Abstract: The present invention provides a call processing method and a device. The call processing method includes: receiving, by a customized alerting tone server, a call request sent by a calling terminal, and forwarding the call request to a called terminal; receiving a called terminal ringing message, and playing a customized alerting tone audio stream and a customized alerting tone video stream to the calling terminal; receiving a called terminal message indicating that a called user answers a call, and performing call media resource negotiation and customized alerting tone video resource negotiation with the calling terminal; and stopping playing the customized alerting tone audio stream to the calling terminal, and playing the customized alerting tone video stream to the calling terminal. The customized alerting tone continuous playing solution of the present invention enriches user experience and improves network usage.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing a program and method for setting a shared ringtone for calls between users. The program and method provide for receiving, from a first device associated with a first user, selection of a ringtone for use with the first device and a second device associated with a second user, the first user and the second user corresponding to contacts in a messaging application; and saving, in response to the receiving, a ringtone setting that is shared by the first user and the second user, the ringtone setting indicating to use the ringtone for a call between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: Technology for identifying that a communication is from a verified enterprise includes receiving, by a device associated with a user, a data packet from a phone network. The data packet can be included in a communication to the device, which can have an application configured to verify communications from at least one enterprise. A token within the data packet can be identified by the application, and the application can compare the token to at least one token identifier associated with the at least one enterprise. In response to the token corresponding to at least one token identifier, the application can verify that the communication is from the at least one enterprise. In response to the communication being verified, the application can display a validation image on the device.

Abstract: An enhancement content asset is presented along with an incoming communication alert on a terminating recipient device. An initiation of a communication to a recipient that is sent by a caller at a caller user device is received at the core network of the wireless carrier network. A terminating recipient device for the communication is identified based on a recipient identifier of the recipient included in the initiation of the communication. A reference that enables the terminating recipient device to obtain an enhancement content asset from the wireless carrier network or a third-party content provider is generated, such that a message that includes the reference is sent to the terminating recipient device to trigger presentation of the enhancement content asset along with an incoming communication alert for the communication on a user interface of the terminating recipient device.

Abstract: At a first device, a location highlighting request is received. Responsive to the location highlighting request, a location highlight indicator is activated at the first device. It is determined that the location highlighting request includes a relay instruction. The location highlighting request is transmitted, responsive to the determining, from the first device to a cooperating device comprising a location highlight indicator and a location highlight cooperation capability.

Abstract: A wearable electronic, e.g., audio, device is provided having ornamental and deployment modes. A flexible loop of the device allows for at least partial conformal contact with a surface of an individual or the individual's clothing, or both. A first ornamental component is physically associated with the loop. At least one flexible cable segment extends from the loop or the ornamental article and terminates in an electronic component. An electronic interface is wired to each electronic component for electronic communication therebetween. A second ornamental component is physically associated with the first ornamental component, the loop, or the at least one cable segment. During ornamental mode, the interface and the at least one electronic component is partially or wholly hidden. During deployment mode, the at least one electronic component is placed in substantially immobilized contact to a surface of the individual that is not contacted by the loop.

Abstract: A meeting server receives a request to join an online conference session from a first device at a first location. The first device is associated with a user account. The meeting server then determines at least one second location corresponding to at least one second device also associated with the user account. Responsive to a determination that the second location is within a predetermined distance of the first location, the meeting server transmits a command to mute the second device.

Abstract: A method includes accessing, at a first user device, an application that coordinates ringing of multiple user devices registered to a smart phone number that are within a predetermined proximity of each other. The method includes broadcasting an identity and a ring state associated with the user device. A presence is to be detected within the predetermined proximity of at least one additional user device associated with the smart phone number. The method includes determining a ringing user device based on predetermined rules of selection between the at least one additional user device and the first user device. The method further includes determining activity to be performed by at least one other user device in event of an incoming call to the smart phone number. The method also includes receiving an incoming call at the smart phone number and ringing the ringing device.

