Abstract: Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

Abstract: A method of managing a communications network, managing secure transactions conducted by digital communications devices over a communications network and computer program product therefore. A Back to Back User Agent (B2BUA), for example, receives numerical input from a networked digital communications device, e.g., a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device, and determines when and whether the SIP device displays digits entered at the devices. The B2BUA analyzes received digits for an identification (ID) code and selectively couples the SIP devices with a media server capable of providing prompting the SIP devices. In cooperation with the media server, the B2BUA directs replacing sensitive codes (e.g., passwords or Personal Identification Number (PIN)) with placekeepers or suppressing display altogether. After sensitive code input is complete, digit entry display resumes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a call forking dynamic key exchange system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a memory comprising, (i) a dynamic key exchange program that allows a caller to initiate a call having a security request to multiple subscribers and selecting at least one subscriber who answers the call, and (b) a processor coupled to the memory that executes the dynamic key exchange program.

Abstract: A method of authentication is disclosed. When a user registers with an enterprise, the enterprise instructs the user to select sounds from a selection of sounds. Any sound that the user selects is designated as a “type-A” sound and any sound that is not so designated is deemed a “type-B” sound. To authenticate the user, the enterprise combines type-A sounds and type-B sounds into a temporal series of sounds and constructs questions about the series that can only be answered by someone who can recognize and distinguish type-A sounds from type-B sounds. The series of sounds and the questions are then transmitted to the user. If the user is able to answer the questions, then he or she is authenticated, and if not, then he or she is not authenticated.

Abstract: An authentication device for fitting at the entrance to a property includes an externally facing interface including a speaker and a microphone; an internally facing interface comprising a speaker, a microphone and a keypad; and a processing unit including electrical interfaces to both the internally and externally facing interfaces and to a telephone unit. The internally facing keypad includes a button which permits a user to cause the processing unit to initiate a call using the telephone unit to a remote voice verification center via the telephone unit and the PSTN to which it is interfaced when in use (via standard telephone socket). The processing unit is additionally operable to communicate audio signals between the remote voice verification center and at least the externally facing interface (i.e. the speaker and microphone thereof), whereby a visitor may be remotely verified by the remote voice verification center before the householder grants the visitor admission to the property.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a user set data storage portion for storing user set data indicating contents of processing that a user lets the image forming apparatus perform, the user using the image forming apparatus primarily, a new apparatus detection portion for detecting a new image forming apparatus that has newly joined an intranet, a new apparatus function data obtaining portion for obtaining function data indicating functions that the new image forming apparatus has, a suitable function extraction portion for determining, based on the user set data, a function that is more appropriate for the user than a current function from the functions indicated in the function data, and a change candidate notice processing portion for informing the user of the function determined to be more appropriate than the current function.

Abstract: A method of authorising a user of a first packet-based communication network to access a second packet-based communication network. The method comprises: receiving an authorization request from a user terminal of the user at a first network element of the first packet-based communication network, the authorization request comprising a first user identity; responsive to the authorization request, transmitting a request to create a second user identity from the first network element to a second network element of the second packet-based communication network; the second network element creating the second user identity for use in the second packet-based communication network, the second user identity being derivable from the first user identity according to a predetermined rule; and storing the second user identity in the second packet-based communication network for use with subsequent communication events over the second packet-based communication network.

Abstract: Information is received from a caller via a wireless device and communicated to an external computing device. Contact information for the caller is located using at least one of a name and phone number of the caller, and when the contact information for the caller is located, it is displayed on a display of the external computing device.

Abstract: A method selects a buddy with which a user wants to connect. The buddy has a buddy identification listed in a pre-identified group of Internet-accessible destinations. The user using a user telephone means to which is associated identification information. A call is initiated from the user telephone means to an Internet-enabled computing device and has associated thereto calling line identification (CLID) information. The CLID information is compared to the user telephone means identification information. The CLID information is validated using the comparison and upon positive validation, the user providing the buddy identification; consulting the pre-identified group of Internet-accessible destinations for a match between the buddy identification and one of the Internet-accessible destinations; and advising the user of a successful or unsuccessful match. Alternatively, a call is placed to a party which does not necessarily belong to a pre-identified group of Internet-accessible destinations.

Abstract: An emergency contact platform provides emergency contact services where usual communications have been disrupted. The emergency contact platform may include a server to receive registration information including a phone number associated with a phone when communication using the phone is impracticable. The server may also be configured to receive an information request identifying the phone number. The emergency contact platform may also include a database to store the received registration information. The server may be also configured to perform a lookup in the database based on the phone number and provide a result of the lookup based on the received information request.

Abstract: Systems and methods which detect unauthorized, impermissible, or otherwise undesired call activity through the use of one or more third party databases are shown. For example, a controlled environment facility information management system may access a database external thereto, such as a victim notification database, which is created and maintained by a third party unrelated to the controlled environment facility. Such third party database access may be accomplished at the point of call validation or caller verification for determining the treatment of the call (e.g., allowed, blocked, allowed with limitations, etcetera). