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 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 method for generating a ring tone for a given caller based on a prior conversation with that caller. A portion of a conversation with a given caller is recorded and stored in memory as a ring tone. When a subsequent call is received from the same caller, identified by caller ID, the ring tone is played, alerting the user to the incoming call as well as the context of their prior communication. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a prior textual or video conversation is used as the basis for a ring tone, and/or the ‘ring tone’ is delivered by other than audio means. The invention is capable of implementation in telecommunications systems such as cellular, local exchange, and VOIP, and in combination with other forms of internet-based telecommunication.

Abstract: The caller's device which displays a list of multiple sound data and the sound data selected from the list is output from the caller's device as ringback tone.

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: 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 system and method are disclosed for providing a custom ring tone in connection with a call. In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a communication system, an indication to provide a customized ring tone associated with a call to a callee device. The method further includes delivering at least a portion of the customized ring tone to the callee device from the communication system when the callee device is determined to be operable to output the customized ring tone.

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 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: A system 10 and method for identifying a caller using associated voice or sound announcements is disclosed. An associated voice announcement or announcements may be in calling party's own voice. The system 10 is capable of playing a different announcement in place of each ring. The different announcements may be played sequentially, randomly, or pseudo-randomly. Alternatively, a single announcement may be played in lieu of a single selected ring or in lieu of all rings after a specified ring.

Abstract: This method for dispatching an alert message in a telecommunications network comprises a step (E20) of receiving a multimedia stream emitted by a calling device having emitted a call to a called device, and a step (E30) of transmitting to the called device, during the call setup phase, at least one part of the multimedia stream, which part can be restored, at least partially, by alert means of the called device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for adjusting a ring tone volume in a mobile communication terminal. The method implements a function by which a user can directly adjust the ring tone volume in a mobile communication terminal in consideration of circumstances. To this end, the present invention includes a user interface screen by which a user can adjust the output volume level of the ring tone which rings according to the passage of time. Thus, the present invention provides a user interface screen by which a user can adjust the output volume level of a ring tone which rings according to the passage of time, and enables the user to set the output level of the ring tone and the output time of the ring tone at a corresponding level according to predetermined intervals through the screen.

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: The method to output from the caller's device the ringback tone selected by the caller's device after the dialing process is implemented and prior to the call being answered by the callee.

Abstract: A device may receive a telephone call, automatically create a ring tone in response to receiving the telephone call, and cause the ring tone to be audibly provided to a user.

Abstract: A display screen comprises a receiving module, a control module electronically connected to the receiving module, a backlight drive module, and a backlight module. The receiving module is configured for receiving incoming calls and transmitting the incoming calls to the control module. The control module is configured for converting incoming calls to control signals and transmitting the control signals to the backlight drive module. The backlight module has different operation modes according to the incoming calls. One end of the backlight drive module is electronically connected to the control module, the other end of the backlight drive module is electronically connected to the backlight module. The backlight drive module is configured for driving the backlight module. A method of shining the display screen is also provided.

Abstract: A system directs action based on distinguishing audio content received in response to placing an outbound call. The system comprises an audio signal analysis system and an audio content analysis system. The audio signal analysis system directs a portion of an audio signal that comprises audio content to the audio content analysis system. The audio content analysis system: i) receives portions of the audio signal comprising audio content; and ii) directs handling of the outbound call in response to detecting a characteristic of the audio content. The audio content system: i) directs a first handling of the outbound call in response to identifying a first characteristic of the audio content; and ii) directs a second handling of the outbound call in response to identifying a second characteristic of the audio content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for archiving a call terminating at a client device are provided. In an example, a command or packet associated with a protocol for setting up the call is intercepted. In response to the interception, the call is associated with a call ID. An information associated with the call is retrievably stored in an archive using the call ID. The information is at least partially determined via replicating at least one of a device input signal associated with an outbound call content and a device output signal associated with an inbound call content. In an example, a call capture agent resident on the client device is controlled by a call archive administration service, and performs the replication by forming respective loopbacks corresponding to the at least one of the device input signal and the device output signal. In an example, the respective loopbacks are virtual loopbacks.

