Abstract: A carrier providing wireless services provides ringback media such as call tones via one or more call tones content providers. In one aspect, a service entity (e.g., SCP or application server) is provisioned with data unique to ringback media service subscribed to by the subscriber. The service entity provides routing instructions to a mobile switching center identifying a ringback media server (e.g., content provider platform) to render ringback media to the caller. In another aspect, a caller can exercise control over the play of ringback media, e.g., by inputting DTMF tones, which responsively cause a ringback media server to change the play of ringback media, e.g., stop it or play a different selection. In another aspect, when a subscriber initiates a call to called party that subscribes to a competitor carrier, the carrier limits exposure of the subscriber to the ringback media of the competitor carrier. In one possible configuration, the carrier inserts its own ringback media.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable a first user of a telecommunications terminal to receive, upon placing a call to a second user, a ringback signal that is based on information that is extrinsic to the telecommunications system that handles the call (i.e., information that is independent of the state of the telecommunications system). Such extrinsic information might include: entries in a user schedule (e.g., from a groupware application such as Lotus Notes® that is hosted on a server, from a personal digital assistant [PDA] calendar, etc.); environmental parameters at the first and/or second user's terminal (e.g., temperature, ambient sound pressure, ambient luminosity, etc.); physiological parameters of the first and/or second users (e.g., heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, brain activity, etc.); stock ticker information; weather forecasts; sports scores; updated election results; and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a call protecting method for the coloring ring back tones in an intelligent network, wherein said intelligent network includes an intelligent network service control point (SCP), a service switch point (SSP) and an intelligent peripheral (IP). The method includes the following steps: an IP-state detecting module is added to the IP for detecting whether the IP is available; the IP-state detecting module sends a state-query request to the IP for checking whether the IP is available; if the IP returns a result of availability, the SCP will direct the SSP to connect the call to the IP; if IP returns a result of unavailability, or returns no IP-state detecting result on time, then the SCP will direct the SSP to connect to the called directly rather than to the IP.

Abstract: After a call with a called party ends, a caller is provided with prompts or messages which allow the caller to control ringback media content which is to be rendered when the caller calls the called party in the future. For example, the caller is provided with prompts by which they can select ringback content from content they already have purchased and apply it to the called party number. Alternatively, the caller is linked to a content provider where they can purchase additional content and have it applied to the called party number. Thus, the caller is able to exert control over ringback media.

Abstract: A method for realizing ring back tone in communication system, enabling that the calling user can only hear the ring back tone triggered by the primary called user no matter whether the call is forwarded or how it is forwarded. In the present invention, service control unit sets a mark indicating not to request ring resource in Invite message initiated to the forward user, and indicating the backward service control unit not to request triggering the ring resource. Optionally, service control unit only sends ringing message forwardly when it receives the backward ringing message and succeeds to request ring resource, and when it receives the backward ringing message, if service control unit has ever initiated call forward, then it deactivates backward ring resource.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing ring back tones in a communication network. At first, a ring back tone device for storing and playing the ring back tone customized by a subscriber is established in the communication network. Whether a subscriber is a ring back tone service register subscriber is judged with a certain triggering mode, such as intelligent network triggering, signaling interception triggering, call forwarding triggering or switching device triggering. If it is judged the subscriber is a ring back tone service registered subscriber, a connection between the originating switching device and the terminating switching device and a connection between a switching device and the ring back tone device are established. When the called terminal is idle, the ring back tone device provides a piece of customized ring back tone to the calling subscriber for replacing traditional ring back tone.

Abstract: A control server of an apparatus in one example receives an offer message from a resource server. The offer message indicates an availability of the resource server to handle one or more tasks for the control server. The control server employs the offer message to determine whether to add an indication of the resource server to a resource server mapping table that comprises indications of a plurality of available resource servers. The resource server mapping table is employable to determine a selected resource server of the plurality of available resource servers to use for a task of the one or more tasks.

Abstract: A ring-back tone generator system receives an inbound call connection request forwarded from a phone switch (such as an MSC) that receives the inbound call connection request from a caller phone attempting to connect to a target phone (e.g., a subscriber). The ring-back tone generator system initiates generation of a first call connection on which to provide the customized ring-back tone (and/or custom video image data) to the caller phone. The ring-back tone generator system also transmits, based on receiving the inbound call connection request, an outbound call connection request to the phone switch (such as the MSC) to establish a second call connection through the phone switch to the target phone. Consequently, an MSC that normally handles such call processing now relies on the ring-back tone generator system to handle call processing and provide a custom ring-back tone service.

Abstract: A ringback/ringtone synchronization system for utilizing ringtones as replacement ringback announcements is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback/ringtone synchronization system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting false signals on a telephone line. The devices provide an additional verification for outbound calls which result in a disconnected or not in service signal that such signals are valid and not false tones being emitted by a device or service employed by the call recipient, The type of additional verification of the outbound call is dependent on the telephone network on which the outbound call is placed. For example, on an analog telephone network a drop in loop current may be detected indicting a connected call which is contrary to the disconnected or not in service signals being received. Such connected signals can be detected on digital networks by monitoring dedicated control data channels or through the use of data received through the use of in-band signaling.

Abstract: A method of operating a wireless calling device comprises connecting to a call tone provider configured to provide call tones, transferring a plurality of call tone requests to the call tone provider, receiving a plurality of call tones from the call tone provider in response to the plurality of call tone requests, transferring a call setup message to a telecommunication switch to initiate a call, receiving a call message from the telecommunication switch in response to the call setup message wherein the call setup message indicates a status of the call, processing the call message to select a one call tone from the plurality of call tones based on the status of the call, and audibly playing the one call tone.

Abstract: In a communication system, call tones are individually associated with call messages. The communication system comprises a wireless communication system and a wireless user device. The wireless user device transfers a call tone request to the wireless communication system over a wireless link. The wireless communication system transfers one of the call tones to the wireless user device over the wireless link in response to the call tone request. The wireless communication system processes signaling for a call to select one of the call messages associated with the one call tone. The wireless communication system transfers the one call message to the wireless user device over the wireless link. The wireless user device processes the one call message to select the one call tone and audibly plays the one call tone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing an arbitrary sound chosen by a subscriber instead of a conventional RBT, more particularly, to a method for providing a caller with an arbitrary sound chosen by the caller instead of an RBT in case that a called is not a subscriber of a called-based RBT replacement service. The present method comprises: a first step, conducted by an exchanger when a call is received from a terminal, of requesting a first trunk connection to other telephone communication network while requesting a second trunk connection to a sound providing means if it is confirmed that the calling terminal has subscribed to RBT replacement service and the called terminal is a subscriber of said other telephone communication network; and a second step, conducted by the sound providing means, of providing the calling terminal with an RBT-replacing sound set for the calling terminal through the exchanger.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that generates call progress tones for a call. The communication system is comprised of a calling device and an originating system. Examples of the calling device include a telephone, a cellular phone, a computer, and a fax machine. To place a call, the calling device transmits set up messages to the originating system. The originating system transmits set up messages to a terminating system to set up the call. The originating system receives acknowledgment message from the terminating system in response to the set up messages. The originating system generates a call progress message and transmits the call progress message to the calling device. The calling device generates a call progress tone based on the call progress message and plays audible sounds that represent the call progress tone. By having the calling device generate the call progress tones, the originating system is advantageously available for other communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure access to secured system functions utilizing a universal access card. The card includes a bank of tuned amplifier circuits and tuned audio transducers to maximize audio output power from the card, such as for telephone communications. The card includes a variety of other interfaces for the user to communicate with a secure access central system. The card includes a keypad, signature input pad, voice audio input, and fingerprint input, to capture data from a user to determine whether the user is an authorized user. The user utilizes the card to conduct a secure access authorization process with the central. After the card and user are authenticated, the user can access certain functions of a system.

Abstract: A method of establishing an initial telecommunication connection from a first telecommunications terminal to a second telecommunication terminal via a network unit of a telecommunications network, includes transmitting at least one message to the first telecommunications terminal while an initial telecommunications connections is being established by the network unit, reproducing the at least one message, when received by the first telecommunications terminal, at least one reproducing device of the first telecommunications terminal, storing the at least one message, after being received in the first telecommunications terminal, for one-time or repeated reproduction and the reproducing device.

Abstract: A tone sending device of an electronic private branch exchange is provided which is capable of using a voice message from outside as a tone to inform an extension telephone or a central office line of a state of a call or a line without the necessity of taking complicated processing or of mounting additional exclusive devices. A selecting circuit is adapted to receive a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal from a fixed tone generating device and the PCM signal from a voice message generating device. The selecting circuit operates, in response to a selecting signal fed from a selecting signal generating circuit, to select either of the PCM signals depending on a type of the tone to be used and to output the selected PCM signal to a time sharing switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing to a user at least one of setting and status information associated with a telecommunication device. The method includes and the apparatus performs the steps of receiving a request for the at least one of setting and status information, collecting the requested at least one of setting and status information, and providing the requested at least one of setting and status information to the user, via an auditory method.

Abstract: The invention is a method of receiving digital data from a Local Switching Office (LSO) on first party equipment that is communicating, in an off-hook state, via the LSO with second party equipment. The method presumes that the first party equipment has a telephone line interface that interfaces with a telephone line and an acoustic transducer interface with a loudspeaker and a microphone.

Abstract: A testing environment and a method for telephone number identification and/or verification. The testing environment and method of the present invention analyzes incoming analog signals of a telephone call being made to the tested line as the receiving party from the central office switch. These incoming analog signals preferably include ring signal, waiting call tone and voice signals. The incoming analog signals are analyzed and processed by the testing unit according to the present invention in order to identify and/or verify the telephone number. Thus, the testing environment and method of the present invention has the advantage of being able to analyze data received from the tested line as the receiving party, rather than requiring the tested telephone line to initiate the telephone call for testing purposes.

Abstract: A two-line videophone can be used to initiate video communication while maintaining audio communication throughout the initiation period. A user uses a first line to initiate an analog voice call with another user. The videophone then uses a modem to initiate a video (including image and voice) link on a second line. During this initialization period, the first line continues to carry the analog audio communication. After the video link on the second line is established, voice communication can be switched to the second line. The system then uses another modem to initiate a separate video link on the first line. During the setting up of the digital link on the first line, video communication (including voice and images) continues to be carried on the second line. Consequently, there is no gap in audio communication. After the digital link on the first line is established, both the first and the second lines can be used to carry video communication.

Abstract: A telephone exchange transmits audible signals to a subscriber line to indicate exchange or network conditions. The audible signals to be transmitted to the subscriber line are selected from one or more available audible signal sources according to the contents of a store location for that subscriber line. Further store locations are provided for each subscriber line to enable selection of further audible signal sources dependent upon the condition. The subscriber may alter the contents of his or her store location by dialing a special code.

Abstract: A method for sending out absent messages in an ISDN exchange system to which digital telephones with a plurality of function keys and a LCD screen are connected as extension subscribers. When an extension subscriber of an ISDN exchange system is called up, the ISDN exchange system checks whether the called up extension subscriber's telephone is set in an absent message sending mode, and if any, transmits stored absent message to the caller so as to display on LCD screen of the caller's digital telephone. The ISDN exchange system includes a memory for storing a plurality of absent messages representing different absent reasons depending on the subscriber's various situations. A telephone subscriber can choose in advance a proper one of the plurality of absent messages representing his absent reason before outgoing.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting a customer premises equipment alerting signal (CAS) tone in a telephone system which has both caller identification and call waiting. The present invention distinguishes between valid CAS tones transmitted by the telephone company central office and invalid CAS tones which are caused by music or a human voice. The present invention samples detected tone during a plurality of sample periods. The change of frequency, as well as the direction of frequency change, between successive sample periods is calculated. The number of transitions in the direction of frequency change are counted and used to determine whether the detected tone corresponds to a valid CAS tone or an invalid CAS tone.

Abstract: A method for connecting a local and a remote device using a plurality of telephone lines is disclosed. The remote device calls the local device on one of the telephone lines to establish a first telephone connection. The local device sends the other telephone numbers to the remote device on the first telephone connection. The remote device can then establish additional telephone connections. Once connections are established, the two devices can divide a data stream into smaller components. These components are sent via these telephone connections. These components are received by the receiving devices and combined to recover the original data stream. One of the application of the present invention is videophone.

Abstract: The method of in-session activation of the present invention gives Telcos the ability to offer callers a menu of call completion services when the call encounters a busy or no-answer condition. It provides in-session activation capability from DTMF and dial-pulse sets enabling callers to activate the services without having to hang up. The method is intended for residential and business end-users with RES, business lines, or PBX lines.

Abstract: A communication system where a central module repetitively sends interrogation optical pulses to endpoint modules in order to determine operational state of the endpoint modules and of the two-way communication path to the central module. Those pulses also determine whether the endpoint module wishes to initiate communication with the central office. In the endpoint module, a modulator whose function is to send data from the customer's terminal is arranged to operate in two distinct modes. When it is "powered off", which is when the customer terminal is inactive, it allows central office signals to loop-back to the central office. In this state, the optical pulses sent by the central office serve the function of optical continuity checking. When an endpoint module wishes to establish a connection, i.e.

Abstract: A system and apparatus includes a premises phone connected to a phone network along a first communication channel. A dial tone controller generates within the premises a dial tone along a second communication channel to a switch and to the premises phone. The dial tone controller receives and processes signals received from the premises phone via the switch along the second communication channel and can generate DTMF tones for establishing communication to the phone network based on generated signals received from the premises phone. The switch is operatively connected between the premises phone and the dial tone controller for switching the premises phone from communication with the phone network along the first communication channel and communication with the dial tone controller via the switch along the second communication channel so that the premises phone receives a dial tone from and sends signals to the dial tone controller.

Abstract: Dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) address signaling on four-wire switched 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) service lines is obtained by determining the proper byte boundary information. An iterative learning process is used with an existing digital switching network having a call progress indication capability. The learning process steps through each possible byte alignment until the call progress protocol indicates that a proper byte alignment has been achieved. Once a proper byte alignment has been determined, that byte alignment information is retained for subsequent use, thus avoiding the need to repeat the learning process.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for providing compatible universal identification telephone protocols by generating predetermined unique audio sequences recognizable by the telephone user as defining standardized Audio Icon information and distinct from and separated from one another and other telephonically transmitted signals; sending and receiving such generated audio sequences on a public switched telephone network having paths the parameters of which fall within predetermined specified training sets, including modem performance standards; and assuring recognition and correct identification of such audio sequences conveyed along such paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic answering system that, upon being provided with operating power, uses a tone pattern learning operation to identify an applicable busy tone pattern. After the applicable busy tone pattern is identified, when a calling party records a message on a recording medium of the system, the system performs a detection mode subroutine corresponding to the identified busy tone pattern and detects the busy tone in a rapid and accurate manner. As a result, unnecessary use of the recording medium is eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method for selected audio response to a telephone call that results in an unsuccessful connection. If a condition within the set of conditions is satisfied based on attributes associated with the caller or the telephone call, an action list associated with the satisfied condition is executed. The action list can comprise a selected audio response that is transmitted to the caller of the unsuccessful connection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a telecommunication system and method enabling a user to get access to any of automated call processing systems. The system comprises in combination a telephone line interface means adapted to provide function of a telephone set, a control means connected to the telephone line interface means, and adapted to constantly monitor the telephone line, analyze a call progress and a ring back tone signals and to switch automatically without human intervention from a pulse dialling mode to a DTMF dialling mode upon detection of a ring back signal validated by a central office. This system also includes a handset and keypad means connected to a telephone interface means and the control means. The central office processes calls in a pause dialling mode. The system enables the user to get access to automated call processing systems, the access to which is limited only to callers equipped with a DTMF telephones and central office base DTMF services.

