Abstract: A system and method for notifying a notification recipient of an event status change and allowing the notification recipient to request action is disclosed. An event occurs. A message relating to the event applicable to an end-user is created. A communication link between an outbound module and a device associated with the end-user is established. The message is delivered to the end-user device. The communication link is transferred from the outbound module to an inbound module. A response is received from the end-user device at the inbound module.

Abstract: An incoming call information transmission system is provided for transmitting incoming call information called to a first communication device via a first communication system service. The incoming call information transmission system includes a virtual secretary system, a database system, an information management system and an information transmission system. The virtual secretary system records the incoming call information. The database system stores preset account information corresponding to a first account of a second communication system service. The first account is logged in the server system providing the second communication system service via the second communication device. The information management system receives the incoming call information and gets the preset account information by looking up the database system.

Abstract: A communication system includes client software operating on a PC, or similar platform, and a client telephone that is connected to a call routing server. A user manages telephone communication, including incoming and outgoing calls, conference calls and call forwarding, through the client software. The client software commands the call routing server using instant messenger communication.

Abstract: The invention is a messaging subsystem used in combination with a software based intercom system for receiving and handling voice telephone calls from a plurality of callers and/or notes. The invention comprises a message pad module resident in the intercom system for capturing information pertaining to the voice telephone calls from the plurality of callers and/or notes. A database stores information obtained from the callers and/or notes other than the captured information. A computer module or program correlates the captured information to the corresponding stored information obtained from the callers and/or notes in the database. In the preferred embodiment, the database comprises a patient treatment database corresponding to treatment provided to a patient, such as a dental or medical history.

Abstract: A method of message delivery can include registering a plurality of reception states for a receiving party. The reception states can specify conditions for establishing communications links with receiving party addresses. A receiving party address can be identified from a first initiated communications link between the sending party and the receiving party. Reception state data specified by the plurality of reception states can be determined according to the receiving party address and can be presented to the sending party.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing secretarial services through an intelligent system, which is composed of computers and human operators, in conjunction with a communication infrastructure. The system provides call-handling service to a user as a value added service where an incoming call can be routed to various destinations based on the caller specific preferences set by the user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for supporting the communication of information via a communications system, as well as a service unit, an electronic agent, software products and servers for supporting the communication of information via a communications system which comprises communications networks of two or more network operators. The service unit passes a request for the communication of information to two or more electronic agents which interact with the service unit within the framework of a virtual electronic marketplace for information communication. The service unit prompts the electronic agents, once or several times, through interaction within the framework of the electronic marketplace for information, to submit offers for the execution of the requested communication of information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide techniques and apparatus that may be used to distribute services in a telephone system. Utilizing these techniques, functions conventionally centralized and requiring a separate server may be distributed to end units, for example, as instances of such applications running on network telephones. Examples of such functions include, but are not limited to, auto attendant functions, distributed voice mail functions, and operator functions.

Abstract: A response system includes at least one response terminal and a response management apparatus. The response terminal includes a status sending part that sends an inherent identification number and the status information.

Abstract: A method for an associated phone calling is disclosed, that a mobile terminal needs to have association relationships with one or multiple communication terminals in a network. First, having received a call initiating by a mobile terminal which has an association relationship, said network determining a communication terminal as an associated terminal according to said association relationship; then said network initiating calls to a called terminal and said associated terminal, respectively; then having received answer messages from said called terminal and said associated terminal, said network establishing connection between said associated terminal and said called terminal. The invention also provides a communication system that implements said method, at least comprises a call processing equipment and a service control equipment. Applying the invention, a subscriber can initiate a call from a personal phone book in his mobile terminal and then communicates with called party with other terminal.

Abstract: A method for operating a telecommunications server including configuring a personal auto attendant associated with a particular telephone extension, the personal auto attendant including a series of menu selections, each menu selection associated with a user defined action, receiving an incoming call from a caller for the particular telephone extension, transferring the incoming call to the particular telephone extension, outputting the series of menu selections to the caller, receiving a menu selection from the series of menu selections from the caller, and performing a user-defined action associated with the menu selection.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating and utilizing caller-specific memory locations or folders within a single voicemail box of a telecommunications network-based voicemail system. A subscriber to voicemail services sets up a plurality of caller-specific memory locations or folders within her voicemail box for directing incoming messages to particular folders. Preferably, the folders are specific to particular callers based on the caller directory number or caller ID. The subscriber assigns a given folder with directory numbers of callers known to be associated with that folder. When a call comes in to the voicemail system with a directory number associated with a given folder, the voice message from that call is directed to and saved in the associated folder. If desired, personal identification numbers (PIN) may be assigned to each folder to control access to messages saved therein.