Abstract: A mobile client device, such as a wireless mobile or a palm sized personal digital assistant, is provided with at least a first and second audio resources and companion programming instructions/circuitry to generate various audio signals in a more context sensitive manner, while multi-media resources are being utilized. The instructions/circuitry cause the mobile client device to determine a first audio volume level at which the mobile client device is being utilized by a user for a first audio signal. Once the first audio volume level is determined, instructions/circuitry cause a second audio signal to be provided at a second audio volume level to the user. The second audio volume level being based at least in part on the first audio volume level initially.

Abstract: An integrated device provides functionality of both a PDA and cellular telephone. Features include a power button offering control of both the computing and telephony functions of the device; a lid that turns the device on and off and controls additional telephony functions; a jog rocker that activates the device and is used to select from a variety of menu options; application buttons that offer direct access to applications stored on the device, and which can be configured to operate in conjunction with secondary keys to offer added functionality; a keyboard that enables data input into the device; an automatic word completion function that verifies and corrects a user's typing in real time; and a simplified keyboard navigation system that allows the navigation of menus using keyboard shortcuts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for managing and disabling phone ring tone profiles, the system comprising: a storage system comprising (a) a plurality of ringtones adapted to be activated when an incoming call is made; (b) at least one list of identified callers to execute at least one data processing system, said at least one data processing system comprising: an acquiring module operable to read an identifier of said incoming call or an incoming message; a detecting module operable to detect if the identifier exists in said at least one list in the system, to determine the caller from said list, and to detect how many incoming calls have been made within a predetermined period of time and a disabling module adapted to either activate or disable said ringtones.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present is a method of using location information to transmit alerting information to a communications device. Such a method comprises receiving location information regarding a communications device; selecting alerting information based on the location of the communications device; and transmitting to the communications device information pertaining to the alerting information. Other methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a user communication device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b), and a program and user communication device that operate in accordance with that method. An interface (2d, 2b, 23, 22) of the communication device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) is operated to enter identifiers identifying respective calling sources (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) from which call signals may be received. The interface also is operated for entering into the device (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) electrical signals representing corresponding audible signals that are to be individually generated in response to calls being received from the respective calling sources (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b). The identifiers are stored in a memory (2c, 24) in association with respective ones of the electrical signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for managing and disabling phone ring tone profiles, the system comprising: a. a storage system comprising (a) a plurality of ringtones adapted to be activated when an incoming call is made; and, (b) at least one list of identified callers; b. processor to execute at least one data processing system, said at least one data processing system comprising: i. an acquiring module operable to read an identifier of said incoming call or an incoming message; ii. a detecting module operable to detect if the identifier exists in said at least one list in the system, to determine the caller from said list, and to detect how many incoming calls have been made within a predetermined period of time; and iii. a disabling module adapted to either activate or disable said ringtones.

Abstract: A communication network includes a switching system, an application server, and a softswitch that communicatively couples the application server to the switching system. The switching system is configured to detect a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line and to forward the first call to the application server. The application server is configured to instruct the softswitch to generate a second call to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line. And the softswitch is configured to bridge the first and second calls responsive to detection of a communication path completion to the phone line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating prompt information of a mobile terminal are disclosed. The method includes: selecting a start point and an end point in a multimedia file; clipping a part of the multimedia file between the start point and the end point in the multimedia file; and encoding the clipped part of the multimedia file, and generating prompt information of the mobile terminal. An apparatuses for generating prompt information of a mobile terminal is also disclosed. Therefore, the present invention enables a user to control the generation of prompt information of a mobile terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing custom alerts including a processor configured to retrieve a custom alert from a custom alert provider, a receiver configured to receive, from a user, a request to initiate communication with a communications agent, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals over a network to communicate with the communications agent, wherein transmitting the one or more signals includes transmitting the custom alert for output at the communication agent.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: A call handling system receives an incoming call from a caller. In response to receiving the incoming call, the call handling system determines a call count for the caller. The call count for the caller is based on a number of calls in a sequence of calls received by the call handling system from the caller, including the incoming call. A maximum amount of time between any of the calls in the sequence of calls does not exceed an expiration period. Based on the call count for the caller, the call handling system identifies and performs an action to take with regard to the incoming call.