Abstract: An auto-dialer suitable for use as a smart card capable of being acoustically coupled to a telephone and being reprogrammed in response to acoustic signals. The programming and other features of the auto-dialer can be enabled or disabled by the auto-dialer in response to persecuted signals, e.g., a string of DTMF tones. Encryption of calling card and other data into destination telephone numbers is achieved by selectively altering persecuted characteristics of a DTMF tone sequence, such as the duration of tones, the period of silence between tones and the twist between Lo-band and Hi-band tones of DTMF tone pairs in a DTMF tone sequence representing a telephone number. The encryption of data into the telephone number does not affect the ability of standard telephone switching circuitry to recognize the destination number.

Abstract: A communications marketing system for selectively modifying an existing communications network by modifying a portion of the processing software permits transmitting a generally continuous pre-recorded announcement to a network station which has been temporarily disconnected from a called network station and placed on hold within the network. The network is adapted for allowing an identified called station connected to a first call from a first party at a first network address to receive a second call from a second party at a second network address. The network interrupts the called station and signals the called station of the second call. The called station can then choose to connect to the second call and temporarily disconnect the first party, placing the first party on hold within the network, and thereafter, the called station may switch between the first and second calls.

Abstract: When a subscriber A provided with a call-waiting service and connected to a subscriber B is called by another subscriber C and when the subscriber A responds to a call-waiting tone, the subscriber A is connected to the subscriber C and the subscriber B is held according to a procedure of the call-waiting service. If the subscriber B replaces the handset, a clearing intrusion tone (CIT) is sent to the subscriber A before changing a three-way connection to a connection between the subscriber A and the subscriber C, and the subscriber A notices that the held subscriber B is disconnected before attempting to communicate with the subscriber B and without having to rely on a busy signal.

Abstract: A voice messaging service system for caller accepted voice store and forward service. The service offering prompt is issued during dial tone in response to caller off-hook, advising that the service can be accepted by the caller if the call to the intended recipient is not completed. Alternatively, the service offering prompt is delayed after caller off-hook for a time interval sufficient for the caller to dial the telephone number of the intended recipient. As a further embodiment, the service is offered for acceptance by the caller without advancing the call to the intended recipient.

Abstract: In a telephone exchange apparatus for performing exchange processing by a memory time switch, first tone signals are generated, and second tone signals are generated by sequentially exchange-controlling the memory time switch in synchronism with the zero-crossing points of the generated first tone signals. Furthermore, when the second tone signals are sent to corresponding output time slots, the switching operation is performed in synchronism with the zero-crossing points of the second tone signals, so that high-quality tones including no harmonic component can be sent to an extension telephone set or to another system through an outside line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing DTMF tones and supervisory tones in a call processing system to adjust parameters for future tones and/or speech. The tones initially received are analyzed to determine characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio, twist, signal level, etc. Processing parameters for future tones and speech are adjusted based upon the characteristics of a first tone.

Abstract: Dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) address signaling on four-wire switched 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) service lines is obtained by determining the proper byte boundary information. An iterative learning process is used with an existing digital switching network having a call progress indication capability. The learning process steps through each possible byte alignment until the call progress protocol indicates that a proper byte alignment has been achieved. Once a paper byte alignment has been determined, that byte alignment information is retained for subsequent use, thus avoiding the need to repeat the learning process.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method of establishing call progress tones for a switching system having a generic signal generating apparatus, comprising the steps of displaying at least one form on a display and inserting into fields of the form definitions of the cadencing and particular generic signals associated with each call progress tone for a tone plan, temporarily storing the definitions in a memory, compiling the definitions as control signals into object code, storing the object code in a random access memory, and using the object code in the processing of a call by a switching system processor to control provision of particular signals from the generic signal generating apparatus with a particular cadence and signal level to a subscriber or operator.

