Abstract: A system includes receiving a voicemail data object at a business application system. The voicemail data object is associated with a voicemail originated from a caller, and includes a caller identifier identifying the caller that originated the voicemail. The voicemail data object is automatically associated with an entity data object of the business application system, the association being based on the caller identifier. A voicemail indicator is presented to a user of the business application system based on the association, the presentation of the voicemail indicator being in conjunction with presenting of caller identification information for the caller.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system authenticates a caller before providing the caller with access to one or more secured resources. Identification and verification data is stored during system enrollment of known persons. A processing system, in a current call initiated by a caller and prior to identification of the caller, receives voice-based information for the caller including a digital representation of a telephone number spoken by the caller in the current call, the received information including voice-based identification information and voice-based verification information for the caller. The processing system automatically compares the received identification information and the received verification information for the caller with the stored identification and verification data for known persons, respectively, to uniquely identify and verify the identity of the caller as a particular known person. The processing system authenticates the caller for access to the one or more secured resources in response.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment, an incoming call from a first telephone number is received (310). A variable indicating the number of calls received from the first telephone number is incremented (312). The variable is compared to a threshold variable (316). Subsequently, the user is prompted to save the first telephone number in an address book (319) when the variable indicating the number of times an incoming call is received from the first telephone number is equal to, or greater than, the threshold variable. The first telephone number is then stored in the address book. Moreover, an apparatus can be assembled (200) to provide cellular telephone users with, for example, instructions and information via a speaker (228) and an LCD display (238). The apparatus is configured to provide instructions and information to the cellular telephone user at appropriate times, thereby increasing the cellular telephone's usefulness.

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: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method and apparatus for managing a call to a user associated with a destination communications device, the call initiated by a caller at an originating communications device, is described. An indication of the call is received, the indication of the call comprising data associated with the user. A state of the user is determined by processing the data associated with the user and consulting a record of the state of the user. The call is parked if the state of the user comprises a delayed answer state, the delayed answer state comprising the user being available to receive the call, but requiring additional time to retrieve the call using the destination communications device, and a notification of the call is triggered at the destination communications device by transmitting a signal to the address of the communications device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering a personal interactive voice response service. A personalized greeting is retrieved that is associated with a calling party and with a called party. The calling party's response to the greeting is received, and stored information is retrieved that is associated with the calling party's response and with the called party. The stored information is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a communication from an originating party, with the communication intended for a receiving party. A database of pre-created messages is accessed, with the database storing a pre-created message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created message is then communicated.

Abstract: An audio caller identification system and method are provided. A caller identification device of a called party's telephone, whether integrated with the telephone or stand-alone, includes a speaker for audibly alerting the called party to the nature of an incoming call. A speech synthesizer in concert with an audio caller ID program may audibly identify a name and/or number of the calling party displayed on the called party's caller ID device, including descriptive terms for calling parties such as “private,” “unlisted,” or “out of the area.” When the called party's telephone begins to ring, the called party may listen to the audio identification of the calling party for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID.

Abstract: A caller ID information transmitting and receiving apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least the caller ID information generating module, a communication module and a caller ID information broadcasting module. The caller ID information generating module generates a caller ID information, and the communication module transmits and receives a communication signal with a base station. When the communication apparatus is operated to make a call, the communication module transmits at least a phone number and the caller ID information to the remote communication apparatus through the base station. And when the communication apparatus performs a call alert, the caller ID information broadcasting module broadcasts the received caller ID information.

