Abstract: Disclosed is a telephone call-back device that can provide a means for the recipient of a robocall incoming phone call to take action. The telephone call-back device includes an activation device, a call source utility, and a call-back utility. The activation device is a button or switch that a user can activate when they receive a robocall. Once the activation device is activated, the call source utility identifies a source phone number of the robocall incoming phone call. The call-back utility initiates one or more robo call-back outgoing phone calls to be sent to the source phone number. The call-back utility can be programmed to try to send many robo call-back outgoing phone calls to the source phone number to try to swamp the phone number with robo call-back outgoing phone calls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a message back system that can provide a means for a recipient of robo messages or spam messages to take action. The message back system includes a mobile device operating in conjunction with a server to activate the system and initiate one or more texts to be sent to the source phone number. The server can be programmed to try to send many texts to the source phone number to try to swamp the phone number with texts. The system may provide satisfaction to the user as a tool to respond to these on-going nuisances.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telephone services to a secure facility from an external, centralized call platform. An embodiment of the system includes a call processing center that is external to the facility and includes a plurality of computer clusters, and is configured to route communications to and from a router located at the secure facility. Having a majority of the system located outside the facility reduces equipment requirements at each individual facility, improves security and uptime, and provides more efficient management and expansion of the call platform.

Abstract: A system may receive data collected by a network for a plurality of calls that are to be routed by the network to a call center, detect an event based on the received data, determine a confidence level, for the event, that the event is a denial-of-service attack, determine a call service to be provided to the call center in response to detecting the event, and provide the call service based on the confidence level.

Abstract: When a connection control device determines that the connection control device is in a congested state, based on whether a usage of at least one of hardware resources necessary for call processing to establish a call connection is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU of the connection control device forcefully disconnects an established call connection after a connection available time elapses, and, when an INVITE message is transmitted from a terminal device, the CPU of the connection control device receives the INVITE message, calculates the wait time, creates and transmits a response message stating the wait time, and stores the message as a reserved call on a reservation list.

Abstract: A network relay device constituting a network includes a frame determination unit for referencing a protocol identifier contained in a frame from an external network relay device constituting another standard network different from the network, to determine whether or not the frame contains a confirmation frame for network operation, administration or maintenance, and a processing unit for performing operation, administration, or maintenance on the frame, when the frame determination unit determines that the frame is the confirmation frame.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system configured to provide a connection between a caller and a callee via a telephone network, wherein the telephone network is configured to connect the caller and the callee, a method for allowing the callee to prevent the caller from establishing the connection with the callee. The method includes receiving an instruction from the callee to prevent the caller from establishing the connection with the callee and identifying a first telephone number associated with the caller. The method also includes preventing one or more phone calls from the first telephone number from being forwarded to a second telephone number associated with the callee.

Abstract: A communication system providing a multimedia service that informs a calling terminal that a communication sent from the calling terminal to a called terminal is undesired by the called terminal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for a called party to report unwanted telephone calls to jurisdictional authorities. These calls may be unwanted, unlawful, or other calls. In the methods of the present invention, the called party dials a code comprised of a series of digits, which triggers the switching node associated with the called party to generate a series of messages, at least one of which encompasses the originating telephone number of the unwanted call. At least one of the messages is directed to the proper reporting authority such that the called party reports the unwanted event. Called parties can take further actions, such as including additional messaging or blocking subsequent calls from the calling party number. The reporting authority can take further action as well, such as matching the called party number with subscriber or geographic information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a terminal device (10) for payment data exchange comprising interfaces for coupling to a point of sale devices (26), to a mobile phone (14), and to a payment center (1). The payment data exchange is performed on two different ways. In a first way from the payment terminal device (10) via the mobile phone (14) and the mobile voice network (5) to the authorization center (1) or, vice versa, from the payment center (1) via the mobile voice network (5) and the mobile phone (14) to the payment terminal device (10), wherein the payment data are transferred between the payment terminal device (10) and the mobile phone (14) on voice information. On the second way the data are transferred directly from the terminal device (10) via e.g. the network (5) to the authorization center (1) and, vice versa, from the payment center (1) via the network (5) to the payment terminal device (10).

