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

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: A voice communication controller (e.g., private branch exchange (PBX)) is described herein which can automatically enable an outbound dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) feature for one of it's extensions that is attached to a phone which belongs to a user while that user is or is likely to be participating in a session with an external DTMF communication system (e.g., a conference/collaboration bridge, an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or a voice mail system). This is desirable because if the user presses button(s) on their phone then the voice communication controller which has enabled the outbound DTMF feature will not attempt to process the corresponding DTMF digit(s) but instead will automatically transfer the corresponding DTMF signal(s) to the external DTMF communication system.

Abstract: In a wireless data communication network, a mobile terminal is reconnected to a contents provider, when a connection established between the mobile terminal and the contents provider is interrupted or after a completion of the downloading of contents, by using return address information and contents address information including addresses of the contents provider and a web page including information relating to the downloaded contents, respectively. A WML (wireless markup language) script including the contents address information and the return address information is provided to the mobile terminal before initiating the downloading of the contents. In this way, the mobile terminal can easily be reconnected to the contents provider when the connection established between the mobile terminal and the contents provider is interrupted due to network congestion or the mobile terminal leaving the service coverage area.

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

Abstract: A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self-labeling Role Keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self-labeling Role Associated Keys associated with respective ones of the self-labeling Role Keys such that upon user selection of one of the self-labeling Role Keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self-labeling Role Associated Keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role.

Abstract: In a PBX environment, a middleware module abstracts communication cards so that the plurality of channels associated therewith are grouped for efficiency. The middleware module recognizes unoperational channels, and restarts the hardware associated with the channels as well as allowing conferencing and transferring calls when the PBX switch does not support same. Preferably, for outgoing calls, the middleware adapter controls the state of interfaces for all hardware adapters and tries to deliver calls over active interfaces. In case of failure, the middleware adapter investigates and makes a decision if the call should be delivered over another adapter. In this way, redundant and highly available solutions are implemented transparent to application and interface drivers. For incoming calls, the middleware adapter accepts calls from all hardware adapters and presents these calls to applications as if these calls are issued by one adapter.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a telephone exchange apparatus includes a memory and a calculation module and a controller. The memory stores data associating a caller ID specifying a caller and a recipient ID specifying a transfer operation source with frequency of transfer for each of at least one of a telephone terminal and a group to be a transfer destination. The calculation module calculates a percent of transfer from frequency of transfer in a predetermined period and store the percent of transfer for each of the caller ID in the memory. The controller refers the memory based on the caller ID and the recipient ID included in an incoming call, and performs incoming call control to at least one of a telephone terminal and a group corresponding to a transfer destination including a percent of transfer which is larger than a predetermined value based on a reference result.

Abstract: A system for voice-activated dialing including means for initiating a call through a first connection between a user's phone and a switch at a central office; responsive to the first connection, means for initiating a second connection over the implicit trunk between the switch and a voice over internet protocol gateway; responsive to the second connection, means for initiating a third connection between the voice over internet protocol gateway and a voice-activated dialing platform; responsive to a keyword sent from the user's phone to the voice-activated dialing platform, means for disconnecting the implicit trunk and signaling the switch to connect to the voice-activated dialing platform over the explicit trunk; and responsive to a dialed number sent from the user's phone to the voice-activated dialing platform, means for handing the call off from the internet protocol gateway to the switch at the central office to process through call the implicit trunk.

Abstract: A messaging system includes a messaging platform for storing a message from a calling party or transferring the calling party to a transfer station, a switching mechanism for receiving a call from the calling party to a subscriber, and a routing application at a server. The call from the calling party is connected to the messaging platform and the calling party signals to be transferred to the transfer station. In response, the messaging platform sends a transfer message to the routing application and the routing application directs the switching mechanism to disconnect the calling party from the messaging platform and connect the calling party to the transfer station.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a forwarded call. The forwarded call corresponds to a call forwarded from a first redirecting telephone device to a second redirecting telephone device. The forwarded call has an associated data message that includes a calling number of an originating telephone device and a first redirecting number of the first redirecting telephone device. The method also includes selecting a destination voice mailbox. The destination voice mailbox is selected from a plurality of voice mailboxes associated with a user. The destination voice mailbox is selected based on an evaluation of the first redirecting number and a second redirecting number of the second redirecting telephone device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for connecting consumer searches and phone calls. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of (a) receiving from a search system and storing the search results relating to an online or mobile search performed by a consumer, the search results identifying one or more telephone numbers of merchants that signed up with the search system as Advertisers, and the search association identifiers such as IP Address, Cookie, and/or Carrier User ID associated with the consumer; (b) associating the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) to the online or mobile search by matching the search association identifiers based on two phone calls originated from the same ANI within a predetermined period of time of the one or more searches; (c) charging the selected Advertiser a fee for connecting the consumer to the selected Advertiser; and (d) providing detailed Return-On-Investment reports.

