Abstract: Technology is described for a non-mobile telephone system which in addition to processing voice signal data and performing telephone functions, can execute applications transferring data responsive to user input received through a graphical user interface of the telephone system. The non-mobile telephone includes a telephony processing system for performing telephone functions, and an applications processing system for executing applications. The two processing systems communicate using a communication protocol between them which is independent of a telecommunication protocol used for voice signal data processed by the telephony processing system.

Abstract: A method and an inference engine for processing telephone communication data of telephone parties of a telephone network are provided to allow better services and better allocation of resources in a telephone network. The inference engine comprises an obtainer for obtaining telephone communication data that associates telephone parties identifiable by telephone network identifiers with usage data that describes usage of one or more services of a telephone network. Further, the inference engine also comprises a generator for generating contact structure data for a set of the telephone parties based on the telephone communication data, wherein the contact structure data expresses a degree of connectivity between each member of at least a part of the set and one or more other members. The generated data gives the required information to improve services and resource allocation in the network.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a customer premise based feature. For example, the method receives a call directed to a customer, wherein the call is associated with a customer premise based feature. The method then forwards the call to a customer premise based communication system located at a location of the customer, wherein the customer premise based feature is implemented locally by the customer premise based communication system.

Abstract: A method, client application and user terminal, the method including providing a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network and providing an instance of a client application enabling a first user terminal to access the packet-based communication system. The client application is configured so as when executed on the first terminal to receive an input from multiple different audio and/or video input transducers of the first terminal, to analyze those inputs in relation to one another, and based on that analysis to select at least one audio and/or video input transducer and/or output transducer of the first terminal for use in conducting a voice or video call with a remote user terminal via the packet-based communication system.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are disclosed in a Vector Control Entity for enabling a fair bit rate distribution among lines of similar priority in a vectoring group, when applying partial vectoring in a DSL communication system. The method comprises calculating a rate balancing metric, RBM, for each line i within a priority group A, indicative of the ratio between the bit rate of a line i with a current vectoring resource allocation, and the estimated bit rate of line i assuming approximately no crosstalk within the vectoring group. The method further comprises allocating partial-vectoring resources to the line/s within the group A, based on the calculated RBMs, such as to reduce the difference in RBM between the lines. The method further comprises calculating an updated RBM for any line within the group A subjected to changes in vectoring resource allocation. The method may be iterated until certain criteria are fulfilled. The arrangement is adapted to enable the performance of the above described method.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing a connection interface that is displayed to a user and provides multiple modes for the user to connect to a telephone number. The multimodal connection interface may be triggered by a GUI event, such as the user selecting or pointing to a telephone number in a displayed web page. The connection interface provides multiple options for the user to connect to the phone number, such as by mobile phone or computer. In some embodiments, the system uses advertiser-defined rules to present a connection interface that includes additional details about the advertiser that is associated with the telephone number. In some embodiments, the system uses publisher-defined rules to present a connection interface that includes information about the advertiser as well as other related businesses.

Abstract: An Internet compatible dialer pad is used to dial into an Internet server to provide services similar to those found on the Plain Old Telephone System (“POTS”). The dialer pad has an integrated modem set, an extended keypad with alphanumeric entry keys and function keys, display screen and display electronics that renders visual call progress information to the user as well as other communications indicators and related information about the current Internet connection. The dialer uses the Public Switched Telephone System (“PSTN”) and standard LAN/WAN technology to give the user entry into a plurality of Internet calling functions. An Internet database is maintained and permits the dialing party to obtain callee information by entering alphanumeric characters via the dialer. Links from the PSTN to an Internet data base are not restricted to a specific digital data protocol.

Abstract: A method for implementing information exchange is disclosed in the present invention, and the method comprises: a calling user terminal sending information to be sent to a called user terminal by carrying the information in a user-to-user signaling (UUS) field of a call message; the called user terminal sorting out the information carried in the UUS field from the call message after receiving the call message, and feeding back a message other than an acknowledge message to the calling user terminal; the calling user terminal terminating this call after receiving the message fed back by the called user terminal. The simplicity and the easy transformation of the software update of user terminals are fully utilized in the present invention; therefore the present invention can enable a user terminal to have the information exchange function only by properly modifying the software of the user terminal.