Abstract: Directory assistance provides telephone number look up services to callers based on the business or caller name as listed in a telephone directory. In the prior art, directory assistance provides a value-added service to telephone users and an expense that must be charged back to telephone callers or absorbed by telephone carriers. In enhanced directory assistance (EDA) services as described in the disclosure, EDA is further developed to deliver a keyword targeted advertising service to telephone listing owners and advertisers. The present invention provides a method and system to extend EDA services to the wireless messaging systems used by telecommunications operators. The invention further discloses methods to support both one-way and two-way communications on these devices, as well as systems to support the distributed EDA Transaction business model.

Abstract: A system and method that provides a dialog with the called party when a call is received, a process is initiated to communicate with the calling party and a process is initiated to communicate with the called party. The processes communicate with each other to provide limited communication between the called and calling parties without an actual connection being made between them. The called party process determines disposition of the call based on the caller ID of the calling party and the state of the called party telephone. Advantageously, the called party process prompts the called party as to how to handle the call. The called party can request further information regarding the person calling, the purpose of the call, etc., without a connection being made to the calling party.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for intermediary device initiated callee identification are provided. A trusted telephone network detects a call receipt connection from a destination device. The trusted telephone network then brokers a connection between the destination device and an external server enabled to perform a callee identity authentication service. A voice utterance for a callee is received at the external server from the destination device. The server authenticates a callee identity associated with the voice utterance and transfer the authenticated callee identity to the trusted telephone network. The trusted telephone network then specifies services available for the call according to a callee profile for the authenticated caller identity.

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 communication system is provided, in which the communication system includes: a part for receiving a call establishment request from a communication terminal, and sending, to the communication terminal, a call forwarding destination information including information on at least a call forwarding destination; and a part for receiving information on a call forwarding destination which is selected by a caller from the communication terminal, and allowing the communication terminal and the call forwarding destination to communicate with each other according to the information on the call forwarding destination.

Abstract: A Call Management System provides for management of calls directly by system users at their workstation computers via a digital data network such as a digital networks not controlled via the user's telephone instruments as in prior systems. A call management computer intercepts incoming calls and controls the handling of such calls according to instructions received from the users' workstations, which are accessed via the digital data network. Trunk circuits are monitored and controlled using digital signal processors to proactively identify the called party, the calling party and the call type (voice, Fax, data) and control and to monitor all calls. Each different type of call is managed differently and automatically through direct user workstation controls and/or user-generated rules to provide special treatment for designated callers. Multiple calls to user at the same time may be handled with no busy signals to callers. Only one number is needed for a user to receive voice Fax and data calls.

Abstract: A system, system, and program for identifying a call made or received on behalf of another are provided. In particular, a call request for a call is detected. A context for the call is requested from a context inference service, wherein the context indicates whether an on behalf of action is invoked for the call by the caller or callee. An on behalf of action may be requested by a caller or callee, automatically authorized by the on behalf of party, or inferred from other call context.

Abstract: A reverse caller identification system. Telecommunications devices are registered with respect to specific locations and are monitored with respect to users proximity to said devices. Prior to putting an incoming call through to one of said devices, the caller is provided with information as to activities currently in proximity to that device. A plurality of options for real-time information data and caller feedback are described.

Abstract: A communication network and an associated network manager server according to the invention includes one or more instances of a first object type and one or more instances of a second object type. The first object type is associated with a first product of the communication network such as a PBX and the second object type is associated with a second product of the network such as a phone mail product. The network includes a first local module for configuring each instance of the first object type and a second local module for configuring each instance of the second object type. A network management server of the network includes a product specific coordinator. The product specific coordinator includes means for coordinating configuration activities among each instance of the first object type via the first local module and means for coordinating configuration activities among each instance of the second object type via the second local module.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatic call connection. A call back request is initiated by a first user and then sent to a second user. After the call back request is received by the second user, the second user is given the option of accepting or rejecting the call back request. If the second user accepts the call back request, then the first user is automatically connected to the second user.