Abstract: A sender-specified courtesy notification scheme to delay notification by a receiving device of the receipt of a data message is disclosed. A sender may specify a notification parameter defining a delay and send the parameter in association with the data message to a recipient. The recipient's receiving device evaluates the parameter and notifies in response. Local notification data defined by the recipient may also be evaluated. Received data messages subject to delayed notification may be hidden by the receiving device or quietly displayed (e.g. as per other received messages) until the expiry of the delay. Notification parameters and data can be formulated as one or more rules which may take into account the current location of the receiving device. A notification delay may be ignored in certain situations depending on recent use of the receiving device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing multimedia content to a calling party device. Specifically, the method comprises receiving a multimedia ringback service request in response to a connection request for establishing a connection between the calling party device and a called party device, determining an address associated with the calling party device in response to the multimedia ringback service request, identifying the multimedia content associated with the multimedia ringback service request, and establishing at least one multimedia session with the calling party device using the address where the at least one multimedia session is operable for providing the multimedia content towards the calling party device contemporaneously with establishing the connection.

Abstract: A method for generating a ring tone for a given caller based on a prior conversation with that caller. A portion of a conversation with a given caller is recorded and stored in memory as a ring tone. When a subsequent call is received from the same caller, identified by caller ID, the ring tone is played, alerting the user to the incoming call as well as the context of their prior communication. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a prior textual or video conversation is used as the basis for a ring tone, and/or the ‘ring tone’ is delivered by other than audio means. The invention is capable of implementation in telecommunications systems such as cellular, local exchange, and VOIP, and in combination with other forms of internet-based telecommunication.

Abstract: A controller ensures that ring-tones of a relatively-small pool of distinct ring-tones are individually assigned to telephones of a group of telephones in such a way as to maximize the physical separation of telephones with the same or similar ring-tones. One telephone after another generates an audio signal, such as a chirp or a ring-tone, while the other telephones listen for the audio signal and report results of their listening to the controller. The controller uses the results to assign ring-tones to the telephones. A graph-coloring algorithm may be used to make the assignments.

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 system and method of saving and delivering a voice memo or text memo to identify incoming calls is provided. A user of the system of the invention is given the option of recording a memo on the calls he or she has received through a prompt on a telecommunication device. The user can choose to record a voice memo or text memo after each call. The memos are saved in connection with caller id information pertaining to the number from which the call was placed. When a user of the system receives a call from a number that has a memo saved in relation thereto, the user will be prompted to hear, and may listen to, the voice memo before answering the call. If the memo is in text form, the user can configure the system to provide various processing options. In one processing option, a text to speech audio presentation of the text of the memo is made available to permit the message to be heard over a telephone or networked audio capable PDA device.

Abstract: A method for implementing a ring back tone, including: receiving, by a first Service Control Point, an intelligent service request triggered by a Service Switching Point, based on a call of a calling party; obtaining personal ring back tone information of a called party and/or group ring back tone information of a group which the called party belongs to; acquiring first ring back tone information according to the personal ring back tone information and/or the group ring back tone information delivering a connect message containing the first ring back tone information to the Service Switching Point the connect message being used to instruct the Service Switching Point to connect the call to an Advanced Intelligent Peripheral for playing the ring back tone to the calling party according to the first ring back tone information.

Abstract: A method for protecting incoming calls in coloring ring back tone service, wherein comprising: the service switching point device sends a message for triggering intelligent networks service to the service control point device; the service control point device instructs the service switching point device to connect the call to the intelligent peripheral; the service control point device reports the connect result and reason to the service control point device; the service control point device analyzes the connect result as well as its reason, if there is a need to protect the call, the service control point device will instruct the service switching point device to connect the called number directly; again, the service switching point device sends a message for triggering intelligent network service to the service control point device; the service control point device sends down the continue message, and the service switching point device will connect the called number.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications terminal to notify its user of the arrival of a message via an acoustic or visual signal whose properties are based on attributes of the message. A network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a private branch exchange [PBX], a server, etc.) receives a message directed to a terminal and sets the values of ringtone properties (e.g., tempo, volume, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on attributes of an incoming message (e.g., the sender, a priority, a subject, the location from which the message was sent, etc.). In a first illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the instantiated ringtone to the terminal, while in a second illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the property values to the terminal, and the terminal plays a locally-stored ringtone in accordance with the property values.

