Abstract: A method for verifying access authorization for voice telephony in a fixed network line or mobile telephone line, as well as a communications network having such access authorization verification are described. The access authorization is verified by analysis of a voice signal which was entered by the subscriber placing the call, before or during a call in progress. In one variant, the voice signal is entered as a password before the connection is established; in another variant, voice signals are analyzed for voice recognition and subscriber identification, the same voice signals also being transmitted to the person being called, making concealed access verification possible which does not hamper the normal flow of conversation.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting processing of a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor.

Abstract: A telephone service provider or alarm company, supplies phone-line-power for auxiliary, backup, and/or emergency lighting in residential, commercial and/or industrial facilities at a reasonable charge in exchange for providing, maintaining and ensuring that lighting service and power will be available when needed such as under power failure situations. A phone-line-driven lighting device includes a sensor capable of detecting a primary power source. Once the sensor senses that the primary power source is not present, circuitry connects the device's phone line terminal to a light producing element, in turn powering the light producing element via a telephone line's DC or AC power. Such a device may include a control circuit which responds to a predetermined phone line signal, thereby controlling the operational state of the device. Such a signal could be broadcast in emergency or other informative situation by the provider of the phone line service.

Abstract: In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet comprising of a base module and interface module. The base module connects to the wiring and attached to a wall. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet will provide the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for assisting law enforcement surveillance of a telephone call in accordance with the requirements of is presented. The method includes, but is not limited to, the steps of: receiving an indication of a call that is placed with a pre-identified telephonic unit that uses an internet packet protocol for transmission, wherein the pre-identified telephonic unit has been selected for telephone call surveillance; converting the call into a converted call that is in analog form; and redirecting the converted call to an analog switching station that is capable of performing surveillance of the call.

Abstract: A contact number encapsulation system is disclosed that is operable to consolidate a plurality of contact numbers associated with a given user into a single contact number. The system includes a call processing application that uses information contained in a SIP message header to determine a list of contact numbers to call. The SIP message header contains a call destination indication that is used by the call processing application to retrieve the list of contact numbers. The list of contact numbers is user defined and may be updated or modified by an account holder at any given time. Once the list of contact numbers is obtained, a simultaneous call module is used to simultaneously call each number contained in the list. As such, the account holder only needs to provide the primary contact number to individuals desiring to reach him/her instead of various numbers that are associated with various locations the account holder may be located.

Abstract: An outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter that converts VoIP to and from analog telephony, and a standard telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) for connecting an ordinary analog (POTS) telephone set. Such an outlet allows using analog telephone sets in a VoIP environment, eliminating the need for an IP telephone set or external adapter. The outlet may also include a hub that allows connecting both an analog telephone set via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack. The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the VoIP/POTS adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular analog service, VoIP telephony service using an analog telephone set, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet requires two standard telephone jacks and a data-networking jack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively terminating sealing current in an asymmetric digital subscriber line modem is provided. The technique comprises providing a mechanism (e.g., a resistor or suitable current sink) to a DSL modem (e.g. an ADSL modem or any XDSL modem used where POTS is underlying service). The mechanism is operable to be dynamically switched on and off and to operate under low current conditions. The system allows for provision of DSL (e.g., ADSL or XDSL where POTS is the underlying current) in the absence of plain old telephone service (POTS) and for improved performance.

Abstract: To provide a technology indicating guidance for a usage method of information equipment and for solving an abnormality of the information equipment to not only users having knowledge about terminology of the information equipment but also users having none of the knowledge about the terminology of the information equipment. A guidance apparatus receives identifying information of information equipment from a device, reads an image from a database containing images about the information equipment with respect to the received identifying information, creates guidance information containing the read image, transmits the created guidance information to the device, receives information determined by a manipulation about the guidance information on the device, and controls so as to read the image used next for the guidance information from the received information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling calling parties to request the VoIP network to provide a special ring tone to be signaled as the occurrence of an urgent call to called parties are disclosed. Alternatively, a high frequency intercept tone or call waiting tone is also provided when the called parties are already engaged in conversation when an urgent call is incoming.

Abstract: Methods are provided for managing and configuring voice services the notification and disposition of voice services, such as telephone calls, in a cable television services system. In response to receiving a notification of an incoming voice service in the cable television services system, a voice services banner is generated for displaying options for managing the incoming voice service. Options for managing the incoming voice service are selected from the voice services banner. An on-screen user interface is generated for configuring voice services options on a display device in communication with a set-top box. The user interface receives selections for configuring the voice services options. In response to receiving a selection, a determination is made whether to display a menu for configuring the voice services options based on a subscriber profile. If it is determined that the configuration of voice services is authorized, then the menu is displayed for configuring the voice services options.