Abstract: A telecommunications addressing system/method allowing selection of a telephone instrument device (TID) using arbitrary identifiers is disclosed. The system/method allows a source TID (STD) to select a target TID (TTD) by the use of a Target Telephone Identifier (TTI) data string rather than a traditional numeric telephone identification (NTI). This TTI is then indexed within a TTI/NTI mapping server (TMS) that functions as a hierarchical repository of TTI/NTI mappings. STD/TTD communication is established by first performing a lookup of the STD-selected TTI within the TMS to identify the NTI of the TTD. Once the NTI of the STD has been identified by the TMS, communication between the STD and TTD is established using the NTI via the normal public switched telephone network (PSTN). TMS TTI lookup may be performed via STD TID web application and/or via PSTN infrastructure interface.

Abstract: There is a need to enable decompression of a speech signal even if no network synchronizing signal is output from a baseband processing portion. For this purpose, an information processing device includes a first serial interface. The first serial interface includes a notification signal generation circuit that generates a notification signal each time compressed data incorporated from the baseband processing portion reaches a predetermined data quantity, and notifies a speech processing portion of this state using the notification signal. The speech processing portion includes a synchronizing signal generation circuit that generates a network synchronizing signal based on the notification signal. A clock signal for PCM communication is generated based on the network synchronizing signal. A speech signal can be decompressed even if no network synchronizing signal is output from the baseband processing portion.

Abstract: Inmate communications can include establishing a communication, between an inmate device and a registered device, and storing information associated with the communication in a local data store.

Abstract: A communication apparatus repeatedly outputs a first multi-carrier signal SS during predetermined periods T1, T2, T3, . . . , and outputs a second multi-carrier signal RS whose phase vector is different from that of the first multi-carrier signal SS, at a predetermined timing based on the first multi-carrier signal SS. The communication apparatus further detects the second multi-carrier signal RS output from another communication apparatus, which uses a different communication method from the communication apparatus. Accordingly, both communication apparatuses can differentiate the first multi-carrier signal SS from the second multi-carrier signal RS without performing relatively cumbersome modulation and other processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of customer premises equipment (CPE) comprising a physical connector (21) for linking to a broadband network and a distributing structure (NTU, 24) that is connected to said physical connector for distributing broadband elements over one or more service modules (RGUs A, B, C, D) for associated customer modules (CUEs E, F, G, H). According to the invention, said distributing structure (NTU, 24) comprises a plurality of mechanically modularly arranged connector facilities (25) at an interface between the distributing structure and the service modules so as to provide a repeatedly mechanically exchangeable connection for a service module (RGU) belonging to one service provider from a range of mutually distinct service providers each time. The distributing structure (NTU, 24) is further provided with means (26, 27) for making said mutually distinct service providers indiscriminately exchangeable among said connector facilities (25).

Abstract: A method of defining a voice browser for browsing a plurality of voice sites, at least some of the voice sites having different telephone numbers, the voice sites being configured to be accessed by telephone, is provided including storing information relating to voice sites visited by a voice user; and providing forward and back functions, comprising transferring a user from one voice site to another, in response to commands by the user. Computer program code and systems are also provided.

Abstract: An outlet for coupling at least one data unit to digital data carried over wiring that simultaneously carry a packet-based serial digital data signal and a power signal over the same conductors. The outlet includes: a wiring connector for connecting to the wiring; a transceiver coupled to the wiring connector for transmitting and receiving packet-based serial digital data over the wiring; a LAN connector coupled to the transceiver for bi-directional packet-based data communication with at least one data unit; a bridge or a router coupled between the transceiver and the LAN connector for passing data bi-directionally between the at least one data unit and the wiring; and a single enclosure housing the above-mentioned components. The enclosure is mountable into a standard wall outlet receptacle or wall outlet opening, and the transceiver and the bridge or router are coupled to the wiring connector to be powered from the power signal.

Abstract: In a telephone conferencing system, a digital communication network such as the Internet is used to establish and control the telephone connections between multiple conferees with the telephone network being the means of exchanging verbal information. Each conferee may have a computer connected to the digital network, and each has an independent telephone instrument connected to the public switched telephone network. An in-charge conferee utilizes his computer containing appropriate software to initiate the conference and to control the participation of the conferees. The in-charge conferee sends digital control signals to a switch interface controlling a telephone switch as a gateway to the telephone network using SS7 control signals. These SS7 control signals include the commands by which the conferee telephones are rung up, brought on line, or dropped from the conference.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for compiling electronic identifiers is provided. In one embodiment a computer-based engine is provided that includes a processor and two communication gateways. The first communication gateway connects to a plurality of first-type communication devices. The second communication gateway connects to a plurality of second-type communication devices. The processor is configured to randomly connect to at least one of the first-type communication devices and receive input representing an address of at least one of the second-type communication devices.