Abstract: A method of handling an incoming call from a first communication device addressed to a second communication device, the first and second communication devices being operative in a communication network, wherein the second communication device or the communication network comprises an answering unit. The answering unit includes a privacy data unit comprising a privacy code message for bypassing the answering unit. The method comprises receiving, by means of the answering unit, the incoming call intended for and addressed to the second communication device. Furthermore, the method comprises determining whether also a code message is received by the answering unit. If so, the method comprises comparing the received code message with the privacy code message stored in the privacy data unit to determine whether the incoming call should bypass the answering unit and, thereby, be directly forwarded to the second communication device being addressed by the first communication device in the incoming call.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to present presence information are disclosed. An example method includes requesting presence information associated with a first user, receiving the presence information from the first user, receiving information from a monitoring sensor associated with the first user, and sending a first message indicating that a communication session is permissible when the presence information and the information from the monitoring sensor indicates that a communication session is permissible.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. A communication is received from an originating party and destined for a receiving party. A profile is queried to determine whether the originating party matches an entry in a list. When a match is found, a database of pre-created text messages is accessed that stores a pre-created text message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created text message is communicated to the originating party.

Abstract: In a messaging system, a messaging server transmits signals over the telephone network to be received by equipment at, e.g., the customer premises. The receiving equipment converts the signals into meaningful information (e.g., written or audible words, audible tones, and/or lights), and provides that information (e.g., by audible announcement and/or visual display) to the user. The signals can be of a variety of types. For example, the signal can be the Incoming Caller Line Identification (ICLID) signal associated with an incoming telephone call. Alternatively, the ICLID signal can be can be sent with the set-up of a non-associated telephone call, and can correspond to a message code, such as to provide the recipient with notification information such as emergency notification messages. Such notification information can be substantially simultaneously transmitted to a number of sets of receiving equipment (e.g., all homes in a given region).

Abstract: A system including a data storage device for storing an audio recording of a customer or caller's name recorded in the customer's own voice, and a voice processing application for providing audio communication between the customer and a user of the system. The stored customer name is retrieved from the data storage device according to an associated customer identification and played out to the user of the system as part of the communication session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information about a calling party to a called party is disclosed. Generally, a network element obtains information about a calling party when a telephone line of a called party is busy. The network element notifies the called party that the calling party is attempting to contact the called party and transmits an audible version of the information about the calling party to the called party without receiving an input from the called party.

Abstract: A server system includes a database having an identification number and a contact destination number as associated information; a storage device for containing the database; a call-accepting unit for accepting a call designating an advertised telephone number from a user's telephone as well as for extracting the identification number therefrom; a contact destination-extracting unit for extracting the contact destination number associated with the identification number from the database; and a connection-processing unit for connecting the call from a user's telephone to the telephone of an advertiser corresponding to the contact destination number according to the extracted contact destination number.

Abstract: A method for providing caller identification information to instant messaging communication participants can include identifying an online presence for at least a first instant messaging client and determining caller identification information for a user associated with the first instant messaging client. The caller identification information can be provided to a second instant messaging client.

Abstract: A communication device for transmitting/acquiring a phone number via a link network and method thereof are provided. In an embodiment, two communication devices are linked together via a link network to directly transfer a phone number stored in a communication device to the other via the link network. Further, the communication device receiving the phone number, can make a comparison according to a decision table to determine whether it is a diallable phone number, thereby providing a dial function or an edit confirm option for the received the phone number. In this case, the decision table has multiple identification numbers and their corresponding number counts.

Abstract: Systems for providing a tune master telephone includes a telecommunications network and a communications device that is operatively coupled to the telecommunications network. The telecommunications network is configured to provide caller identification information for an incoming telephone call. The communications device is configured to receive the caller identification information, to associate a tune with the caller identification information, and to play the tune associated with the caller identification information as notification of an incoming call. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a media terminal adapter (MTA) for locally ringing back coupled telephones having a caller identification display. Management information base (MIB) objects are defined to enable a caller identification information function along with caller identification name and number in order to verify the caller identification information is working properly. A technician or user dials a predetermined digit string from a coupled telephone, and the MTA responds with the defined caller identification information.