Abstract: In a telecommunication system configured to provide a connection between a caller and a callee via a telephone network, wherein the telephone network is configured to connect the caller and the callee, a method for allowing the callee to prevent the caller from establishing the connection with the callee. The method includes receiving an instruction from the callee to prevent the caller from establishing the connection with the callee and identifying a first telephone number associated with the caller. The method also includes preventing one or more phone calls from the first telephone number from being forwarded to a second telephone number associated with the callee.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system configured to provide a connection between a caller and a callee via a telephone network, wherein the telephone network is configured to connect the caller and the callee, a method for allowing the callee to prevent the caller from establishing the connection with the callee. The method includes receiving an instruction from the callee to prevent the caller from establishing the connection with the callee and identifying a first telephone number associated with the caller. The method also includes preventing one or more phone calls from the first telephone number from being forwarded to a second telephone number associated with the callee.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: Convenient and automatic methods are disclosed for reporting a violation of a do-not-call list. The only action required by the callee is to enter a predetermined touch tone pattern on their telephone key pad when they receive the call (e.g. pressing 999), and then hanging up. Network node(s) on the telephone network receive the touch tones and interpret the touch tone pattern as an indication of a violation of the do-not-call list. The network node stores the phone number of the caller, the callee number and the time of the call. The network node automatically generates and sends a notice of violation to the agency administering the do-not-call registry. In alternative embodiments, two network nodes may be involved in automatically generating and transmitting the notice of violation. The nodes may be nodes in a Signaling System 7 network.

Abstract: A supervisory communication system serving callers with restricted freedom, connected to a local telephone exchange and to a local computer network comprising a data base storing relevant data concerning each possible caller. The system comprises a plurality of call units (11) arranged to be accessible for the callers and each having a handset (12) for carrying out calls, a personal identification means for identifying any caller; and a camera (13) enabling observation of the callers. A switching unit (19) is coupled to each of the call units (11), and a communication server (40) having a memory (50) is connected to the switching unit (19). Supervising terminals (41) are arranged at appropriate locations and served by supervisory personnel, each of whom has a display screen (42) with multiple fields (43 to 45), a loudspeaker (46), a microphone (48) and a keyboard (47).

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizing a computer-based telephony management unit to connect institutional telephones with outside telephone lines. The unit provides institutional users with fully automated, direct dial and collect calling privileges for local, long distance, and international calls. The unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users, for recording calling transactions made by the users, and for managing user monetary accounts. The unit can record up to 400 hours of conversation in a digital format. The unit provides various administrative capabilities, including user account management, audit trails, transaction reports, centralized management and report capabilities, and detection of fraudulent calling.

Abstract: An information apparatus with a phone function is disclosed which comprises a time measurement unit for measuring access time from ring to disconnection, a ring history storage processing unit for storing at every ring a ring history including the access time, and a ring history display processing unit for displaying a ring history with an attention calling indication attached to the access time, when subjected to a ring history display operation, if the access time is equal to or shorter than predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizes a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines. The computer control unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users and for recording calling transactions made by the users. The computer control unit implements a prospective call screening feature whereby outside recipients of undesired calls from the institution may enter a code that directs the computer control unit to prohibit similar calls in the future.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: The inventive idea is to define a closed user group including the access point of a data network and users of a service. Such incoming calls are barred, which come from outside the user group to the access point of the data service. Calls within the user group coming to the access point are allowed. Hereby the telephone system itself prevents users outside the user group of the data service from gaining access to the network.

Abstract: A telephone station interface is provided with apparatus for detecting when a called party has or is attempting to patch or bridge one telephone call with another telephone call. The detecting of such bridging or conferencing is accomplished through the detection of tones which are commonly associated with such activities, such as a ring signal, a busy signal, special information tones (SIT tones), dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones or so-called Touch Tones, call progress tones, or other tones that occur when calls are placed. The present invention does not have the capability of sensing clicks, pops, or other audio signals associated with the conferencing of multiple communications circuits. The method and apparatus herein are for managing institutional telephone activity, and utilize a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizes a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines. The computer control unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users and for recording calling transactions made by the users. The computer control unit implements a prospective call screening feature whereby outside recipients of undesired calls from the institution may enter a code that directs the computer control unit to prohibit similar calls in the future.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.