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: The present invention provides a system for managing and disabling phone ring tone profiles, the system comprising: a. a storage system comprising (a) a plurality of ringtones adapted to be activated when an incoming call is made; and, (b) at least one list of identified callers; b. processor to execute at least one data processing system, said at least one data processing system comprising: i. an acquiring module operable to read an identifier of said incoming call or an incoming message; ii. a detecting module operable to detect if the identifier exists in said at least one list in the system, to determine the caller from said list, and to detect how many incoming calls have been made within a predetermined period of time; and iii. a disabling module adapted to either activate or disable said ringtones.

Abstract: A communications system and a method of detecting and learning new ringtones in an automatic manner, comprising a desk phone (1), a hook switch, a ringtone detector (3), and a communications device (2). In a first embodiment a mechanical hook switch device is connected to the desk phone (1), and in a second embodiment an electronic hook switch unit (9) is connected to the desk phone (1). The ringtone detector (3) adaptively sets the filter and amplifier parameters according to the sensor position and pick-up sensitivity. The ringtone detector (3) automatically detects and learns the characteristics of new ringtones. The communications device (2) may comprise a base station (6) and a headset (7).

Abstract: A system and method of generating at least two distinctive auditory alerts upon receiving a transmission or telephone call at a device is described. Data indicative of a first plurality of sounds corresponding to a user of a device configured to receive the transmission or telephone call is accessed, such as from a memory. The first plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify a received transmission or telephone call being directed to the user. A telephone number, subscriber name or identifier associated with a transmitting or calling party of the transmission or telephone call is accessed. Data indicative of a second plurality of sounds designating the transmitting or calling party based on the subscriber name, telephone number or identifier is retrieved, such as from a data structure, and the second plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify the transmitting or calling party.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for providing customized prior-to-answer and in-call media playback telephony services. The services allow for playback of customized media content to calling parties in the form of customized ringback tones, engaged tones, call holding, call transfer tones and other content such as pre-recorded announcements. The media content for playback is stored in equipment associated with subscribers and playback of the media content is originated from the subscriber equipment. The invention allows subscribers to give their telephony services a personal touch as they can choose different items of media content for playback to different calling parties. As the media content is stored on subscriber equipment local to subscribers, no additional network resources such as data storage and data processing facilities are required.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing an event alert. According to embodiments, a method for providing an event alert is provided. According to the method, an incoming communication from a first device is detected. An initiating party associated with the first device is identified. Whether the initiating party associated with the first device is further associated with an alert tag is determined. The alert tag may include an identifying alert identifying the initiating party associated with the first device. In response to determining that the initiating party associated with the first device is associated with the alert tag, the identifying alert is provided as the event alert on a second device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating distribution of ringback files to caller devices are provided. A ringback file server may receive a request to associate a ringback file with a callee device and a caller device. Responsively, the ringback file server transmits a copy of the ringback file to the caller device, thus enabling the caller device to play out the ringback file when the caller device subsequently initiates a call to the callee device. Preferably, the ringback file is a high quality audio or video file. Thus, locally storing the ringback file at the caller device facilitates playout of high quality ringback media and also avoids requiring that the ringback file server stream ringback media in-band to the caller device.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: A communication system including, a computer including a controller operable to transition between a plurality of power modes, including a normal power mode and at least one power saving mode, an amplifier that may be enabled or disabled by the controller, to receive audio data from said controller, and a battery to supply power to the controller and to the amplifier, and a communicator coupled to the computer, including a modem to communicate over a wireless network, to enable the amplifier, and to transmit audio data to the amplifier, and a power supply to supply power to the modem.