Abstract: An IP telephone system includes a source IP telephone apparatus, a destination telephone apparatus, a Web server and an ENUM server. The IP telephone apparatuses function as base stations for multi-handset telephone systems and are connected to an IP network. The Web server stores ring tone information corresponding to a telephone number assigned to the source or destination IP telephone apparatus. The ENUM server stores a NAPTR resource record in which a URI specifies link data related to the ring tone information stored in the Web server. In the IP telephone system, the IP telephone apparatus that has received a call transmits, to the ENUM server, a query for a NAPTR record corresponding to an intended recipient's telephone number.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for downloading audio signals into a digital telephone to update and replace a conventional ringer tone. The source of the audio signal can be from any analog audio sound source, such as a radio, PC sound card, MP3 player, CD or DVD player, etc. The audio signal can be fed through an audio cable into a handset headset jack that is already available in most digital telephones, or into a specialized audio jack incorporated into the base (of a cordless telephone). The audio signal may be comprised of a song or speech. The audio signal can be stored in a specialized memory for storing audio signals without requiring encoding the signal prior to storage, or it can be stored in any conventional memory arrangement. For a cordless telephone, the audio signal may be stored in the handset or in the base unit.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) based system and method that allows a subscriber connected to the Internet to receive customized call alerts and caller identification information concerning an incoming telephone call. Using client software, the subscriber associates telephone numbers to sound files. Then, when an incoming call with caller identification information is received, the client software determines whether the incoming telephone number points to a sound file. If so, the client software directs the sound file to play.

Abstract: A device may receive a telephone call, automatically create a ring tone in response to receiving the telephone call, and cause the ring tone to be audibly provided to a user.

Abstract: A data communication system is disclosed which comprises: first terminal devices for transmitting contents and content provider identification data identifying the providers of the contents; a server device for receiving and storing the transmitted contents and content provider identification data; and second terminal devices which transmit user identification data to the server device, which receive and store the contents from the server device based on the user identification data, and which reproduce the stored contents upon detection of an incoming call. The server device stores first account information corresponding to the content provider identification data and second account information corresponding to the user identification data.

Abstract: A data communication system is disclosed which comprises: first terminal devices for transmitting contents and content provider identification data identifying the providers of the contents; a server device for receiving and storing the transmitted contents and content provider identification data; and second terminal devices which transmit user identification data to the server device, which receive and store the contents from the server device based on the user identification data, and which reproduce the stored contents upon detection of an incoming call. The server device stores first account information corresponding to the content provider identification data and second account information corresponding to the user identification data.

Abstract: A method and device for producing ring tones in high polyphony in real-time in a network component such as a mobile terminal or a server of a service provider. The network component has one or more ring tones in MIDI files of high polyphony, and a MIDI player of lower polyphony for producing sounds from the scaled down version of the MIDI files in real-time. In order to produce sounds indicative of the high-polyphony ring tones in real-time, the high-polyphony MIDI files are converted to compressed files in a non real-time manner. The converted files are stored in a storage so as to allow a compressed file player (such as Truetone, MP3, wav, AAC, RealAudio, Vorbis) to produce sounds from the converted files. A file lock is provided to the converted files so that they cannot be forwarded, thereby protecting the copyrights of the ring tone composer.