Abstract: A marketing system for selectively modifying an existing communications network by modifying a portion of the processing software permits replacing at least a portion of a call progress signal generated by the communications network by a generally continuous pre-recorded announcement. A first station is provided for placing a call by a calling party at a first network address. The network is adapted for connecting the call to an identified called station at a second network address, the called station having either a busy status or an idle status. The network initially determines the busy/idle status of the called station and, if the called station has an initial busy status, thereafter checks the busy/idle status of the called station at predetermined intervals. A player plays at least one generally continuous announcement to the calling party for a predetermined period of time during a time period when a call progress signal would have been provided to the calling party.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for seizing a truck circuit in a telecommunications private branch exchange. In traditional private branch exchange, internal extension that have previously not been participating in an exchange connection are excluded from setting up an exchange connection given complete usage with outgoing and/including exchange traffic until at least one previously existing exchange connection is over for the purpose of a chronologically immediate set-up of an exchange connection. The present method and apparatus provides that the central controller of the private branch exchange, triggered by a corresponding command of an internal extension, checks the occupied truck circuits for disconnectability that is defined by a given criterion. Given a positive result of the check, the controller disconnects a trunk circuit and allocates this to the internal extension that triggered the command.

Abstract: An inband tone signaling method results in improvements in talk-off and talk-down performance without sacrificing important human factors considerations. The inband tone signal transmitter has a monitor (60) for monitoring the power level in one or more guard bands (1 and 2) of a voiceband signal. A tone generator (64) which is responsive to the monitor (60) generates the inband tone signal consisting of one or more signaling frequencies each at a level such that a desired signal-to-guard ratio is achieved at a detector (50).

Abstract: A marketing system selectively modifies an existing telephone network by modifying a portion of the call processing software of the existing telephone network and by replacing at least a portion of an audible call progress signal generated by the telephone network by a prerecorded announcement. A calling party places a telephone call at a first telephone to a second telephone having a particular calling status. Once the call is made, a switch or an associated network signaling system determines the busy/idle status of the second telephone. In place of the usual ringback or busy signal, an announcement indicates to the calling party the status of the second telephone and a series of announcements are played for a predetermined period of time. During the announcements, the system continues to determine the status of the telephone line of the second telephone. The announcements are played until the call is completed or abandoned.

Abstract: An electronic switching system having ISDN interfaces on the extension side stores in a table the attributes of a terminal under communication using the ISDN interface. When there is another incoming call to the ISDN interface, the system waits for a response to the incoming call by the terminals connected to the ISDN. When no response is received, the switching system creates a disconnection reason message on the basis of the result of checking the terminal attributes in the table against the attributes of the incoming call. This disconnection reason message is then communicated to the calling terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for communicating a call answered event and other communication services selection information to a call originating device (telephone). Tone signalling technology (DTMF) is used to indicate call progress. DTMF signals are generated by the switching system or associated telephony equipment.

Abstract: Radio telephone equipment having a sounding device, a sounding device drive circuit for driving the sounding device, and a control circuit for controlling the sounding device drive circuit. When a person manipulates the equipment to originate a call, the equipment interchanges various control signals with a base station to set up a channel for communication. Then, the base station sends to the equipment a control signal indicative of the fact that the other party has responded to the call. In response, the equipment causes the control circuit to activate the sounding device drive circuit which in turn generates a predetermined alert tone to show the user that a conversation is allowed to be held.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network, a system for applying messages or data to the customer lines of calling parties during the "ringback" period of telephone call set up. The messages are preferably applied between successive ringback tones during the ringback period and are terminated when the called party answers the call. Advertising messages, civic or company announcements, political messages, informational messages (e.g. news or weather), or other data can be transmitted on the telephone lines during what is otherwise essentially unused times when the line is already tied up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided within an interface to data terminal equipment for obtaining call progress information. The call progress information provides relevant data as to the progress of a call initiated by the data terminal equipment. The interface is designed to be used in a portion of the telephone network that lacks byte alignment. Such portions of the telephone network do not currently receive call progress tones. The interface is preferably a data service unit that includes a receiving means processor and a display means. The data service unit interprets signals sent from the DDA/OCU that encode the presence or absence of call progress tones sent from the destination node of an initiated call.