call to a second voice portal.

Abstract: A VOIP service and method is provided which comprises an redirecting dialer device (RDD), which connects a telephone to a POTS circuit. Responsive to DTMF signals from the telephone representative of a long telephone distance number, the RDD intercept the DTMF signals and transits alternative DTMF signals representative of an alternative telephone number of a PSTN/VOIP gateway server. Once connected to the PSTN/VOIP gateway server, the RDD then transmits the DTMF signals associated with the original long distance number. The VOIP gateway server is operative to convert the analog signals from the telephone into digital and packetized VOIP data which is transmitted through a public or private IP-based network to a remote telecommunication device associated with the original long distance telephone number. If the DTMF signals from the telephone are representative of a local telephone number, the RDD is operative to forgo transmitting the alternative DTMF signals.

Abstract: Routing telecommunications to a user including receiving a call, determining that the call is intended for the user, receiving an RFID signal from an RFID tag located with the user, determining the user's location in dependence upon the RFID signal, identifying a plurality of available telephony devices in dependence upon the user's location, identifying a device-based preference for the user, selecting one of the plurality of available telephony devices in dependence upon the device-based preference, and forwarding the call to the selected telephony device. In typical embodiments, determining that the call is intended for the user also includes prompting the caller for the name of the user and receiving from the caller the name of the user.

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 multi-tiered communication system for minimizing communication latency for a caller in a remote location who initiates contact with a local data center. The system includes a local data center located in a first location including one or more Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) functions that are configured for use with a caller who initiates contact with the local data center. The system also includes a remote media server located in a second location. The remote media server is configured to route an incoming call from the caller to the local data center, to route one or more IVR messages to the caller and to connect the caller with an agent for real-time communication. The agent is located in one of the second location or a third location that is substantially closer to the second location than the first location.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which a gateway server provides communications between an Internet Protocol (IP) network and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to enable messaging between an IN server device in the PSTN and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Application Server (AS) on the IP network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to perform call screening in a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network are disclosed. An example method comprises sending a call initiation request to a VoIP endpoint, receiving a call screening indication from a user of the VoIP endpoint in response to the call initiation request and prior to a no answer determination made by an initiating call server, and playing a message for the user while a calling party is leaving the message.

Abstract: A multimode handset and method that includes a first communications path adapted to communicate using a mobile telephone communications protocol, a second communications path adapted to communicate using a local, cordless communications protocol, and a processing unit in communication with the first and second communications paths and configured to switch between the first and second communications path during a telephone call.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for enabling communication between a first party and a second party. The method and apparatus determine that the second party is calling the first party while the first party is leaving a message on the voicemail of the second party. The message is then aborted and the first party is connected to the second party.

Abstract: A telephone is described that allows any arbitrary combination of key strokes, including numerical keys, extension keys, as well as function keys such as TRANSFER, CONFERENCE, etc., to be programmed such that the entire sequence of key strokes can be recalled with the touch of a single button. The phone can be programmed directly by operation of the telephone user interface on the phone (i.e., the keys, phone display, and speaker prompting the user) and a program button dedicated to the feature of programming a separate programmable button to map to the specified key sequence. The feature can be implemented in advanced telephones capable of voice over Internet Protocol networks, and supporting the Session Initiation Protocol. In these more advanced phones, the programming can be done by a system administrator or by the user of the phone via a computer with internet access.

Abstract: Examples of inbound call identification and management are described including a call management system that 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. Further, the call management system can include 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: The present disclosure provides a method and an Application Server (AS) for obtaining user's capability in Third Party Call Control (3PCC), and the method comprises: when a user performs 3PCC, an AS stores the media information of the user; the AS performs media negotiation with the user according to the stored media information of the user. The application of the present disclosure solves the problem of the high failure probability of media negotiation caused by the current incorrect method for obtaining the user's media capability, and improves the utilization experience of users.

Abstract: A callee confirmation unit is disposed in a proxy response telephone so as to determine whether a call to the proxy response phone is one addressed to a subject number or one to a transfer destination. Upon determination of the call to the transfer destination, the call is received while identifying a callee number to allow for use in a multi-user environment.

