Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for establishing a non-obtrusive data channel within a voice communication channel to transmit data during an audio transmission without disruption. This audio transmission can be for example, an audio conversation between a first and a second party. The invention uses spread spectrum modulation to hide the reception and transmission of data from the first and second party and allow the ongoing conversation to proceed uninterrupted. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is used to provide an enhanced call waiting feature whereby caller identifying (ID) information of a third party is transmitted over a telephone line from a local central office (CO) to a first party engaged in a telephone conversation with a second party. Advantageously, the use of spread spectrum modulation to transmit data in a voice channel carrying a telephone conversation prevents any interruption in the on-going conversation and does not result in any noticeable disruption.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a call in a gateway system comprises a signaling processor for processing call signaling to determine connections for the user communications. A gateway matrix accepts control messages form the signaling processor and accepts user communications from switching systems. In response to the control message, the gateway matrix connects the user communications to the designated connection.

Abstract: An on-demand caller ID service is disclosed. A customer dials an access code to retrieve calls made to his telephone number. An automated voicemail response system would repeat the telephone numbers and/or names associated with those telephone numbers that called over a predetermined time period, such as the last 24 hours. The customer is billed a per usage charge for each time he accesses the service. The customer may also subscribe to the service. Customers that are not subscribers of caller ID may utilize this service if they are seeking to track down an incoming call that may have been missed during the day. Also, customers who are away from their telephone line may remotely check who has called them by accessing the service.

Abstract: The invention uses a novel signaling protocol for conducting call waiting-caller ID messaging. Instead of waiting for an acknowledge back from the caller ID box, an acknowledge signal is generated locally at a gateway. This allows the packet switched network to meet the timing requirements of the circuit switched network. The gateway tricks the central office switch into believing an actual acknowledge signal was sent from the caller ID box. The central office switch accordingly sends the caller ID information. This ID information is then propagated across the IP network to the caller ID box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an incoming call during a call-in-progress is disclosed. The method and apparatus provide non-visual indicators to a user indicating the type of incoming caller.

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 (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 computer implemented method of transmitting electronic voice messages including the steps of establishing a caller identity associated with a first telephone connection, recording a first audio clip from the first telephone connection, establishing an email target string, encapsulating the first audio clip, the caller identity and the email target string into a first email attachment, transmitting the first email attachment to a first email account associated with the email target string, broadcasting the first audio clip to a second telephone connection, prompting the second telephone connection for a reply recording, responsive to a record signal, recording a second audio clip from the second telephone connection, encapsulating the second audio clip and the caller identity into a second email attachment, and transmitting the second email attachment to a second email account associated with the caller identity.

Abstract: A method and telecommunications device is provided for accessing a telecommunications device feature. The method includes detecting an incoming call from a calling party, providing information identifying the calling party, and configuring the telecommunications device feature in response to the information identifying the calling party. The telecommunications device includes a means for receiving an incoming call from a calling party, a caller identification system capable of providing information identifying the calling party, and a control logic capable of configuring the telecommunications device feature in response to the information identifying the calling party.

Abstract: Providing call destination information to a caller includes receiving information related to a caller that uses a caller phone to make a call to a destination phone and receiving information related to a call recipient that uses the destination phone to receive the call. Call destination information is accessed based on both the information related to the caller and the information related to the call recipient. The caller is provided with access to the call destination information.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: Disclosed is a caller identification system that provides unblocking or audible identification on telephone calls from calling parties having blocked or unknown numbers. Calling parties from blocked numbers are given the option of unblocking their name and telephone number for the current call, or to record their name for delivery to the caller ID subscriber. Calling parties from unknown numbers are given the option of recording their name for audible identification. The system provides an audibly distinct ring on a caller ID subscriber's telephone and visually displays a special message on a caller ID subscriber's visual display unit to alert the subscriber that the incoming telephone call will be audibly announced, since the telephone number and possibly the name of the calling party are not available to the caller identification system.