Abstract: Power quality detection, monitoring, reporting, recording and communication in a revenue accuracy electrical power meter is disclosed. Transient events are detected by monitoring the wave shape of the electrical power and comparing deviations to a known threshold. Sags and Swells are detected by computing root mean square value over a rolling window and comparing the computed value with a known threshold. Harmonic frequencies and symmetrical components are quantified by a known algorithm and compared with a known threshold. Incoming waveforms are stored to memory. All recorded and computed data is moved to non-volatile storage via direct memory access transfer in the event that a power quality event jeopardizes the operating power of the meter. Further, the meter provides a power supply utilizing high and low capacitive storage banks to supply sufficient energy to survive short duration power quality events which jeopardize the meter's operating power.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) for providing the name and telephone number of a calling party to a called party comprising a plurality of central offices and a service control point (SCP). The central offices are equipped with AIN software which enables them to generate triggers which active queries requesting the name of the calling party. The SCP contains subscriber information which enables it to determine the type of query that is associated with each trigger. The SCP also incorporates a database containing telephone numbers and corresponding names. Software incorporated into the SCP enables it to respond to the queries sent to it by searching its database and returning the telephone number and corresponding name of a calling party to a called party's central office and the called party.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a signaling processor configured to receive telecommunication signaling for calls, and responsively on a call-by-call basis, select routing information based on the telecommunication signaling and transfer control messages indicating the routing information. The communication system comprises a communication unit configured to receive the control messages and user communications for the calls, and responsively on the call-by-call basis, convert the user communications from a first communication format into a second communication format having headers that include the routing information selected by the signaling processor and transfer the user communications in the second communication format.

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

Abstract: An audio caller identification system and method are provided. A caller identification device of a called party's telephone, whether integrated with the telephone or stand-alone, includes a speaker for audibly alerting the called party to the nature of an incoming call. A speech synthesizer in concert with an audio caller ID program may audibly identify a name and/or number of the calling party displayed on the called party's caller ID device, including descriptive terms for calling parties such as “private,” “unlisted,” or “out of the area.” When the called party's telephone begins to ring, the called party may listen to the audio identification of the calling party for a quick screening without having to go to the telephone to read the caller ID.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided. A calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information. The announcement may be tailored by changing the language of the announcement, for example, to conform to the majority of calls received by the called party. A special designator may be stored in association with account information when the service is ordered. The designator is read before the announcement is played to the calling party. The audible caller identification information is recorded and played to the called party in a message. The message may be tailored by changing the language or format of the announcement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telephone system in which the actual identity of the calling individual is provided to the called party. The calling individual has at least one identification code (“ID”) associated with him. The invention then maps this unique ID to the actual identification of the calling party and substitutes the calling individual's number for the calling station number in the ANI identification provided to the telephone system.

Abstract: A voice mail system that provides a message scan mode that plays back only brief portions of each message, i.e., message snippets, saved in the voice mailbox queue. If the user takes no action while the message snippet is being played back, or within a short grace period after that, the system automatically skips to the next message in the queue and plays a snippet of that message without requiring any interaction on the part of the user. The user has the option of making a selection that causes the entire message to be played.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method allows a subscriber to create a data message. The subscriber may associate the data message to an originating party and to a recipient. When a communication from the originating party is received, the data message is communicated to the recipient via an Internet Protocol communications network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a communication from an originating party, with the communication intended for a receiving party. A database of pre-created data messages is accessed, with the database storing a pre-created data message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created data message is then communicated.

Abstract: A method of operating a call management system enables a subscriber to acknowledge a call, without taking the call. When the system receives the call, it identifies the called subscriber, obtains caller information, and presents the caller information to the subscriber when notifying the subscriber of the pending call. Caller information is information relating to the caller or to the call, such as the caller's name and telephone number. If the subscriber chooses to acknowledge the call, the system records an acknowledgement message from the subscriber. The system then plays the acknowledgement message to the caller. After playing the acknowledgement message, the system offers the caller an opportunity to leave a message for the subscriber. The system may allow such message exchange between the caller and subscriber to continue, enabling the subscriber to acknowledge the caller's additional messages, and the caller to leave messages in response to the acknowledgements.