Abstract: A call center environment is provided that allows a customer service representative to populate a workstation display screen with data using either keystrokes or voice input. The voice input is provided to the workstation using a voice overlay and voice platform to convert audio into data usable by the workstation to populate the screen.

Abstract: A method of semi-supervised synonym inference for a call handling application, such as automated directory assistance or call routing, is described. In one embodiment the method comprises examining a database of caller interaction results from a directory assistance system that includes an automated directory assistance engine, detecting a specified characteristic in the caller interaction results, and using the detected characteristic to automatically train a destination map, where the destination map is for use by the automated directory assistance engine in automatically mapping human speech to a destination. The detecting of the specified characteristic in the caller interaction results may include a statistical analysis of the caller interaction results for each of one or more speech recognition strings.

Abstract: A call service center can include a call routing system that can use one or more action object identifiers. In one embodiment, a future action object identifier is associated with a task that is desired or otherwise intended to be performed at the call service center. The call routing system may route the call to a module that is not associated with the future action object identifier or perform a portion of a task within the same module, wherein the portion of the task is not associated with the future action object identifier. In another embodiment, at least two action object identifiers can be passed with a call from one module to another module. In a particular embodiment, a past, current, or future action object identifier, other information related to the call, or any combination thereof may be passed from one module to another module with the call.

Abstract: A method for transferring a telephone call includes receiving a communication at a first client computer from a second client computer. The first client computer and the second client computer run communication software that supports voice over Internet Protocol. The communication includes a request to transfer the telephone call to the first client computer. After receiving the communication from the second client computer at the first client computer, determining whether to accept the telephone call. When a determination is made to accept the telephone call, an action is initiated at the first client computer that causes the telephone call to be transferred to the first client computer. The action results in replacing the second client computer with the first client computer as a party in the telephone call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a network provider, in concert with IP technology and protocols, to provide the ability to offer a simple pre-answer or post-answer call redirection, such as call transfer, to customers with IP endpoints is disclosed. The present invention allows call transfers to be initiated from an IP endpoint but processed in the packet network, e.g., the VoIP network instead of being processed by the endpoint. When a redirecting party (RP) receives a call from a calling party (CP), the RP simply sends a VoIP signaling message to the network to initiate a call transfer to redirect the call from the CP to a TP instead and the network will complete the call transfer on behalf of the RP.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a caller at a contact center includes a plurality of call centers, each including an automatic call distributor (ACD), and an emergency response system that issues an emergency notification signal to the ACD of a call center in response to an emergency condition affecting the call center. In response, the ACD of the call center informs callers of the emergency condition, and then performs a bulk transfer of each of the active calls from the call center to one or more other call centers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method of moving telephone communication from a first device engaged in a call, to a second device. The method includes initiating a determination of status of the first device from the second device, joining the second device to the call to form a conference in response to an active call status indication, and removing the first device from the conference, leaving the second device engaged in the call.

Abstract: A method and system for providing improved wireless number portability. This invention allows the mobile switching center (MSC) to use a separate database to store the number portability information gathered earlier through sending NPreq messages to the number portability database (NPDB) and various strategies for refreshing or updating the internal database. The invention enables the MSC to use the separate database to check whether a portable number is ported and what the associated location routing number (LRN) if it is ported, so that the MSC does not need to send NPreq messages to the NPDB many times for the same ported number. This invention may apply to any number of switching systems, including CDMA, GSM and UMTS mobile switching systems.

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: Integrating services provided by intelligent peripherals in a communications network, includes interacting, by a first intelligent peripheral of a first type, with a second intelligent peripheral of a second type which interacts with the first intelligent peripheral of the first type according to a script based on information received from a remote requesting party. The remote requesting party interacts, over the communications network, with the second intelligent peripheral of the second type according to the script. The first intelligent peripheral of the first type and the second intelligent peripheral of the second type are different from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to a communication in an Advanced Intelligent Network from a caller to a subscriber's directory number where the communication has been terminated to a voice mail system (VMS) instead having been terminated to the subscriber's directory number. The methods and systems transfer the communication from the VMS so the VMS is no longer involved in the communication. A message indicating a release of the communication by the VMS is generated. The message also indicates an action to be taken regarding the communication such as a transfer to a different number. The action and related information may be provided in a remote operations parameter of a GR-1129 message. In response, directions are provided to carry-out the action. As a result, the communication is released from the VMS, and is acted upon without further involvement of the VMS.