Abstract: Management of call center call routing is provided. Service calls directed to a call center may be monitored according to a variety of parameters such as associated line of business, date, time, and call volume. Calls directed to an internal call center may be routed to an alternate call center for processing as required or needed by the provider of the internal call center. For each type of incoming service call, a maximum call count or percentage-based call count may be established to facilitate efficient routing of service calls to the internal call center or to an alternate call center to ensure that no more than a specified number of calls are routed to a given call center. Real time and summary reporting may be generated to allow call center management personnel to monitor and manage service call routing to one or more internal and/or alternate call centers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses numerous implementations for conveying an audio element to a source device initiating an outgoing call while a user of the source device is waiting for a user of a destination device to answer the call. A call processing system receives a call request message from the source device, determines an audio element from a plurality of audio elements to convey to the source device and initiates conveyance of the audio element to the source device in response to receiving the call request message. The system then causes establishment of a media connection between the source and destination devices and terminates conveyance of the audio element to the source device prior to or substantially simultaneous with the establishment of the media connection between the source and destination devices. In various implementations, the source device may be implemented within the PSTN and/or an IP network.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus is connected to a single telephone line and is configured to be selectively connected either to a telephone set or to a facsimile machine. A pseudo ring back tone generator generates a repetitive pseudo ring back tone transmitted to a calling party in response to an incoming call. A pseudo ring signal generator generates a pseudo ring signal for driving a ringer of the telephone set to ring in response to the incoming call. A tone detector detects a CNG signal indicative that the incoming call is a facsimile. A controller controls at least the pseudo ring back tone generator and the pseudo ring signal generator. A table correlates a plurality of ring back tones with corresponding countries. If a ring back tone for a country meets a predetermined condition, the controller sets a predetermined pseudo ring back tone to the pseudo ring back tone generator.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementing a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) service are provided. The method includes: receiving a call request originated by a calling terminal; parsing a tone playing policy specifying whether to play a caller tone or a callee tone or whether to filter a tone; performing caller tone media negotiation or callee tone media negotiation, or performing no tone negotiation according to the parsing result; and playing the caller tone or the callee tone to the caller, or playing no tone. With the technical solution of the present invention, the caller tone service can be implemented in the IMS domain. Whether a caller tone or a callee tone is played to the caller is determined according to a preset policy. Furthermore, the tone filtering service is also implemented. This gives a user freedom in experiencing the MRBT service.

Abstract: A party is alerted of an incoming telephone call using a caller-selected ring tone or other ring alert, which can be in the form of a data file streamed to the called party's phone as part of the call-setup process. The called party can be presented with options for purchasing the ring alert.

Abstract: A communication network includes a switching system, an application server, and a softswitch that communicatively couples the application server to the switching system. The switching system is configured to detect a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line and to forward the first call to the application server. The application server is configured to instruct the softswitch to generate a second call to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line. And the softswitch is configured to bridge the first and second calls responsive to detection of a communication path completion to the phone line.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic treatment of callers are described. Optionally, a communication system may include an application installed on a user communication device. The communication system may be utilized to receive and screen calls, enable a user to specify which calling parties may bypass a low indication mode and/or a non-indication mode, challenge callers, and/or identify urgent calls.

Abstract: A wireless computer device, such as a mobile telephone, that receives attempted communication connections, such as phone calls, across a wireless network and can respond thereto without the user directly entering the communication. The wireless device classifies the attempted communication connection, such as through receipt of Caller ID, and performs a predetermined response to a communication connection attempt based upon the classification, such as blocking the call, answering with a prerecorded message, or sending data to the calling device.