Abstract: A response center or other entity maintains in electronic storage records of trust relationships between parties. In an example method of operating a call center, personal profiles of clients of a service of the call center are maintained. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in trusted networks of the respective clients. An inquiry can be received from an inquiring party, inquiring whether a particular entity is trusted by a particular client. An electronic message is automatically sent to the inquiring part indicating whether or not the particular entity is trusted. In some implementations, entities may be assigned levels of trustedness.

Abstract: An electronic device with a function of replying to a message based on the environment of the receiver is provided. The electronic device includes a storage unit, a receiving module, a determining module, a detecting module, an acquiring module, and a sending module. The storage unit stores an environment table which records relationships between receiver-environments and suitable replies. The receiving module receives a short message from a sending phone number. The determining module collects information to determine a current receiver-environment of the user of the electronic device. The detecting module detects an existing reply matching the current receiver-environment in the environment table. The acquiring module acquires the reply matching the current environment and the sending module sends a message which includes the acquired reply to the sending phone number.

Abstract: A hybrid Unified Communications (UC) telephony deployment includes users of a tenant that are hosted between a UC cloud deployment and a UC on-premise deployment that offers PSTN connectivity for the users. An identity of a tenant and its' users are maintained consistently between the on-premise and cloud based UC deployment (e.g. telephone numbers, dialing preferences, voice mail . . . ). Each user of the tenant can register with the UC service from one or more locations (e.g. on-premise, off-premise . . . ) whether or not they are hosted by the on-premise deployment or the cloud based UC deployment. Functionality of the UC deployment may also be maintained at one or more locations within the hybrid UC deployment. For example, some services (e.g. voicemail, or other services) can be hosted in the cloud while the remaining services are hosted on-premise. Different Telco providers may be chosen by the tenant to provide PSTN services for one or more users of the tenant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an ATCA data exchange system which includes: a backboard, at least one exchange board and service board. The exchange board includes at least one Fabric port group, each of which is connected to a service board through the backboard to form a first exchange channel for broadband service, the Fabric port group includes four difference sending and receiving port pairs, and each port pair includes a pair of difference receiving and sending ports. A connector 20 in the Fabric interface of the exchange board includes at least one port pair, and each port pair is connected to a service board through the backboard to form a second exchange channel and is configured for a separate narrowband service data exchange that is independent of the broadband data exchange. Thus to simplify the processing of narrowband data and to decrease the time delay.

Abstract: A method of assigning contacts to a speed dial function. The method can include identifying contacts that are candidates to be assigned to the speed dial function on a communication device. The method also can include identifying a geographic distance between each of the identified candidates and the communication device. The method further can include, via a processor, assigning a first of the identified candidates that is closest to the communication device to a first speed dial indicator, and assigning a second of the identified candidates that is next closest to the communication device to a second speed dial indicator.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed at methods and systems for transmitting utility usage data using a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”). The methods and systems may include collecting utility usage data pertaining to a customer premises with a utility meter at the customer premises. The utility usage data may be transmitted automatically from the utility meter to an access point of a public broadband network. The utility usage data may be received at the access point. A digital subscriber line (“DSL”) modem in communication with the access point may modulate the utility usage data at the access point. The utility usage data may be transmitted securely through the public switched telephone network to an Internet point of presence. The utility usage data may be received at the Internet point of presence. The utility usage data may be transmitted from the Internet point of presence to a utility provider via the Internet.

Abstract: An Internet enabled communication device has a data module that sends user data through the Internet to a web services system, requests an acknowledgement from the web services system based on the user data to proceed with a voice communication, and receives the acknowledgement from the web services system if the web services system receives the user data and the user is authorized to proceed with the voice communication. The Internet enabled communication device also has a telephony module that, subsequent to the data module receiving the acknowledgement from the web services system, initiates the voice communication through a telephone network to an automated system. The automated system accesses the user data in the database to automatically connect the user to a service without the user having to input the user data through the automated system.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for location based call routing to a subject matter specialist. A call request is received from a computing device which includes an identifier of a network page. A topic specialist for the network page is identified from the contents of the network page. The call request is completed by establishing a call between the computing device and another computing device which is operated by the topic specialist.