Abstract: A telephone message system identifies a caller with an incoming message, and sorts messages according to caller identifying information for presentation to the user. Preferably, messages are grouped according to the caller's telephone number, but may alternatively be grouped using voice recognition technology. When a user plays back a large number of messages, all messages from the same number or person will be grouped together, making it easier to follow a chain of messages. The user may optionally prioritize message groups, either explicitly of by letting the system assign a priority.

Abstract: A method for operating a telephone server includes receiving an incoming call from a first user for a second user at a telephone extension, prompting the first user to speak a message, receiving a spoken message from the first user, receiving a spoken telephone call-back number from the first user, recognizing a numeric telephone call-back number in response to the spoken telephone call-back number, associating the numeric telephone call-back number with the spoken message, and storing the spoken message and the numeric telephone call-back number in a memory.

Abstract: Transmitting caller identification data to residential equipment within a digital transport stream is provided. Telephony signals that include caller identification data are received and the caller identification data is extracted from the telephony signals. The caller identification data in is then embedded the digital transport stream. The digital transport stream, including the caller identification data, is transmitted to residential equipment. The residential equipment extracts the data from the digital stream and presents the caller ID data to a subscriber overlaid on video.

Abstract: Telephones, telephone answering devices (“TADs”) or larger systems are equipped to output audio announcements which identify the sources of incoming calls by comparing caller identity (“CID”) data and ring cadence signals in an incoming call with reference parameters. If a match occurs an audio announcement is output. Customized audio announcements may be recorded by a caller so they may be played back as a way of announcing incoming calls or as a greeting. The announcements are stored voices of callers who have originated incoming calls.

Abstract: The call screener employs a telephone system interface connected between a telephone network and a telephone device of a user. The interface selectively routes calls (and refrain from routing calls) based on the results from the dialogue system. The dialogue system elicits speech from an incoming caller and causes the telephone system interface to route calls from the incoming caller based on a comparison of the elicited speech with a set of stored speaker models. The stored speaker models may be maintained automatically by the system, using either a passive mode, in which calls exceeding a predetermined duration are assumed to be “acceptable” callers; and a proactive mode in which the system prompts the user at the end of the call to elect whether to save the speech models developed during that call in the acceptable user database.

Abstract: A system for obtaining location data of calling parties for telephone calls provides location data for display by a called device. Through reception of the name, telephone number, or other calling party identifier as is done through the conventional caller ID service, the called device formulates a query to a database containing location data for calling parties. Existing advanced intelligent network infrastructure may be used to provide caller ID data to the called device, and the called device uses this caller ID data to formulate the query to the database. Additionally, the called device may have access to multiple databases containing location data and may detect an appropriate database to query based upon analysis of the caller ID data that has been received.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (40) for providing audible caller information to telephone service subscribers is presented. The system (10) includes a pre-processor (28) that converts textual caller information from a first data format to a second data format suitable for text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). The pre-processor (28) can be incorporated in a service node/intelligent peripheral (SN/IP) (24) in an advanced intelligent network (AIN). In this configuration, the pre-processor (28) can be used to convert caller-ID with name database entries into a predetermined TTS format. The TTS formatted information can be provided to a TTS synthesized (30) included in the SN/IP (24). In conjunction with a switching service point (SSP) (20), the pre-processor (28) can provide a talking call-waiting feature to subscribers with significantly improved intelligibility.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved telephone system and method that determine the identity of the callee of an incoming telephone call. A distinctive ring is selected by one or more of the users of the telephone prior to activating the feature or at a later time. Information about the individual distinctive ring signals is stored in memory inside the telephone. When an incoming call is received from an external party, the telephone determines which one of the users is the callee of the telephone call. A distinctive ring signal is then generated corresponding to the identified callee of the incoming telephone call. The distinctive ring signal identifies the callee of the incoming telephone call to the telephone users. In order to identify the callee of the incoming telephone call, the telephone system, after answering the incoming telephone call, inquires the caller for the identity of the callee. In another embodiment, a callee is identified using voice recognition techniques.