Abstract: To make a call, a calling-end terminal station (3) notifies a call-up control unit (71) of a communications network (7) of the terminal station number of a called-end terminal station (5) so as to cause it to stand by for a connection. The calling-end terminal station (3) notifies a calling party information server (9) of the calling-end-terminal-station number and the called-end-terminal-station number and instructs it to transmit to the called-end terminal station (5) calling party information stored in advance for the caller and called parties. The calling party information server (9) transmits the calling party information to the called-end terminal station (5) which in turn instructs the call-up control unit (71) to exit standby mode. This amounts to the communications network (7) calling up the called-end terminal station (5), resulting in the called-end terminal station (5) reproducing the received calling party information to alert the user to the call from the calling-end terminal station (3).

Abstract: A telephone and a method for converting sound to image and displaying on a screen thereof are disclosed. Receiver receives a call signal. Storage section stores call sound information. Call sound output section outputs a call sound. Color display device displays a color image. Controller reads out the call sound information when the receiver receives the call signal. Controller generates a call sound through call sound output section in response to read call sound information. Controller analyzes read call sound information in a frame unit and acquires sound analyzed information. Controller displays a corresponding call sound image in response to the sound analyzed information on color display device. Accordingly, the telephone and the method for convening sound to image and displaying on a screen thereof image and display a call sound on a screen to thereby give pleasure to user and improve features of manufactured goods.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for selecting the nature and/or form of an alert used to announce a call made by a user participating in a customized alter service. The method includes establishing a customized alert service configuration for a participating user, which configuration is then stored on one or more network accessible devices. The participating user uses a first communications terminal to make a call to a second communications terminal, via a first communications service, the second communication terminal then announces the call by activating an alert using a chosen alert descriptor which has been chosen according to the customized alert service configuration for the participating user.

Abstract: A telephone call information delivery system includes answering circuitry to answer a telephone call incoming from a service provider and to attain information input by a caller. The system further includes an information signal provider to provide at least one signal to deliver at least some of the attained information to a user. As an example, from the delivered information the user can decide whether or not to answer the incoming call. In another embodiment, the system further includes an alert signal provider to provide a signal to alert the user and an activator to receive instruction from the user. The information signal provider operates responsive to the activator. This embodiment answers an incoming call, attains information from the caller, alerts the user, the user then instructs the activator and the signal provider responds and delivers attained information to the user. The user then decides whether to answer the call.

Abstract: According to the invention, a network interface device for processing a telephone call is disclosed. The network interface device includes a first and second communication interfaces, a telephone switch and a controller. The first communication interface is coupled to at least one of a wireless phone network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) network. The first communication interface receives the telephone call from any of a number of callers that are remote to the network interface device. The second communication interface coupled to one or more phones at a user location where the one or more phones are associated with a telephone number that any of the callers can use to call the one or more phones.

Abstract: In a communication terminal apparatus such as a portable telephone, it is made possible to sound ring tones of good tone quality simply by using arbitrary music or the like. In a communication terminal that conducts radio communication with a predetermined station and incorporates a music or speech data reproduction function, ring tones according to selected data included in previously prepared data for ring tones is outputted in response to an incoming call when a first mode has been set, whereas ring tones according to data of a previously set section included in music or speech data stored in a reproduction function section is outputted, in response to an incoming call when a second mode has been set.

Abstract: The present invention provides for customizing a telephony ring signal to correspond to the originator of an incoming call. Preferably, a user will access an application server using a browser to associate audio files with telephone numbers of people who are expected to call the user. The application server will create an association between the audio files and the telephone numbers and download indicia bearing on the association to the user's telephony device. Upon receiving an incoming call from a number associated with an audio file, the telephone will play the audio file as the ring signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a ringing tone in a communication device, such as a mobile phone, an electronic organizer or a personal digital assistant, to signal an event in the communication device. The method includes the steps of generating a sequence of musical notes in a random fashion within a range of pitch and duration for defining the musical notes, modifying the sequence of musical notes based on a set of modification rules in order to produce a modified sequence, and repeating the modified sequence for forming a motif. More than one motif can be produced and stored in a computer-readable medium at a user's initiation of the communication device to allow the user to choose one of the motives as a ringing tone for signaling a different event. The user can delete one or more motives stored in the computer-readable medium and generate new ones, if desired.