Abstract: Text is interleaved and transported along with media data over the same real-time Internet Protocol (IP) media transport session. A network processing device identifies text characters corresponding with text signaling. The identified text characters are formatted into text packets and sent over the same real-time IP media transport session used for real-time media transport. The media transport session can identify the sequence that the text characters are transmitted and can specify a maximum character transfer rate.

Abstract: There is described a method for setting up a call over the Internet between a Web-based phone and a phone device. The Web-based phone is loaded on a Java-enabled computing device. The call involves a Web application hosted on an external server capable of communication with a SIP Server on which the Web-based phone is pre-registered. Upon request from the computing device, the external server sends an HTTP message to a SIP Switch which in turn forwards a SIP NOTIFY message to the computing device through the SIP Server. The Web-based phone then pops up on the computing device and the call initiation can be confirmed. There is also described a platform independent Web-based phone as well as a Web application for auto-populating a contact directory from contacts on a social networking Web site.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing self-provisioning telephony services. The method includes receiving a request for the self-provisioning telephony services from a caller of a telecommunications service provider. The method also includes prompting the caller to provide information for facilitating implementation of the self-provisioning telephony services. The method further includes implementing the self-provisioning telephony services, without human intervention from a telecommunications service provider, in response to information received as a result of the prompting. The self-provisioning telephony services include activating an account for a new telephone number, modifying an account for an existing telephone number, retrieving a forgotten personal identification number, and canceling an account for an existing telephone number.

Abstract: A method and a terminal are provided for performing a Teletype/Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) service where the wireless terminal changes to a vibration mode when the TTY/TDD service is performed. If a called party number and a call key are input, a call connection request signal is transmitted and a first vibration is generated. A second vibration is generated if a call ready signal is received after the call connection request signal is transmitted. A third vibration is generated if an absence signal is received.

Abstract: Picture and speech communication between plural terminals connected to different networks, such as a circuit-switched network and IP network. A converting apparatus 400 for control information or media information for picture/speech communications is provided across first and second terminals 301, 302 connected to respective different types of networks. Converting apparatus 400 includes control information converter 420, transcoder 450 and ability information converter 460. In case the ability information extracted from the decoding information, received from the first terminal 301, is not coincident to the ability information extracted from the call control information received from the second terminal 302, it is further checked whether or not there is picture format size coincidence. If the picture format size coincidence persists in one direction, processing is carried out for converting part of the decoding information or the control information, without causing the operations of the transcoder.

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: A video relay system for allowing impaired individuals to communicate across a network includes a first device capable of sending and receiving audio and video signals where the first device is coupled to a network and includes an application. The application on the first device is configured to communicate with a second device, regardless of whether the second device includes the application. The application is also configured to transmit to and receive from the second device a sign language video signal. When the first device is in a voice carryover mode, the application is configured to transmit an audio signal to the second device. When the first device is in a hearing carryover mode, the application is configured to receive an audio signal from the second device.

Abstract: A secure memory device for a smart card with a modem interface comprising a rewritable memory such as an EEPROM, a processing unit or a microprocessor, an on-chip oscillator, an ISO 7816 interface, a one-wire modem interface, and characterized in that both communication interfaces are bidirectional and share the same I/O terminal. The modem interface is exchanging data with the host in the form of a modulated signal by means of a card reader characterized by the absence of processing means.

Abstract: A method for printing incoming facsimiles assigns a print-priority number to a plurality of known facsimile origination identification numbers, wherein the print-priority number is different for at least two of the plurality. The method also identifies the facsimile origination identification number of incoming facsimiles. The method also stores the incoming facsimiles if from a known facsimile origination identification number assigned one of at least two different print-priority numbers. The method also prints the stored facsimiles in an order based at least on their corresponding print-priority numbers.

Abstract: An interactive media system for an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture includes a media resource function processor (MRFP) and a media resource function controller (MRFC). The MRFP includes media resources, such as automatic speech recognition (ASR) engines and text-to-speech (TTS) engines, and a voice browser. A caller places a call to a telephone number to reach an interactive media service, and the MRFC establishes a real-time packet media session between the media gateway and the MRFP. The voice browser queries a location server to determine the location of an interactive application associated with the called telephone number and then queries an application server corresponding to the location to obtain the interactive application as a voice extensible markup language (VXML) document. The browser interprets the VXML document and responsively invokes the media resources, via the MRFC, to provide the interactive media service to the caller.