Abstract: A method for incorporating functions of an automatic call distribution system into an interactive voice answering system wherein the interactive voice response system coupled to an automatic call distribution system is influenced by communication terminal equipment such that a request for reserving an available agent to the automatic call distribution system is communicated. Given the reservation of a requested agent, the allocated communication system is influenced such that the communication terminal equipment is transferred to the reserved agent communication terminal equipment.

Abstract: A call forwarding system that prevents unwanted call forwarding activations from taking place. The system requests approval prior to activating call forwarding. The approval is obtained by sending a request communication to the destination to which calls are to be forwarded. The destination has the option of accepting the request for call forwarding or rejecting the request. The call forwarding may be applied to phone calls between electronic devices and to forwarding of video communication sessions over computer networks.

Abstract: AIN based call routing, transfer and conferencing methods and apparatus are disclosed. In various embodiments initial call routing is based on the availability of a party to service a call as determined from a computer system associated with the party selected to service the call. The party's computer system supports a telephone programming application interface (TAPI) which allows a telephone network server to determine the availability of the party selected to service the call from, in part, TAPI obtained telephone line status information. The network server supplies call related data to the computer system of the party assigned to service the call. Call transfer and conferencing operations along with the transfer of call related data are also supported. AIN mid-call triggers are used in some embodiments to support call transfer and conferencing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing communication, such as telephone calls. One or more of a plurality of predetermined values are assigned to each of one or more of a plurality of predetermined characteristics relating to a received communication. A destination is selected based on the assigned values and the communication is routed to the selected destination. Scripts can be generated to route the communication to a specified device of the destination.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating a call related to a computer activity. The disclosed method includes associating a computer activity with a call activity. That method also includes anticipating the call activity based on a performance of the computer activity, and providing, via a user-computer interface, a call activity trigger associated with the anticipated call activity.

Abstract: A method for updating call redirection destinations, in which a call redirection destination which has been changed by a user entry on a first subscriber terminal is stored for a second subscriber terminal, which forms a point of origin for a call redirection, in an associated memory together with the point of origin of the call redirection as call redirection information. The stored call redirection information is sent to a control unit associated with the second subscriber terminal. The control unit checks whether a call redirection indicated by the call redirection information has been set up. A call redirection is set up on the basis of the result of the check.

Abstract: A method of providing media content, such as music and video, to callers on hold involves the generation of the media content locally in the environment of the held caller, rather than the transmission of the content over the network. The local call server of the held caller is signalled when the call has been placed on hold by the server which has placed the call on hold. The caller's server then activates a music-on-hold server (or other media content generator) to provide the media content directly to the caller's telephony terminal. The advantage of this is that the media content is not transmitted across the network, allowing a higher bandwidth to be used locally for the media content without utilizing wide area network resources. This results also in the media content being provided in a higher quality format to the caller, avoiding the loss of quality associated with transmitting music using compressive voice codecs over packet-based networks.

Abstract: A messaging device is disclosed. The device is connected to a telephone line and communicates with other devices identical to itself via a communications link established over existing phone lines, power lines or via wireless communications mechanisms. The messaging device records caller ID data upon detection of an incoming telephone call and prompts the user to enter additional data regarding the caller in assembling a message data packet including predefined messages. The message data packet is then transmitted to an identical messaging device wherein the caller ID data, caller name, caller's company, and predefined messages are presented to the intended recipient of the message contained in the message data packet. Additional features include handwritten or typed detailed messages contained in said message data packet and security for preventing unauthorized viewing of message data. The messaging device is optionally integrated into the design of a telephone.

Abstract: An interaction manager system and method are provided to aid a caller in communicating with a callee. An interaction space is provided to a caller's communication device. This interaction space can include visibility information that informs the caller about the status of the callee, accessibility information that provides the caller with a list of communication channels available to the caller, and continuity information that includes information and action facilitation data that reflect the ongoing interaction between the caller and the callee.

Abstract: A communications system, which has a plurality of terminals connected thereto, has one or more object presence detecting devices associated with the individual terminals. The detecting devices detect whether or not an object, such as a person, has been detected near any particular and associated terminal and informs the system. The telephone system can then provide a visual indication to other terminals within the system that a person is near their terminal. Such detecting capabilities can also be used to forward communications to another terminal if a user is not near their terminal.

Abstract: AIN Monitor_For_Change functionality is used to implement an AIN based call retry service and an AIN based enhanced call waiting service. The AIN Monitor_For_Change functionality allows a service control point to obtain line status information, from a telephone switch. The same functionality used to provide the call retry service is combined with incoming call notification, and the collection of call disposition information from a called party, to provide the enhanced call waiting service. The enhanced call waiting service provides a called party on an existing call, incoming call notification with caller identification information. The called party is then provided the opportunity to accept the call, have the calling party wait, or send the call to voice mail. When the called party requests that the calling party wait, the calling party is notified of the called party's request and is connected to the called party once the ongoing call is completed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing accurate caller identification to a called party. If a call is transferred to a called party, the called party receives the identification of the caller, not of the intermediate station. Advantageously, the caller is identified to the called party, even if the call is transferred.

Abstract: A system for screening telephone calls is provided. The system includes a ring detector that generates ring status data, such as a first data value when a ring signal is being received and a second data value when no ring signal has been received for a predetermined period of time. A message detector generates message status data, such as a first data value when an outgoing message end tone has been detected and a second data value when no outgoing message end tone has been detected for a predetermined period of time. A message screener is connected to the ring detector and the message detector and amplifies a message based on the ring status data and the message status data, such as when the ring status data and the message data indicate that an incoming message is being recorded.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving calls for a plurality of persons. The system receives an incoming telephone call at a communications host, such as a PBX, from a caller for called person and queries a database for a set of information regarding the called person. The database can include information for each individual supported by present invention. The system can then query the status of the called person's phone line and announce to the caller some information regarding the called person. The system then forwards the incoming telephone call, the status of the called person's phone line, and the set of information regarding the called person to a display screen of a human secretary, who then answers the incoming telephone call.

Abstract: In a packetized communications system call waiting functionality is expanded to provide for handling of unlimited calls concurrently of one or more service types. When a subscriber is engaged in an ongoing call, incoming calls can be placed on a call queue by a call manager such that bandwidth and other resources are not allocated to a waiting call between the call manager and broadband residential gateway, and thereafter can be accessed by the subscriber in the order received or in the order desired by the subscriber. For subscribers with a device having video display capability, identification information regarding each call in the queue such as service type waiting time and caller identification information may be displayed at the subscriber's premises to allow the subscriber to manage their incoming calls. Also, a particularized tone may be heard to identify the incoming call including its service type.

Abstract: A telephone having a self-screening mode. The self-screening mode made be switched on and off via an enabling circuit. When activated, the self-screening mode informs the caller that the call is inconvenient. However, the caller is allowed the opportunity to choose between a request for a call back, instigate a call some time later, or in urgent cases allowed to be put through to the receiver. The caller chooses the mode by hanging up in one of two distinct time modes or by simply waiting through a third time mode to be put through to the receiver in urgent cases. The caller may be notified of the time-windows by signal sounds and the length of time of each time window may be adjusted by time loops. Messages to support the caller may also be provided during the time-windows. Alternately, the caller may be prompted with a message to depress different keys to choose the different options.

Abstract: An operator call-fielding scenario system which displays a response scenario to an operator who is responding to an incoming call includes a memory unit which stores a plurality of scenario parts making up a plurality of response scenarios; a scenario setting unit which selects predetermined scenario parts from the plurality of scenarios parts in the memory unit, in accordance with one of a plurality of conditions, and sets a response scenario with the predetermined scenario parts according to the one condition; and a display unit which displays the set response scenario. Using this configuration, response scenarios matched in the optimum way with various circumstances can be set.

Abstract: The incoming call routing system for a communication system that serves a facility, and which functions to automatically direct the incoming call to the specific service provider who is presently assigned to provide services for an identified resident of the facility. This is accomplished by providing an incoming call routing system, and optionally an integrated wireless communication system, to automatically effect the desired communication connections. The present description uses the hospital communication system as a well known example of such a communication environment in which the present system incoming call routing system is operational. The incoming call routing system of the hospital communication system functions to identify the hospital patient about whom the calling party is requesting information.