Abstract: An IP-based subscriber endpoint, for example a VoIP telephony device or an IP telephony user agent, is configured for retrieving recorded audio caller information in response to receiving an incoming call that includes a calling party identifier. The IP-based subscriber endpoint, in response to receiving the calling party identifier, generates an IP-based query via an IP network to an identifiable server for identification of a source of the recorded audio caller information corresponding to the calling party identifier. The IP-based subscriber endpoint outputs a request to the source of the recorded audio caller information, and plays the recorded audio caller information in response to reception via the IP-based network. Hence, the IP-based subscriber endpoint is able to retrieve existing recorded audio caller information from servers configured for storing recorded names, eliminating the necessity for text to speech resources.

Abstract: Telephone network service logic relating to calls over the telephone network to a customer terminal, uses both terminal functions and network functions. The terminal has a service logic script for execution at the terminal to control the terminal functions. To control the execution of this script remotely from the network, a script-control message is determined and sent over the telephone network to the terminal. This may use the GR30 message format, with an additional call qualifier specific to the terminal service logic script, and the type of control being requested, e.g., start execution or terminate the script. This enables the reliability of the interaction between the service logic at the network side, and the service logic script at the terminal to be improved. This enables announcement type services to be provided in which a loudspeaker on the terminal can be remotely controlled to make verbal announcements without requiring customer action to lift a receiver.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) based system and method that allows a subscriber connected to the Internet to receive customized call alerts and caller identification information concerning an incoming telephone call. Using client software, the subscriber associates telephone numbers to sound files. Then, when an incoming call with caller identification information is received, the client software determines whether the incoming telephone number points to a sound file. If so, the client software directs the sound file to play.

Abstract: Telephone terminal device in that a memory part comprises a plurality of melody memories storing a plurality of melody data. The melody memories store the editing condition including the number of pieces of music in the medley reproduction, the reproduction time for each piece of music, the fade-in/fade-out time for each piece of music, the titles, and the order of the pieces of music, with the melody data. In reproducing the receipt sound, the plurality of melody data stored in the melody memories are read out successively by the medley editing and reproducing part of the control part based on the preset editing condition so as to be reproduced as a medley.

Abstract: A method for selecting from a plurality of modes for an incoming call indicator is provided. One of the plurality of modes comprises alternating playing one of a series of user-recorded messages as the incoming call indicator to a called party. When an incoming call is received, the selected mode determines the incoming call indicator.

Abstract: The pitch name of one musical note in a desired incoming call reporting melody is input through a voice (step S2). The input voiced pitch name information is subjected to speech recognition, and pitch name data, which matches data representing the input pitch name, is selected from a plurality of previously cataloged pitch name data (step S3) Next, the pitch name based on the selected one pitch name data is displayed as a character on a display screen, and the note duration of the pitch name is keyed (steps S4 and S5). A musical note corresponding to the musical note data thus obtained is displayed on a musical staff on the screen (step S6). One score data comprising a plurality of musical note data prepared in the same manner as described above is stored in a storage unit (step S8). At the time of inputting a chord, in the step S2, the pitch names of a plurality of respective musical notes constituting one chord are successively input through a voice.

Abstract: A method and system to generate a communications identification announcement including an indication of an identity of an author of an incoming communication is disclosed. In an embodiment the method. Includes receiving a communication having a communication identifier and then searching a database to match the communication identifier to a data or audio file in the database that had been mapped to the communication identifier. If the communication identifier is located, then the data or audio file having the communications identification announcement including the identity of the author of the communication is announced to the contacted party. If the communication identifier is not located, then a previously stored announcement, generated in anticipation of failing to locate the communication identifier, may be broadcast.

Abstract: A method and a communication device detect a service signal and include a converter having a first input which is connected to a communication channel for communicating with a network. An input device is connected to a second input of the converter for providing input signals to the converter. An echo canceller receives the input signals to form a replica of echo present in output signals from the converter for cancelling the echo and forming modified output signals. An output device is connected to an output of the echo canceller for receiving the modified output signals, and a service signal detector is connected to the output of the echo canceller.