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 present invention is a method for providing caller ID information for outgoing telephone calls from a company which is required to provide caller ID information to the number called. The system reviews each outgoing call at a switch cluster of a carrier to determine if the call requires caller ID information. Should the call require caller ID information, the system will determine if the outgoing telephone call is carrying the originating call's caller ID information or a valid caller ID information packet. If the call is not carrying any caller ID information or an invalid caller ID information packet, the system of the present invention will provide a predetermined caller ID information packet to the switch cluster to be matched with the call. In instances where caller ID information is not required, the system will allow the call to continue without analyzing the caller ID information.

Abstract: A keypad used for dialing telephone numbers to establish a communications link is also used to display game moves. Once the communications link is established between two or more parties, their terminals are placed in a game mode which activates inband signal detection and player identification circuitry located within the terminals. Multi-colored indicators (e.g., LEDs) and player identification displays (e.g., LCDs) at each terminal are activated, their color being dependent upon the source of received instructions. Player identification indicators are incorporated into a touch-tone keypad located on each of the terminals. Each key of the keypad has two or more color-coded indicators incorporated within, each color representing a particular player's move. Thus, the touch-tone keys represent a game board and/or game accessory when the terminal is placed in a game mode.

Abstract: The invention is a computerized system that allows inmates of a correctional institution to communicate with parties outside the facilities via telephonic or electronic messaging events. The system provides a means to bill for the events while controlling to whom the inmate can communicate with or from whom they may receive communications, including controlling the method, the length, limited content editing, the frequency of communicating, storage of and the manner of alerting a recipient of a message or receipt thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering unanswered telephone calls is provided. The method includes directing the unanswered call to an external server, recording details of the calling telephone, including the telephone number of the calling telephone (caller ID), the time and the date of the call, and notifying the called telephone of the details of the unanswered telephone call.

Abstract: The system for enhanced caller identification delivery extends the capabilities of existing caller ID systems by providing delivery of the caller ID data, received from the calling party's Local Exchange, to the called subscriber whether the called subscriber is located at their assigned telephone line or at another location. This system also provides the optional capability for the calling party to provide a brief message for transmission to the called subscriber along with the traditional caller ID data.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to enable the user, in the case of a wired telephone, to check an incoming call even when the user is not present near the telephone and, regardless of the type of the telephone, enable the user to check calling party information when a call arrives. A gateway apparatus associates a PDA with a NET telephone connected to a LAN and, upon receiving an incoming call to the NET telephone, notifies the PDA of the calling telephone number received from a local exchange. When the incoming call notification is received from the gateway apparatus, the PDA causes a ringing tone to sound and displays the received calling telephone number. Further, based on the calling telephone number, the PDA searches telephone directory data stored therein and displays calling party information such as the caller's name.

Abstract: A telephone set device capable of vocalizing a telephone number being called. A line interface circuit serves as an interface between the tip and ring wires of a standard telephone circuit and the internal circuit. A ring detector detects whether a ring signal is being input. A controller provides the input of signals from the line interface circuit, the keypad, and the ring detector. A hybrid circuit divides the connecting terminals of the line interface into a voice input and a voice output. A keypad inputs the control signal or the number signal to the controller, and sets the address data in the internal memory of the controller to output the voice data. A DTMF generator generates DTMF signals to represent each key on the keypad. A number voice generator receives the address data and decompresses the corresponding compressed voice data retrieved from the internal memory. A handset receives/transmits a voice signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a message tracking system for use in a wireless massaging system. The message tracking system allows a caller to verify a status of wireless messages previously sent by the caller to one or more subscribers of the wireless massaging system. The message tracking system comprises 1) an I/O interface that receives a message status request from the caller and 2) a message status controller that determines an identity of the caller from identification data received from the caller and retrieves a data record associated with the caller. The data record contains status information associated with the previously transmitted wireless messages. The message tracking system transfers to the caller selected status data associated with at least one of the previously transmitted wireless messages. The caller may check the status of multiple previously transmitted wireless messages in a single call without having to re-enter the caller's ID information.

Abstract: The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates control messages that identify the selection and transfers the control messages to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the control messages.