Abstract: A handy printer and a mobile phone based on the use of the same are provided, wherein the printing can be performed on recording paper sheets having various sizes. The handy printer comprises a cover member which is movable between an exposure position at which an ink discharge surface of an ink discharge head is exposable to the outside and a cover position at which the discharge surface is hidden from the outside. When the cover member is positioned at the cover position, the recording is permitted on a recording paper sheet accommodated in a recording paper-accommodating mechanism. When the cover member is positioned at the exposure position, the recording is permitted on a recording medium disposed outside a handy-printer body casing.

Abstract: A communication system provides integrated email, telephone and instant messenger communication including a common address book, a common log of communication history and shared presence information. A user can respond to a communication according to any format, email, telephone or instant messenger, with a response using the same format or any other format. The response may be initiated by a single command.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing video calls includes receiving a plurality of incoming video calls originating from a corresponding plurality of calling endpoints over a data network. A corresponding plurality of first connections is formed with each of the plurality calling endpoints. Data is streamed over the plurality of first connections while the plurality of calling endpoints awaits availability of one answering endpoint. A second connection is then formed between one of the plurality of calling endpoints and the one answering endpoint to replace one of the plurality of first connections when the one answering endpoint is available.

Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.

Abstract: A system for communicating data over a plurality of telephone lines between a source of information and a plurality of destinations of data, wherein each of the telephone lines connects to a different one of the plurality of destinations and also carries voice signals to and from a plurality of telephone devices.

Abstract: Facsimile documents are communicated between a facsimile machine and a telephone network through an information handling system local area network to provide improved flexibility with the usage and positioning of the facsimile machine with minimal impact on the usage model. A facsimile module associated with the local area network and located distal the facsimile machine converts digital documents provided from the facsimile machine through the local area network into formats for transmission on the telephone network, such as an analog modem signal, TDM packets representing an analog modem signal or VoIP/FoIP packets representing an analog modem signal.

Abstract: A method for providing communication services for the hearing-impaired may include receiving a telephone call from a hearing-impaired party or a hearing party. The method may also include forwarding the telephone call to a communication assistant and establishing a communication link, such an Internet protocol link, that links the hearing-impaired party, the communication assistant and the hearing party.

Abstract: A DSL or other communication system includes a modem or other communication device having at least one antenna that is configured to collect interference data relating to interference noise affecting communication signals being received by the communication device. The interference may include RF interference, such as AM radio interference, crosstalk and other types of interference from various sources. The interference data collected by the antenna is used by an interference canceller to remove and/or cancel some or all of the interference affecting received signals. In some embodiments of the present invention, more than one antenna may be used, wherein each antenna can collect interference data pertaining to a single source of interference noise. Where a modem or other communication device is coupled to multiple telephone lines, only one of which is being used as the active DSL line, wires in the remaining telephone lines or loops can be used as antennas.

Abstract: A system and computer-readable media for providing access to emergency data. Emergency data is collected from various sources and maintained such that it can be efficiently recalled in an emergency. In one implementation, the data is maintained in XML documents. An emergency application program provides a page and/or sub-pages via which a user interacts to obtain the data. The data is typed according to types of emergencies to facilitate user access to the appropriate data when needed. The emergency data may be automatically loaded from a remote source, such as a .NET service, or provided by a retailer. Actions may be associated with emergency data, such as to provide an easy or automated way to send an alert, email message, and the like in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A network element provides service control point or database node front end processing functionality, as well as routing functionality for routing data packets through a network. The network element includes a first communication module for receiving data packets from a first communication network. A second communication module transmits data packets over a second communications network. A database access control (DAC) process queries a DAC database and modifies received packets to include information returned by the database lookup.

Abstract: A method and system of utilizing a secondary telephone line service, and in one embodiment encompasses analyzing a dialing sequence to convert from utilizing the secondary telephone line service to utilizing a primary telephone line service without the use of a manual override. By referencing a database of numbers, the present invention is able to determine if an outgoing service request is compatible with a preferred interface (e.g., the secondary interface), and, if not, to direct the outgoing service request to another interface (e.g., the primary interface, such as a POTS network).