Abstract: An automated ringback update system for customizing ringback signals is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the automated ringback update system via the recognition of a feature associated with a printed matter to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: Provided is a method for handling telephone calls directed to a telephony connection associated with a plurality of telephone numbers, wherein incoming calls made to the plurality of telephone numbers are announced by different ring tones. The method comprises receiving over the telephony connection a signal carrying ring tone information indicative of an incoming call. The method further comprises processing the ring tone information to differentiate the ring tone currently conveyed in the telephony connection from other possible ring tones that the telephony connection can carry. The method still further comprises handling the incoming call on the basis of the differentiated ring tone. Also provided are a telephone system and a computer readable storage medium holding a program element.

Abstract: A ringback replacement insertion system for customizing a communication network is disclosed. The system includes a first communication station associated with a first network service provider and a second communication station associated with a second network service provider. A network gateway is provided for connecting a call placed from the first communication station to the second communication station. The first network service provider receives information regarding a proximity location of the first communication station. The storage device transmits at least a portion of the at least one announcement to the first communication station that is related to information within a predefined geographical distance from the first communication station, where at least a portion of the at least one announcement is delivered as a call signal after establishing contact with a communication network.

Abstract: A communication device locks input of the communication device and executes an alarm if a current time reaches a set alarm time. When the alarm is executed, an unlock input set is generated for unlocking the input and an alarm disable button set is generated for disabling the alarm. If an unlock input set is the same as the generated unlock keypad set, the locked input is unlocking. If the alarm disable button set input by the user is the same as the generated alarm disable button set, the communication device disables the alarm.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an interactive Ring Back Tone service are disclosed, and the method includes: obtaining (S101), when connecting a call, subscription information of an interactive Ring Back Tone service subscribed by a user; issuing (S102), when a called terminal is idle, to the called terminal a first subscription identifier for identifying an interactive Ring Back Tone service subscription of the user, where the first subscription identifier is for instructing the terminal to wait for playing of an interactive Ring Back Tone; and playing (S103), according to the interactive Ring Back Tone service subscribed by the user, the interactive Ring Back Tone to the called user.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting alert tone information among communicating wireless devices to identify a speaker in a push-to-talk system. A predefined set of alert tones is stored in a wireless device, and when a user presses a push-to-talk button on the wireless device, the wireless device displays a list of predefined alert tones to the user to select. After the user selects an alert tone, the wireless device transmits an alert tone code associated with the selected alert tone to a server for relaying to every wireless device in a push-to-talk communication group. When a receiving wireless device receives the alert tone code, it retrieves an alert tone corresponding to the alert tone code from the predefined set and plays the alert tone to the user of the wireless device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing custom alerts including a processor configured to retrieve a custom alert from a custom alert provider, a receiver configured to receive, from a user, a request to initiate communication with a communications agent, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals over a network to communicate with the communications agent, wherein transmitting the one or more signals includes transmitting the custom alert for output at the communication agent.

Abstract: A system and method for ring delay on a user agent. A destination user agent may receive a request from an origination user agent to establish a session between the two user agents. The destination user agent may delay ringing according to a ring delay parameter. If the request has not been terminated by the time the ring delay parameter is met, the destination user agent may ring and a session may occur between the origination user agent and destination user agent. If the request is terminated before the ring delay parameter is met, the destination user agent may never ring. The ring delay parameter may be a ring delay time period. The ring delay parameter may be received as part of the request from the origination user agent, set by the destination user agent, or set by a service provider for the destination user agent.

Abstract: In a method for processing contents of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message, a SIP sender sends a SIP message, and a SIP network content processing entity sets the message contents of the SIP message based on an acquired management strategy for the message content. A network for processing contents of a SIP message is also provided. Message contents of the SIP message may thereby be changed in the SIP message in accordance with the user's will and the strategy of the operator.

Abstract: A ringback replacement update system for creating or modifying ringback associations is disclosed. Communications devices activate and interact with the ringback update system to allow for modifications of the network service.

Abstract: A method for replying to an incoming communication received by a handheld electronic device comprises detecting an incoming communication, detecting a selection of one of a number of predetermined responses to the incoming communication and, responsive to detecting a selection, providing the one of said number of predetermined responses. An improved handheld electronic device implementing the method is also provided.