Abstract: Incoming calls from selected calling numbers are routed to call waiting for immediate response while calls from other calling numbers are handled in a different manner, e.g., they are routed to voice mail, to a forwarding number, or scheduled for call back. In order to route calls from selected calling numbers to call waiting, the subscriber enters the directory numbers of selected callers (or other caller identifying indicia) on the subscriber's telephone keypad together with an activation code for storing this information in a caller identification (ID) table, or data base. Each time an incoming call is received, the incoming call number (or other caller identifying indicia) is compared with the contents of the caller ID table and the call is routed to the call waiting function if the incoming call number is stored in the caller ID table.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a unique caller is identified from an incoming call transmission at a messaging system. A particular greeting announcement is played to the unique caller from among multiple greeting announcements recorded at the messaging system, wherein the particular greeting announcement was previously specified by a subscriber of the messaging system for the unique caller. In a preferred embodiment, the subscriber of the messaging system is preferably enabled to specify multiple greeting announcements by caller for playing prior to switching to a single subscriber mailbox at the messaging system.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide a particular subscriber of a messaging system with access to a selected messaging platform (SMP) by making a call to a pilot number from a line number other than a line number of the subscriber. The call is routed to the SSP serving the line number from which the call originated. Based on the use of the pilot number, the SSP receives instructions from an intelligent network element (INE) to route the call to a messaging platform serving the line number from which the call originated. If the messaging platform receives a backout indicator in the call, then the messaging platform provides a backout notice to the SSP. The SSP engages in an exchange with the INE so as to result in the SSP obtaining a selected number from the particular subscriber and providing the selected number to the INE. The selected number is used by the INE to obtain an address for the SMP. The INE then instructs the SSP to route the call to the address for the SMP.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a calling party to change the content of previously recorded voice mail messages by receiving telephone calls and comparing an incoming caller ID with all caller IDs stored in a database. If the caller ID matches, then the calling party is presented with a menu of options. The menu may include listening to the previous message, deleting the previous message, modifying the previous message and/or recording a new message. A user can change or modify a previously recorded message and determine whether the message has been received by the called party, thus providing a more flexible interface for leaving messages.

Abstract: A voice mail system employs caller-specific sub-mailboxes that are created within a voice mail account owner's mailbox so that a caller designates an access pincode for the sub-mailbox and then has access to the sub-mailbox for leaving messages, deleting messages, and re-ordering messages. Consequently, the voice mail systems achieve increased flexibility in accessing previous messages by one caller from multiple telephone locations, increased overall productivity of voice mail system users, the capability to allow a mailbox owner to prioritize the playing of recorded messages, and minimized connection time and battery consumption of portable, handheld devices accessing the voice mail system.

Abstract: A processor-based device automatically accesses a telephone number of a second party during an ongoing telephone call to retrieve and display extended data about the second party. In one embodiment, if this extended data is not available on a first database, the device may automatically initiate a search for the extended data on databases external to the device.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing hung calls on a channel of a network interface device of a voice messaging system is described. A channel of the network interface device receives a new incoming call from the telephone network. If no other call is in progress on the same channel as the one on which the new call was received, the new incoming call is accepted. On the other hand, if another call is already in progress on this channel, the other call is terminated and the new incoming call is rejected. At this point, the network interface device is ready to accept any subsequent calls received on that channel.

Abstract: A method (30), a telecommunication device (10) and a software product for implementing a method (30) on a telecommunication device (10) are presented, whereby the method (30) comprises steps for providing a telecommunication device (10) with a call-number directory (20) assigning calling party identifications (23) to defined call-number representations (22), matching (S32, S34) a call-number of a calling party with the call-number representations (24, 26) in the call-number directory (20) and, in case a generic call-number representation (26) in the call-number directory (20) matches a number sequence of the call-number of a calling party, outputting the calling party identification (27) assigned to the generic call-number representation (26).