Abstract: Provided is a method for multiple-termination routing in a wireless network environment that includes an Internet Protocol (“IP”) core. The method includes receiving a call delivery request. The call delivery request is based upon intelligent network protocols and includes a called number. The call features associated with the called number are retrieved, a determination is made whether the call features include multiple-termination routing information for a plurality of potential terminating devices, wherein at least one termination to be routed utilizes Session Initiation Protocol. When the call features include the multiple-termination routing information, call setups are initiated to each of the plurality of potential terminating devices. Upon detecting a first potential terminating device to complete one of the plurality of initiated call setups, any remaining initiated call setup or setups are released.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for announcing a calling party from a communication device. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a call processing system can have a controller for processing calls in a communication system. The controller can be programmed to detect an incoming call initiated by a third party communication device over a first voice channel, transmit to a communication device over a control channel a notification signal associated with the incoming call, detect a connection made by the communication device to a second voice channel, transmit to the communication device over the second voice channel audio signals that identify a calling party, and link the first and second voice channels upon detecting over the control channel a call acceptance action by the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a voice portal a telephone call from a caller and acquiring from the caller a billing telephone number. The method also includes determining, based on the billing telephone number, that the telephone call should be transferred to a specific call center; identifying an exchange number for the specific call center; assembling a refer message based on the billing telephone number and the exchange number of the specific call center; and sending the refer message to a network device.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system that combines arming and disarming of a security system with activation and deactivation of call forwarding, enabling a single input by an authorized user to alter the state of the security system and to activate or deactivate call forwarding. Further, when changing the state of the security system, a user authorization component determines whether call forwarding should be activated. Hence, forwarding of calls is based on both user criteria and the state of the system. Additionally, the state of call forwarding can be changed by an authorized user via the security system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for handling communication sessions by a central gateway, such as session border controller. The method may include receiving an indication that the interaction between a customer and an agent has ended and automatically routing by the session border controller the customer to an automated feedback application.

Abstract: A real number and a published number are allocated to a call origination telephone terminal 100. The real number is a telephone number used in the case of directly connecting to the telephone terminal, and the published number is a number published for a third party as a telephone number of the telephone terminal. The telephone relaying apparatus 200 stores the real number and the published number in correlation with each other for each of a plurality of telephone terminals. When receiving a first call in which the real number of the call origination telephone terminal 100 is a calling number, the telephone relaying apparatus 200 reads out the published number corresponding to the real number of the call origination telephone terminal 100.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operations of both the telephone system and the voice mail system. The single processing means communicates with a hard disk, which stores programs for running the various operations of the system, voice prompts and all voice mail messages. The single processing means is coupled to signal processing circuitry, which emulates analog electronics that would be used for filters, tone decoder, generators, etc. The single processing means and signal processing circuitry are coupled to central office lines and station lines by a digital cross-point matrix, which can connect any voice path to another voice path. The system integrates call processing and voice processing into one system controlled by one set of software and a single processing means.

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

Abstract: A called party's communications habits are determined from the party's communications history, and the habits and the called party's current state (presence) are analyzed in view of a calling party's parameters for a desired communication with the called party to determine a preferable mode and/or time for the desired communication. The preference is indicated to the calling party to assist the calling party in effecting the desired communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for implementing feature interactions between an AIN-based service and a switch-based call-forwarding service. In the present invention, the switch-based call-forwarding generates an Off-Hook Delay (OHD) trigger. In response, the SSP suspends call processing and sends the forward-to number to the SCP. Based upon the SCP's determination of whether the forward-to number is for voicemail and other criteria such as time of day, day of the week, etc, the SCP determines whether the switch-based call-forward should be permitted or inhibited.

Abstract: Rerouting telecommunications to a user including receiving a plurality of RFID signals from an RFID tag located with the user, anticipating a user's future location in dependence upon the RFID signals, selecting a telephony device in dependence upon the anticipated future location, and rerouting an ongoing call to the selected telephony device. In typical embodiments, selecting a telephony device in dependence upon the anticipated future location also includes identifying location based routing preferences for the user. In typical embodiments, selecting a telephony device in dependence upon the anticipated future location also includes identifying device-based routing preferences for the user. In typical embodiments, anticipating a user's future location in dependence upon the RFID signals also includes determining a first user location, determining a second user location, and predicting a user's future location in dependence upon the first user location and the second user location.

Abstract: A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.

Abstract: Unanswered calls route to voicemail after a variable number of ring cycles based on a history with the voicemail user. The history may include the caller's identity, the user's answering history, and user preferences. If the caller is not identified, an unanswered call may go to voicemail after a default number of ring cycles. If a caller has a history of previous calls to the user/called party, that history may increase or decrease the default number of ring cycles for that caller. For example, callers whose previous calls to the voicemail user have been answered may receive more ring cycles before going to voicemail. Conversely, callers whose previous calls to the user/called party were unanswered may receive a reduced number of ring cycles before going to voicemail. The number of ring cycles may also be adjusted where the call answering history suggests the called party is unavailable during certain times.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling execution of a call back to a called party, comprising determining availability status of the called party, evaluating compatibility of the availability status with initiating call back to the called party, and in the event the availability status is compatible with call back then initiating the call back to said called party.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing floor control in a communication session enables remote control of devices in a network and provides a status update concerning floor ownership. The method includes processing at a floor controller a floor request message received from a first endpoint, where the floor request message requests that floor ownership be provided to a second endpoint (step 305). A floor control announcement message is then transmitted from the floor controller to at least both the first endpoint and the second endpoint, where the floor control announcement message indicates that the second endpoint has floor ownership (step 315).