Abstract: A cellular phone 100 registers incoming call histories in which other party telephone numbers are correlated to own telephone numbers which received a call in an incoming call history accommodation section 14b. It is judged whether or not the other party telephone number to which a call is made is the other party telephone number from which a call was received previously with reference to the incoming call histories when transmitting a call. If the other party telephone number is an other party telephone number which was received previously, the own telephone number which was used at that time is extracted from the incoming call histories and a call transmission is made. Accordingly, this enables preventing the error in using different plurality of own telephone numbers.

Abstract: An Internet Call Waiting (ICW) service provides single-line subscribers (100) connected to the Internet with incoming call information, call screening and voice messaging capabilities. An incoming call is terminated at an ICW server (154). The caller is prompted to leave a voice message and the voice message is relayed in real-time over the Internet connection (138) to permit the subscriber to monitor the message. The subscriber can choose to answer the call at any time before the caller disconnects. Subscriber profile options specify how calls are treated. Calls may be forwarded to a second directory number, directed to a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection, or the Internet connection may be dropped and the call completed to the subscriber's directory number. The subscriber benefits from being able to screen voice messages in real-time, which assists the subscriber in determining how the call should be terminated.

Abstract: Universal caller identification services are provided to enable a subscriber to maintain his or her identity by communicating an outgoing communication from any one of a plurality of different communications and communicating a communications signal to a called party communications address with a Universal CallerID to always identify the calling party. Further exemplary embodiments provide the Universal CallerID signal and a third party identifier to a called party and/or the Universal CallerID signal and a called party identifier to a third party. The Universal CallerID signal and a third party identifier and/or the Universal CallerID signal and a called party identifier may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: A remote access device is provided with access to caller ID information stored in a base unit. A communication path between the remote access device and the base unit is established. Caller ID information is transmitted from the base unit to the remote access device according to a communication protocol. The communication path can include a telephone network such as the public-switched telephone network.

Abstract: A proxy response terminal wherein information relating to the call being called is acquired and the call to which a proxy response is to be made is expressly specified so that the call may be responded. The proxy response terminal includes an incoming information acquiring means for requesting the information relating to the call in the calling state to the call control apparatus and a proxy response requesting means for issuing connection request specifying the call to which a proxy response is to be made based on the information notified by the call control apparatus.

Abstract: An efficient and effective method and system for providing to a customer an audible call notification of a current call and a subsequently received call waiting call. The present embodiments notify the customer that a current call is waiting in an effective manner that reduces confusion. Confusion is reduced by the combination of audible call waiting indicators and audible caller identification information associated with the calling telephone station. Additionally, both the indicator and the representation of the information can be provided automatically without significant delay. The indication is provided even when standard caller identification information is not available by prompting the caller to provide spoken caller identification information. The spoken caller identification information is provided to the called party along with call disposition options, such as options to accept or reject the call, route the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message.

Abstract: A method and system provide enhanced caller identification information to a called party. The system determines whether or not standard caller identification information associated with a calling party can be provided to the called party. The system preferably determines whether the standard caller identification information is unavailable, incomplete or has been blocked. When the system determines that the standard caller identification information cannot be provided, the system transmits a request for audible caller identification information to the calling party. If the calling party provides the requested audible caller identification information, the audible caller identification information is transmitted to the called party. The called party is thus provided with information about the calling party that can assist the called party in deciding whether or not to answer the call.

Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system, which is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operation of both the telephone system and the voice mail system, permits a user to call back a party using caller ID data stored with a voice mail message left by the party calling into the system. This is accomplished by storing caller ID information associated with an incoming call along with the message placed by the incoming caller and stored within the mailbox associated with the called party. Additionally, the caller ID information may be used to create a speed dial list within the telephone and voice mail system for later use by the user. Such caller ID information may be retrieved from a voice mail message left by the calling party, or may be retrieved while conducting a conversation with the incoming call.