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: A presence aware communications system, comprising a messaging system configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) provide a subscriber's communication device with information regarding an incoming contact during a messaging session between the subscriber's communication device and the messaging system; (b) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message containing information regarding one or more messages when a notification is received that the subscriber's communication device is available; (c) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message relating to a voice message from a different first party received by the messaging system; (d) in response to the subscriber's communication device requesting a connection with at least one of an inputted telephone number and address, provide the subscriber's communication device with a notification respecting at least one eligible message from a second party associated with the at least one of an inputted

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to billing for services in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) environment. A first call is received at a service node from a service switching point located in the AIN. A second call is established through the service switching point to a called party. The first call is bridged with the second call and the bridged call is monitored for signaling information. The bridged call is processed based on the monitored signaling information. A billing module is created for the processed call at the service node. The billing module may include service values related to billing information for the processed call. The processed call may be merged back into the service switching point and the created billing module for the processed call may be sent to the service switching point for ultimate delivery to a billing system.

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: A system for and method of providing a call transfer is presented. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method of providing a call transfer may comprise receiving, via a network interface, a call at an IP based phone, the call originating from outside a network of the IP based phone, parsing one or more portions of call information to identify a unique network interface indicator associated with the network interface, receiving a request to transfer the call, and transferring the call to the network interface using the unique network interface indicator.

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: Called party information is provided during survivable processor mode operation of a branch included in a distributed private branch exchange communication system for support of features that require information identifying the called party. More particularly, a coverage path for use during survivable processor operation is enabled that establishes contact with an extension or coverage point over the public switched telephony network such that operation of system appears normal to a caller. Furthermore, for a given coverage point, the same coverage path can be used for a number of extensions, reducing administrative burden.

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: 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: Disclosed are methods and systems for re-terminating telephone calls. A telephone call is established between a caller and a member of a subscriber. During the call, a sequence of key strokes is received from the member who uses customer premises equipment during the call. A subscriber list related to the subscriber is reviewed, based at least in part on the sequence of keys. The call is transferred to a component in the telephone network, and the call from the component is re-terminated.

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: A method and a system that allows a person to contact one or more companies with which the person has a relationship, such that the person can contact each company using a single telephone number. According to a first embodiment, a method is provided comprising receiving a call from a person (member) requesting to contact a first company; accessing a member profile stored on a database, the member profile comprising information regarding the identity of the person and identities of one or more companies selected by the person; verifying the identity of the person; verifying the request to contact the first company by determining if the first company is one company stored in the member profile; and then transferring the verified request to the first company by way of a dedicated number, so as to rapidly access an agent.

Abstract: A method and system of routing calls. In a particular embodiment, the method includes prompting a caller of a call for caller information with a first system. The first system has a first interface characteristic. The method further includes selecting a destination for the call based on the caller information. The destination has a second interface characteristic. The method also includes identifying a call interface characteristic change based on a difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic, and advising the caller of the call interface characteristic change prior to routing the call.

Abstract: A method for screening and routing incoming telephone calls includes extracting caller identification information from an incoming telephone call, providing a plurality of tables including a primary ring table, a secondary ring table, a voicemail table, a block call table, and a forward call table, and determining which one of the plurality of tables includes the caller identification information. The method also includes allowing the incoming telephone call to have a primary ring tone if the primary ring table includes the caller identification information, and allowing the incoming telephone call to have a secondary ring tone if the secondary ring table includes the caller identification information.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide receipt by a telephone of call control signals from an external device, the call control signals associated with a third party call control protocol, and execution of telephone call functionality in accordance with the call control signals.