Abstract: A method implementable on a computing device for brokering communication dependent tasks (CDTs) includes receiving at least an indication of a requested CDT from a user, associating the request with at least one pre-defined CDT scenario, determining at least an appropriate time and means for communications for contacting at least one party based on the CDT scenario, and contacting the party on behalf of the user.

Abstract: In accordance with an improved call routing methodology, a call is routed within a communication network by reference to one or more databases. In response to receiving a local number portability request at a service control point (SCP), the SCP accesses one or more databases to determine whether or not to apply custom call routing to a call directed to a called telecommunications number. In response to determining to apply custom call routing to the call, the SCP performs at least a second access to the one or more databases to obtain a local routing number (LRN) associated within the one or more databases with a calling telecommunications number associated with the call. The SCP thereafter provides the LRN to a service switch point in the communication network so that the call is routed to a called station associated with the called telecommunications number.

Abstract: A system and method for providing call forwarding. Telephone information of one or more telephones assigned to a user may be stored, where the telephone information may include location coordinates (e.g., GPS coordinates). Telephone information, including location coordinates, of one or more telephones assigned to an organization of which the user is associated may be stored. The organization may be an employer of the user, for example. If call forwarding is enabled by the user, then a call to a wireless device of the user may cause a determination as to whether the wireless device is within a predetermined range of a telephone assigned to either the user or organization may be made. A distinctive ring may be generated to notify the user that a call forwarding call is being received.

Abstract: Methods and systems providing access to integrated communications services are disclosed. A notification of a call to a user is received at a device associated with the user, the device being connected to a data network and including a base unit, a handset, and a user interface, wherein the device is determined based on retrieved data corresponding to the user, and the retrieved data was retrieved using information pertaining to the call. Input from the user indicative of a response to the notification is also received at the device. Response information reflective of the response to the notification is then sent to the server, wherein the server instructs a service control point to connect the call based on the response to the notification.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for routing call in a wireless network environment. In one embodiment, a phone address is assigned to a subscriber and/or a subscriber's mobile telecommunications device. A call directed to the phone address is routed to a call processing system. An outbound call from the call processing system is placed to a wireless communication service provider so as to cause, at least in part, the wireless communication service provider to route the outbound call to the subscriber's mobile telecommunications device, wherein the call processing system configures call signaling parameters associated with the outbound call so that the outbound call appears to be to a phone number ported to the wireless communication service provider, and wherein the phone number has not been ported to the wireless communication service provider. The outbound call is bridged with the inbound call.

Abstract: A telecommunications system is disclosed that enables a user to pair a desk set that is an extension of a private-branch exchange with a cell phone that is accessible via the Public Switched Telephone Network. One feature of the telecommunications system enables an incoming call that is directed to the user's desk set to be automatically forwarded to the user's cell phone, while in the presence of third-party call control. This is advantageous to the user because it provides the illusion to the caller that the user is physically in his or her office when she is not necessarily there. The third-party call control can be part of a computer-telephony integration (CTI) application—for example, in a telephone telemarketing center, which handles many incoming telephone calls.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a roaming line number in a communication network. The method includes receiving information from a telephony device indicating a desire to program a roaming line number for the telephony device. The method also includes associating the roaming line number with a packet network address of the telephony device such that calls placed to the roaming line number will be directed to the telephony device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products process a call from a calling number to a called number. When the call is received, processing of the call is suspended. A database is queried for the calling number and the called number. A network address associated with the calling number and with the called number is retrieved. An intended recipient of the call is also retrieved from the database. A notification message is sent to the network address, and the notification message includes the calling number and the intended recipient of the call. Processing of the call is resumed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing rapid call-forwarding are described. The method includes receiving a feature code operable for activating a call-forwarding service, receiving a forward code assigned to a target address, such as a dialing number, recognizing the feature code and the forward code, and forwarding incoming calls to the target address. The method further comprises receiving call-forwarding logistics and generating a call-forwarding record. The system for providing rapid call-forwarding includes a switch operable for receiving a selection by a subscriber of a feature code and a forward code, wherein the feature code is used to activate a call-forwarding service and the forward code is used in the place of a target address, a call-forward control computer operable for storing and recognizing the feature code and the forward code, and a call connector operable for executing the rapid call-forward service.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

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