Abstract: A telephone station interface is provided with apparatus for detecting when a called party has or is attempting to patch or bridge one telephone call with another telephone call. The detecting of such bridging or conferencing is accomplished through the detection of tones which are commonly associated with such activities, such as a ring signal, a busy signal, special information tones (SIT tones), dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones or so-called Touch Tones, call progress tones, or other tones that occur when calls are placed. The present invention does not have the capability of sensing clicks, pops, or other audio signals associated with the conferencing of multiple communications circuits. The method and apparatus herein are for managing institutional telephone activity, and utilize a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method within a communication switch for prompting a telemarketing organization to remove a consumer phone number from a call list includes a call list deregistration system which establishes a phone connection with a telemarketing organization phone and plays a specified message on the successful connection. Entry of a specified code on a telephone keypad activates the system to establish a connection with the telemarketing orgainization and play a specified message thereto. The specified message includes an identification of the consumer (called party) usually in the form of a phone number. Other aspects of the disclosure include the use of an alternate number bank for specified deregistration call back numbers and the use of a store for maintaining a list of those numbers which have been called back and to which the specified message has been played to request removal from the call lists.

Abstract: The processing of telephone calls is described herein. A telephone call is initiated over a public telephone line using a carrier direct telephone number having a carrier specific identifier. The carrier specific identifier designates the international carrier that has assigned the carrier direct number (Carrier Direct Service Provider). The telephone call is routed to an international carrier in the country of origin. That international carrier recognizes the carrier specific identifier and routes the call to the Carrier Direct Service Provider. The Carrier Direct Service Provider translates the carrier direct telephone number to a public telephone number. The call is then routed over public telephone lines in accordance with the public telephone number.

Abstract: A method and system for screening international phone calls to reduce the number of phone calls which are made simply for the purpose of talking with international operators (prank phone calls) and to reduce the workload of the operators. When an international incoming phone call is placed from a calling terminal abroad, a database is used to determine, based on the calling country code of the incoming phone call, whether the call is from a prank phone call country. If the call is from a prank phone call country, an announcement for determining the intention of the caller is sent to the caller. If the caller provides a response to the announcement, a determination is made as to whether the response is valid. If the response is determined to be valid, the call is connected to the operator. If the response is invalid, the call is determined to be a prank call and is thus disconnected.

Abstract: The system and method for tracing a path of a call through a telecommunications network includes at least two switches, a database, a user interface device and a control processor. Each switch has an associated adjunct processor that has a memory that stores call record data. The database stores call routing data for calls traversing each switch. The user interface device accepts selected call parameter data related to a call having a path through the telecommunications network that is to be traced. The control processor accesses the call routing data and the call record data for searching for a call having call parameter data corresponding to the selected call parameter data. The control processor provides report data that is related to the path through the telecommunications network of a call having call parameter data corresponding to the selected call parameter data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizes a computer control unit to control a trunk management unit, which connects institutional telephones to outside telephone lines. The computer control unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users and for recording calling transactions made by the users. The computer control unit implements a prospective call screening feature whereby outside recipients of undesired calls from the institution may enter a code that directs the computer control unit to prohibit similar calls in the future.

Abstract: Calibration arrangement and method for calibrating an inspection instrument, such as an ultrasonic inspection instrument of the kind typically used to inspect nuclear reactor pressure vessels. The calibration arrangement comprises a frame, the frame having a slot therethrough for receiving a sonic coupling medium therein. A plurality of channels extend through the frame and are in communication with the slot. A plurality of solid reflector rods matingly extend through respective ones of the channels and into the slot for reflecting sonic energy produced by a pulsed ultrasonic transducer mounted on the frame and spanning the slot. A pulser stimulates the transducer so that the transducer transmits pulsed sonic energy through the coupling medium which resides in the slot. The sonic energy is reflected by the rods that pass through the slot. The reflected sonic energy or echoes are received by the transducer, which generates transducer output signals that are received by a receiver.

Abstract: A detector identification device is provided on the premises of the called elephone station capable of detecting network telephone signals, converting them to digital signals and displaying the digital signals. The device is also capable of providing ringing and other calling signals to the called telephone station. The telephone exchange serving the called telephone station is programmed to initiate a back signaling process to the exchange serving the calling telephone station. In addition, the device transmits back signals used to request and thus complete the identification of the calling telephone station from the telephone network.