Abstract: In cordless telephone system where any of a base unit and portable units did not respond to an incoming call, LEDs of the base unit and the portable units are respectively set in a blinking state. In the case where the base unit responded to the incoming call, the LEDs of the base unit and the portable unit which is set to a common mode are respectively switched off state, and the LED of the portable unit which is set to a separate mode is switched off. In the case where the portable unit responded to the incoming call, the LEDs of the base unit, the portable unit having responded to the incoming call, and the portable unit which is set to the common mode are respectively switched off and the LED of the portable unit which is set to the separate mode is switched on.

Abstract: A picture/sound output equipment with caller identification and volume adjustment functions comprises a main unit provided with buttons and picture/sound output hole for connection to the screen and amplifier; and an incoming-call detection circuit connecting to telephone line on one end and connecting to the main unit on the other end. The incoming-call detection circuit transforms the signals of incoming calls into visual signals and outputs the visual signals. When the picture/sound output equipment is in use and the phone rings, the signals of incoming calls will be located and displayed on the screen, thereby helps users not to miss the phone calls as they watch films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and technique for obtaining calling party information where existing “caller-id” techniques do not provide calling party information. Described is a service for a subscriber of a communication medium service for handling incoming calls when the subscriber is connected to the Internet. The techniques give a calling party a chance to provide information to the called party in the form of a voice recording in described circumstances, such as where caller identification information is unavailable if there is an unlisted phone number of a calling party.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for re-directing failed calls to H.323 endpoints within an H.323 system by adding a unique re-routing release cause to a Release Complete message in the H.225 protocol that indicates that the call should be re-routed to another number. The Gatekeeper within the H.323 system stores the alternative number for the H.323 endpoint, and upon reception of this new re-routing cause in the Release Complete message, the Gatekeeper establishes a new leg of call to the alternative number.

Abstract: A telephone system incorporating the present invention provides the capability for automated dialing of a telephone number stored in a caller ID log by determining the correct dialing procedure and then dialing the telephone number in accordance with the correct dialing procedure.

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 privacy screening service in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) includes a service node which records a caller's name when a call directed to a subscriber of the service originates at an unknown number. The service node, in turn, places a call to the subscriber and transmits the recorded name together with a signal which is recognizable by a voice mail system. Following the transmission, the service node waits for the subscriber either to accept or reject a call from the caller. When the subscriber's line is answered by a voice mail system, the voice mail system recognizes and acknowledges the signal so that the voice mail system and service node may determine that their call is between two machines and may take appropriate action. One such action is to connect the caller to the subscriber's voice mail and to restart the subscriber's outgoing voice mail greeting.

Abstract: An improved system and apparatus for providing caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.

Abstract: A system (100) 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 caller identification display service method and apparatus for providing caller identification and additional information like an advertisement or an official announcement on a recipient's telephone. According to the present invention the method of displaying the caller identification and the additional information on the recipient's telephone comprises the steps of receiving a call request from a caller's telephone terminal, extracting the additional information corresponding to the caller identification from a database in response to the call request, and transmitting a paging signal comprising the additional information and the caller identification to the recipient's telephone terminal, wherein the additional information and the caller identification are displayed on the recipient's telephone terminal.

Abstract: A telephonic terminal system outputs vocal and picture signals to inform a user about an incoming phone call. A signal processing unit of the telephonic terminal system checks whether the incoming phone call signal can be identified in an internal data storage device that records a plurality data about various telephonic terminal users. If the incoming phone call signal is identified, a prompter including texts, vocal signals, and picture/video signals is outputted to inform the user of the origin of the incoming phone call signal. If the origin of the incoming phone call signal is not identified, the prompter accordingly informs the user. The telephonic terminal system further can catch pictures or video in snapshot fashion delivered from a remote telephonic terminal system.

Abstract: A signal receiving unit receives call information (termination trunk number) of a termination call, a user number, and so forth from an originator. Thereafter, the signal receiving unit transfers the termination call to an operator unit through a PBX. The operator unit receives the call information of the transfer call and inquires of the signal receiving unit about the user number and so forth with a key of the call information. In addition, the operator unit searches user information with a key of the user number from a database and displays the searched result. Even if the PBX is using an ACD function or the like, user identification information received by the signal receiving unit can be sent to the operator unit as a transfer destination.