Abstract: A communication device comprises a first transmitter configured to transmit a telephone signal via a broadband-communication link to an IP network, and a second transmitter configured to transmit a telephone signal via an alternative communication link to a telephone network. The telephone signal is transferred from a first telephone number for identifying the communication device in the transmission of the telephone signal via the broadband-communication link to a second telephone number associated with the alternative communication link when a power failure occurs during a transmission of the telephone signal via the broadband-communication link.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for forwarding communications to a first destination number to a second destination number after receipt of a forwarding indication from the second destination number. In the first embodiment, the method comprises the steps of the communication device coupled to the second destination number receiving a forwarding indication, determining the first destination number to be forwarded based on the forwarding indication, and forwarding communications directed to the first destination number to the second destination number. In the second embodiment, the method comprises the steps of the client device coupled to the second destination number receiving a forwarding indication, determining the first destination number to be forwarded based on the forwarding indication, and forwarding communications directed to the first destination number to the second destination number.

Abstract: Established multimodal conversations are enabled to be parked within an enhanced communication system such that a subscriber of the system can be notified through a variety of means and enabled to retrieve selected or all modalities for continuing the conversation. Different modalities may be parked together or separately. While waiting for the subscriber to retrieve the conversation, a participant may receive audio, video, presentation, or other forms of content as playback.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of routing a call in a communication system, comprising: defining a set of availability modes for at least one user, each mode including at least one identifier identifying at least one originating telephone number; defining a routing rule for each of said modes; and routing a call for the at least one user in dependence upon the routing rule associated with an active availability mode of the user and the originating telephone number of the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sending a message to a calling phone when a called phone aborts an incoming call request. A mobile unit receives a call request from a calling phone. The communication network determines that the mobile unit has aborted the call request during ringing. For example, the mobile unit may abort the call request by pressing a predetermined key, such as the <END> key, on the mobile unit. The communication network alerts the calling phone that the mobile unit aborted the call request during ringing. The network can play a message to the calling phone that the mobile unit has aborted the call request during ringing, and the message can include additional information, such as the expected length of time that the mobile unit will be unavailable or other predetermined messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring or conferencing a call between user-accessible communication endpoints are provided. In particular, information related to a call in progress or a connection in progress is stored in removable memory associated with a first user-accessible communication endpoint. The user then removes the removable memory from the first user-accessible communication endpoint, and places it in a second user-accessible communication endpoint. The second user-accessible communication endpoint then calls a network authority, and provides the call information stored on the removable memory to the network authority. In response to receiving the call information, the network authority forks the call to the second user-accessible communication endpoint. The first user-accessible communication endpoint can then be disconnected.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a call from a first device to a second device. The method includes: a) transmitting a notification from a call management server to the second device to indicate that the first device is engaged in a call that is transferable; b) receiving, at the call management server, a transfer request from the second device to transfer the call from the first device to the second device; and c) in response to the receipt of the transfer request, connecting the second device to the call and disconnecting the first device from the call.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing the scheduling of calls and automating the process of making and delivering such calls. Any endpoint (e.g., telephony-enabled) device can be used with a PSTN, cellular, and VoIP network. Different types of devices and interfaces may be used for provisioning users, conferring calling events, scheduling events, and/or delivering calls. Among other things, this increases user mobility. Also, automated retrying and rescheduling of calls, which may use updated data, reduces the likelihood of missed calls.

Abstract: Queue callback systems and methods handle scheduled callbacks to requesters in the absence of resources by providing a pre-established message soliciting the establishment of an alternate callback. Non-callback options can also be presented to the respective requester. Agents can also be organized in a plurality of queues, each of a selected size, to more effectively use callback resources.

Abstract: This invention integrates instant messaging, presence, and other collaborative capabilities with conventional PBX functionality through use of a PBX-Messaging Integration Client (PMIC). The invention in its several embodiments features a method and system for using the PMIC-based computer interface to perform off-hook/on-hook presence notification for a PBX phone, establish media sessions concurrent with PBX telephonic communication, execute custom call treatment in conjunction with a PBX phone, implement call transfer capability between a PBX phone and numerous other devices, and provide PBX call control. The PBX is generally enabled with computer telephony integration (CTI) and, depending on the embodiment, a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The invention empowers enterprise workers with a diverse, unified and integrated set of both PBX functions and SIP-based collaboration tools.

Abstract: Procedure and system for optimizing the route of a telecommunication connection to be set up in a telecommunication system that includes a mobile switching center (MSC), a service switching point (SSP), a service control point (SCP), a gateway (GW), and a subscriber register (HLR). The service switching point is connected to the service control point and the gateway is connected to the service control point and to the subscriber register. The telecommunication connection to be set up is directed via the service switching point to the service control point. A database query is sent from the service control point, via the gateway, to the subscriber register. In response, the subscriber register returns routing information, on the basis of which an optimal route to the mobile switching center under which the B-subscriber is currently located is determined.