Abstract: A method for operating a message memory connected to a telecommunications network includes assigning a message memory to a subscriber line of an addressee, the subscriber line being selectable using an individual network indicator. Using the message memory, a message left by a sender for the addressee is stored so that the message is retrievable by the addressee. After an authenticating by the sender; the content of the stored message is changed by the sender.

Abstract: A messaging system includes a messaging platform storing a message from a calling party, a switching mechanism for receiving a call from a subscriber to access the stored message, and a routing application at a server. The subscriber accesses the message at the messaging platform and signals for a callback connection with the calling party. In response, the messaging platform sends bookmark information to the routing application describing a current state of the messaging platform with regard to the subscriber. The routing application directs the switching mechanism to disconnect the subscriber from the messaging platform and connect the subscriber to the calling party. When the callback connection is completed, the routing application directs that the subscriber be re-connected with the messaging platform and sends the stored bookmark information back to same. The messaging platform employs such bookmark information to re-establish the current state.

Abstract: A method for utilizing the caller identification information stored in call logs to retrieve address book entries stored in a database, enabling a reply to each call in the call log using the communication medium and contact address of choice. Using this method, a customer can access the call logs for various phone numbers using a computer and can link to additional contact information associated with each entry. This additional contact information is stored in an address book database, either locally or on a network. Caller identification information in the call log can be used to search the address book and retrieve alternate addresses spanning a range of possible reply media, such as cell phones, E-mail, PDA, and telefacsimile.

Abstract: This telephone directory assistance system accepts a request for a telephone number of a registrant, and judges whether the registrant is registered in a telephone number data base. When the registrant is registered in the telephone number data base, the telephone directory assistance system judges whether a message from the inquirer is transmitted to the registrant without informing the telephone number to the inquirer based on a telephone number disclosing condition registered in the telephone number data base. Then, in a case of transmission, the inquirer is caused to input a message and the inputted message is informed to the registrant.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes to allow voice messages to be individually and/or separately secured by a caller for playback only by an intended person or persons. The voice messages are separately secured with security information contained in a header associated with each voice message. The caller may be authorized to secure a voice message either by inputting a pre-determined authorization security code using their keypad, or based on call related information received with respect to the incoming call. The user, upon attempt to access a separately secured voice message, is prompted for input of an appropriate authorized security code to allow the access to proceed. Without proper access, a user is allowed to access (e.g., playback, delete, etc.) only non-secured voice messages.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, such as a wireless mobile phone, is provided with a unified message function equipped to facilitate a user in interacting with communication messages of different message types supported by the mobile communication device via an unified message box.

Abstract: A calling party announcement apparatus that provides the identity of the caller in synthesized human speech. The invention captures the Incoming Caller Line Identification (ICLID) signal sent by the telephone company. The invention announces the calling party's identity to the called party through a built-in speaker and over the telephone receiver. The called party can elect to accept or reject the call before the telephone company central office has connected the two parties together. The invention makes it possible to screen incoming telephone calls without the aid of a special Caller ID telephone set or auxiliary Caller ID display terminal. The invention is installed in the customer premises, such as a residence or office, between the telephone line demarcation point and the telephone sets. The invention is compatible with any standard telephone set and subscriber trunks provisioned with the Caller ID enhanced customer feature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.

Abstract: A network of processing devices is arranged to communicate by packets having an addressing header and a data portion. Within the network, audio telephony is implemented. A signaling packet is sent from a source processing device to a central location identifying a destination processing device. A signaling packet is sent from the central processing location to the destination processing device identifying the source processing device. A packet is supplied from the central location to the sourcing processing device identifying an address for the destination processing device, whereafter packets containing digitized audio signals are transmitted over said network directly between the source processing device and the destination processing device.