Abstract: This invention discloses an interactive sequential system to input letters of the English alphabet and of many world languages, numbers, punctuation marks and many other symbols on keypads with few buttons. The invention includes a device for receiving input characters from a user, having a keypad with a plurality of keys arranged in rows and columns forming a keypad array; a display screen showing a plurality of character sets arranged in rows and columns forming a character set onscreen array wherein each element in the character set array is mapped to each element in the keypad array; and a processor for receiving a selection of one of the plurality of keys on the keypad to designate a character set by its corresponding location coordinate as mapped on the keypad array. Sequential key selection drills down through nested arrays.

Abstract: A call system for performing a voice call by an Internet call function using a known telephone terminal. In a multifunction machine serving as the telephone terminal, the output destination and the input source of audio signals input/output from/to a transmitter/receiver may be switched to an audio I/F. In the switched state, audio based on audio signals input/output from/to an outside source through the audio I/F is output/input from the transmitter/receiver. Therefore, when the multifunction machine is connected to a PC having the Internet call function such that audio signals can be input/output through an audio cable, an indirect audio call by the Internet call function with the transmitter/receiver is available. When an incoming call from a telephone line network is received, reception of the incoming call is notified so that a user can confirm the reception of the incoming call during the voice call by the Internet call function.

Abstract: A TV set (20) with a function of rejecting telephone calls is provided. The TV set includes a first communication port (201) and a second communication port (210) respectively connected with a telephone network (30) and a telephone (40). A switching circuit (209) is interposed between the first communication port and the second communication port; a decoder (202) is connected to the switching circuit and used for decoding a caller ID of an incoming call from the telephone network and transmitting the decoded caller ID to a display unit (205) to be displayed and to a MCU (203); and the MCU for invoking an automatically rejecting module (208) to automatically rejecting the incoming call by switching off the switching circuit according to rejection information stored in a memory. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter that converts VoIP to and from analog telephony, and a standard telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) for connecting an ordinary analog (POTS) telephone set. Such an outlet allows using analog telephone sets in a VoIP environment, eliminating the need for an IP telephone set or external adapter. The outlet may also include a hub that allows connecting both an analog telephone set via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack. The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the VoIP/POTS adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular analog service, VoIP telephony service using an analog telephone set, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet requires two standard telephone jacks and a data-networking jack.

Abstract: A cordless telephone handset that does not affect the use of a magnetic pick-up type hearing aid. The cordless telephone handset includes a TDD processing section for controlling transmission and reception by means of TDD communications, and a suppressing device for suppressing variations in the magnetic field generated by the TDD processing section. By suppressing variations in the magnetic field generated by the TDD processing section, the problem of magnetic field variations being picked up by a magnetic pick-up type hearing aid and being output as noise, is overcome.

Abstract: An interface for personal communications systems is described which provides rapid identification of a caller and limited access based on a variety of parameters obtained from caller identification information encoded by the telephone company. The incoming telephone call information is compared to a preprogrammed access matrix to determine if the caller is authorized to access the personal communications system connected to the interface. A telephone call screening method and apparatus which incorporates the encoded caller identification is also described.

Abstract: A digital logger system includes a multichannel interface circuit that: 1. concurrently and continuously receives audio telecommunication signals for at least two telephone calls; and 2. continuously transmits linearly encoded digital audio data representing the received audio signals. A Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) hub of the system receives the transmitted digital data for retransmission to a USB root hub. A USB root hub of personal computer (“PC”) receives transmitted digital data, and executes PC software which continuously monitors the digital data for embedded line status and signaling information including a telephone line “going off hook.” When a telephone line goes “off hook,” the software records both: 1. an audio header that stores information about a telephone call; and 2. an audio file that stores compressed digital data for the telephone call.

Abstract: In a network system for transmitting and receiving contents with one or more pieces of additional information corresponding to an internal attribute of the contents, a contents server can decide the data to be transmitted without regard to a division transfer method supposed for a contents receiving apparatus. The contents server includes storage unit holding one or more contents, contents data acquisition unit receiving a data request including request range information of the contents out of consideration for the additional information and extracting the data of the contents in a requested range out of the storage unit, and transmitting unit transmitting the extracted data of the contents with the additional information.