Abstract: In a VoIP system, a method and apparatus for tracking emergency callers is provided. A VoIP service provider network includes a plurality of VoIP phones and is connected to an emergency service provider system. The emergency service provider system includes a call server connected to the VoIP service provider network; a subscriber database; a VPC SBC; and a media gateway for connection to a PSTN. The call server is adapted to receive an emergency call from a VoIP telephone in the VoIP network; verify if the SIP URI has a DID bound to the SIP URI; if the SIP URI does not have a DID bound to the SIP URI, obtain a temporary DID from a DID pool and temporarily bind the temporary DID to the SIP URI; and forward the call to an appropriate PSAP in the PSTN. Should the emergency call be dropped, a person at the PSAP can call back the emergency caller without unnecessary delays.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide both a network-based, e.g., cloud-based, and apparatus based in-call command control for dynamically performing user commands such as voice commands or gesture commands. The result allows for hands free operation of a calling system including one where the user is located separate from a base station. The systems and methods provide for recognizing both voice and gestural commands. The systems and methods further provide for dynamically filtering commands so that commands are not perceived by those participating in the call. Further, the systems and methods provide for notifying the user, who has given the command, regarding the performance of the requested command.

Abstract: Techniques for providing for a seamless call transfer in a virtual desktop environment are supported. An apparatus may be capable of requesting access to a remote computer system for registration with a call manager, determining whether a call associated with the apparatus is active, automatically initiating suspension of the call in response to determining that the call is active and requesting registration of a telephone associated with the call, and resuming the suspended call. The seamless call transfer system may result in a more favorable calling experience during authentication with a virtual desktop environment and registration with a call manager.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a phone book using business card recognition in a mobile communication terminal. An image of a business card is captured and recognized character fields from the captured image are searched. Any one of the searched character fields to be set as a name is selected. The selected character field is converted to text and set as the name. The captured image is stored with the name in a predetermined directory. In addition, it enables to use all functions available in an existing phone book, thereby being more convenient to the user.

Abstract: A content distribution system is described. The content distribution system includes a show account database and a plurality of credit cards stored in the show account database. The content distribution system also has a linking module associating a viewer entering the call-in number with a credit card number in the show account database. The system has a charge module that charges a credit card account corresponding to the credit card number associated with a viewer entering the call-in number. The system also has an interactive recognition system that provides a qualifying question for the viewer to answer before a call of the viewer is connected to a studio.

Abstract: A method includes receiving multiple alarm messages, each being associated with a failure associated with a service feature available within a telecommunication network. A failure rate for a type of failure having a common set of service feature failure characteristics is determined from the alarm messages received. When the failure rate exceeds a threshold, a maintenance ticket is generated automatically.

Abstract: The present invention enables the remote activation of a device by a packet-switched service, e.g., VoIP network service for the purposes of receiving calls identified as urgent from a pre-identified calling party when the device is disabled. The present invention enables registered users to select the calling parties they wish to receive emergency calls from.

Abstract: A method may include storing a database including a plurality of subscriber identifiers, wherein each subscriber identifier is associated with a telephone number and a subscriber name and address. Each subscriber identifier may be unique to the corresponding subscriber name and address. The method may include storing a database including a plurality of customer identifiers. Each customer identifier may be associated with one of the subscriber identifier and a customer name and address. The method may further include receiving an update to the subscriber name or address associated with one of the telephone numbers and associating a new subscriber identifier with the updated subscriber name or address. The method may further include associating the new subscriber identifier with one of the customer identifiers.

Abstract: A communication apparatus, which is connected to a phone line, and to which an external telephone is connectable to. The communication apparatus includes: a line-voltage detecting unit which detects a line voltage; a communication-signal detecting unit which performs detection on a communication signal, which is input to the communication apparatus from the phone line or from the external telephone upon the external telephone is hooked up; and a control device which performs a hook-up determining process of determining that the external telephone is in a hook-up state when the line voltage detected by the line-voltage detecting unit is equal to or less than a first threshold value and the communication signal is detected by the communication-signal detecting unit.