Abstract: The invention provides a virtual private branch exchange (VPBX) that allows a plurality of individuals to be associated with a single telephone number. In one possible embodiment, when a call is received, the VPBX retrieves the customer's profile based on the called number. The profile includes a list of individuals associated with the called number, there are extension number, and any instructions concerning their personal communication requirements. A menu is then presented to the caller based on the called number's profile. The caller is given a plurality of choices, such as to choose to contact a particular individual, device, or service, such as an individual's extension, a common voice mail system, or an administrative person, such as a receptionist. If the caller chooses to be routed to a VPBX extension, the call is routed to the called party and the VPBX monitors whether the call is answered. If the party answers, the VBPX connects the call.

Abstract: An exchange system minimizing ring noises generated when processing an incoming call. Upon receipt of an incoming call from a central office line, the exchange system generates a ring to a called extension telephone to which the incoming call is terminated. Thereafter, it is determined whether there is an extension telephone designating a phone number of the called extension telephone. If there is the extension telephone designating the phone number of the called extension telephone, the exchange turns on/off a lamp prepared in the extension telephone or generates a ring to the above extension telephone, after an elapse of a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for providing or simulating a direct dial-in function by providing an extension dialing function in telecommunication systems that have no direct dial-in capability with dedicated extension numbers. The dial-in capability is implemented in that an incoming call is automatically received by the TC system, the user is automatically prompted, via an audio user message, to input extension dialing commands, these extension dialing commands are automatically assigned to an extension and with this assignment information an electronic forwarding signal is generated, which causes the TC system to switch the incoming connection to an extension. This forwarding signal simulates the control signal generated in manual forwarding between the extensions of the TC system. The device for performing the method is integrated as a circuit arrangement in a TC system or designed as an adaptive device retrofitted on existing TC systems.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A system for presenting a recorded message on behalf of an agent receiving a call at an agent station in a call center, the agent station having a telephony interface for receiving calls and a personal computer with a video display unit (PC/VDU), has a telephony switching apparatus enhanced by a computer-telephony integration (CTI) processor, an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system executing a voice treatment option (VTO) software, coupled to the telephony switching apparatus and the CTI processor; and a data repository having recorded messages stored on behalf of the agent and accessible to the CTI processor. The CTI processor routes incoming calls to the telephony interface for the agent, uses data associated with the calls for selecting appropriate recorded messages, and causes, by controlling the IVR, a retrieved recorded message to be played to a caller upon the agent picking up the routed call.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating a call related to a computer activity. The disclosed method includes associating a computer activity with a call activity. That method also includes anticipating the call activity based on a performance of the computer activity, and providing, via a user-computer interface, a call activity trigger associated with the anticipated call activity.

Abstract: A computer connected to an ISDN central office switch via an ISDN digital subscriber line, provides management information regarding activities of a plurality of telephone agents. The computer has shared call appearances with a number of telephone agent stations and receives shared call appearance associated messages from the switch reflecting call handling messages exchanged between the ISDN switch and each of the agent stations. The messages are interpreted by the computer, which generates station status information and management information such as the number of calls handled, average holding time per call, etc. The computer may be connected simultaneously to several central offices via ISDN subscriber lines and generate management information for a group of geographically separated agents, such as home telemarketing agents operating out of their individual homes and connected to different central offices.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling supplementary service functions, such as directed call pickup, to be implemented in a communications network having more than one server. The multi-server call pickup system is adapted to enable a user to pick up another user's call from a selected destination anywhere within the network, including outside the local server in a multi-server network. The directed call pickup system includes a pickup request unit that is used for initiating the call pickup feature from a specified location in the network. A remote determination unit and a local determination unit to determine whether to establish local or remote connections to a call pickup user may also be provided. A call establishing unit with a negotiation process for connection establishment is provided to establish a connection between the call and the call pickup user. A notification unit may be provided to notify the system of the completed connection.

Abstract: In a communication device (20) comprising a message function (SMS, Short Message Service) a certain short message (7) or other reply message is sent in response to an incoming call in a situation where the user can't answer the call him/herself. The reply message can be sent immediately (9) or after a short delay (10, 11), whereby during the delay, the user can choose, whether he/she answers him/herself. The calling party (5) is identified from the CLI information (Caller Line Identity), whereby the reply message can be chosen according to the calling party. Time information can be included in the reply message in order to express at which time by the clock or after a how long time the receiving party is reachable. After that time the automatic reply function based on the reply message is automatically disconnected.