Abstract: Information is sent by a DSL system component using a non-disruptive operational data parameter. One or more bits of the non-disruptive operational data parameter are used to send other information. In some instances the selected parameter will be an unused parameter, such as an unused fast operational mode or interleaved operational mode parameter used to report operational data in a DSL system. In one embodiment of the invention, a remote modem provides a unique equipment identifier that can be paired with the telephone number on which the modem is operating. Verification of and/or searching for the correct pairing of telephone number and unique equipment identifier can be performed as well.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for invoking service offerings. The method can include the steps of initiating (320) a push-to-service request, enabling (304) a Voice Recognition Server (VRS), ranking (306) a list of supported service offerings, and presenting the list on a display for identifying at least one service offering that is available as a service to the user. The method and system can include speaking (308) a voice request for selecting at least one service presented on the display, and establishing (310) a communication dialogue with a service provider of the service for connecting the service provider for providing the service to the user. The push-to-service request can be invoked by a user depressing a service button (120) on the first communication unit (100) using a push-action. The VRS (220) can handle the voice request and generate a list of service offerings ranked by priority for presentation on the display.

Abstract: A system and method for equipment status data over a network. Equipment adapted for reporting status data indicative of the status of the equipment is connected to a first network A status file connected to the first network receives the status data from the equipment over the first network. A second network is connected to the status file and to a processor. The processor comprises instructions for accessing the status file over the second network, acquiring the status data from the status file, and processing the status data. Based on the processed status data, the processor may take action to control a device or issue an alert. The action taken by the processor is determined by instructions selected by a user of the processor or the equipment.

Abstract: A network element, a system to deliver voice communications, and methods for delivering voice services from an optical network to a telephone at a location within a premises. The system may include a network element and a telephone system having a connector. The telephone system may be positioned proximate to the network element so that the connector contacts an analog interface of the network element.

Abstract: A service outlet for coupling a data unit to a wired digital data signal and for coupling a service unit to an analog service signal, for use with a service wire pair installed in walls of a building, the service wire pair concurrently carrying a wired bi-directional digital data signal and an analog service signal carried over a service signal frequency band, using frequency division multiplexing, wherein the wired digital data signal is carried over a frequency band distinct from the service signal frequency band. The outlet has a single enclosure and, within the enclosure: a wiring connector; first and second filters coupled to the wiring connector; a service connector coupled to the first filter and connectable to the service unit for coupling the service unit to the analog service signal; a service wiring modem coupled to the second filter; and a power supply coupled to the service wiring modem.

Abstract: A network for transporting power and multiplexed data and digital telephone signals. The network includes at least three nodes and first and second wiring segments in a building for carrying the multiplexed data and digital telephone signals, and at least one of the segments is configured to additionally carry a power signal. A power consuming component is connected to the at least one wiring segment and is powered by the power signal carried by that segment. Each wiring segment connects a different pair of the nodes together to form, with nodes nodes, a packet based bi-directional communication link. One of the nodes contains communication link composed of a repeater, a bridge, or a router connectable to a data unit. At least one of the nodes is connected to a remote data unit external to the building for coupling the remote data unit to at least one of said communication links.

Abstract: The fire alarming device contains a base member and a transparent dome member. A control circuit is housed inside the base member, and at least an infrared camera is housed inside the dome member. The camera can be manually adjusted so that it aims at a specific spot. The camera, as well as at least a smoke detector, is electrically and signally connected to the control circuit in the base member. The control circuit mainly contains a microprocessor, a memory for storing a control program executed by the microprocessor and other relevant data, and a radio transmitter and receiver unit. The radio transmitter and receiver unit is capable of making and receiving phone calls and sending and receiving messages (such as SMS or MMS or email) via a mobile communication network such as one of those supporting GSM and other appropriate protocols such as GPRS.

Abstract: Outgoing video communication requests are intercepted and screened by one or more unauthorized recipient lists, authorized recipient lists, caller-specific authorized/unauthorized recipient lists, and/or various combinations of these. The video communication requests may be blocked or forwarded to the recipient depending on whether the recipient is included or not included in one of the various lists.

Abstract: An impedance blocking filter circuit is provided for use in telecommunication systems for interconnecting between incoming telephone lines and customer's terminal equipment so as to unconditionally block impedances above 20 KHz a desired frequency range due to the customer's terminal equipment from an ADSL a DSL network unit and/or home networking interface unit. The filter circuit includes first, second, and third inductors connected in series between a first input terminal and a first common point. A first resistor has its one end connected also to the first common point and its other end connected to a first output terminal. Fourth, fifth and sixth inductors are connected in series between a second input terminal and a second common point. A second resistor has its one end also connected to the second common point and its other end connected to a second output terminal. A capacitor has its ends connected across the first and second common points.

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.