Abstract: A system and method can support a virtual private network based on a public telecommunication infrastructure. The virtual private network can receive a request from a caller for place a call to a callee via the virtual private network. The virtual private network can obtain at least one of presence status and location information of the callee. Then, the virtual private network can allow the caller to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the call. The public telecommunication infrastructure can be based on a legacy network and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, and the virtual private network can obtain information from both the legacy network and the IMS network via a service broker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for transmitting data over a network. The method includes ascertaining at a first node the need to transmit one or more data streams from the first node to a second node over the network, the one or more data streams including time-based media that is generated either locally or remotely on the network. The method also includes ascertaining at the first node a timeliness preference for reviewing the one or more data streams by one or more recipients respectively. The ascertained timeliness preference for each one of the data streams is either (a) time-sensitive where at least one recipient of the one data stream has indicated an intent to review the one data stream in a near real-time mode as received by the recipient over the network while the time-based media of the one data stream is being generated or (b) less-than time-sensitive.

Abstract: A telecommunication system including a class 4 long distance softswitch network with one or more a core routing engines and one or more class 5 application servers. The class 4 long distance softswitch network further includes at least one edge device, which may be in the form of a session border controller or media gateway, with at least one connection, including PRI, SS7 and TDM connections, to at least one customer premise equipment of at least one retail customer, which may be an enterprise customer. The class 5 application server is configured to provide the customer with class 5 services within the class 4 network.

Abstract: A signal processing system which discriminates between voice signals and data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier. The signal processing system includes a voice exchange, a data exchange and a call discriminator. The voice exchange is capable of exchanging voice signals between a circuit switched network and a packet based network. The signal processing system also includes a data exchange capable of exchanging data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier on the circuit switched network with unmodulated data signal packets on the packet based network. The data exchange is performed by demodulating data signals from the circuit switched network for transmission on the packet based network, and re-modulating data signal packets from the packet based network for transmission on the circuit switched network. The call discriminator is used to selectively enable the voice exchange and data exchange.

Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for analyzing and responding to communications data. Telecom data are input, as are social network data. The telecom data and social network data are analyzed, and action tuples representing opportunistic leads are generated based on the analyzed telecom data and social network data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs.

Abstract: A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations.

Abstract: In one particular embodiment, a method includes receiving at a set-top box a call signal including a caller identifier from a network, where the caller identifier includes a calling number and a billing name associated with the calling number. An alias (or display name) associated with the calling number is retrieved from a personal address book stored in a memory of the set-top box. A modified caller identifier including the calling number and the alias is provided to a display device.

Abstract: A method of automating a telephone call to a contact with whom a text based electronic communication is exchanged. The method can include, via a processor, receiving from a first electronic messaging client a first identifier corresponding to a first text based electronic communication sent to a user or received by the user, and receiving from a second electronic messaging client a second identifier corresponding to a second text based electronic communication sent to the user or received by the user. Via the processor, a list that identifies at least the first identifier and the second identifier can be presented. Responsive to receiving a user selection of the first identifier or the second identifier, via the processor, a telephone call can be automatically initiated to a telephone number that corresponds to the selected identifier.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing and managing an information distribution system through a telephonic system. In one embodiment, information related to a callee merchant is dynamically transmitted to users of Internet connectivity capable communication devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for providing advertisements to a caller. The system comprises a database having advertisements associated with a list of telephone numbers. The telephone numbers are associated with destinations implementing Interactive Voice Response (IVR). Further, the system comprises a device configured to display a visual menu for the IVR and the associated advertisements.

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for determining promotional messages that led to a phone call. The method may include communicating a promotional message, wherein the promotional message is associated with a phone number. The method may include receiving an indication that the promotional message was selected. The method may include receiving a phone call via the phone number, the phone call indicating the phone number that was called. The method may include associating the phone call with the promotional message based on the phone number. The method may include determining that the communicated promotional message led to the phone call based on the associated phone call and promotional message.

Abstract: The invention provides an information retrieval apparatus and an information retrieval method by which information can be retrieved in an improved operability. A CPU controls a video camera to fetch an image and controls a GPS to detect a current position. The CPU reads out, from within image data stored in a corresponding relationship with URLs of WWW servers, those image data which correspond to position data regarding positions around the detected current position from a WWW data base via a modem and a host machine. Then, the CPU selects, from among the read out image data, that image data which matches with the fetched data, reads out a URL corresponding to the image data and accesses a WWW server designated by the URL.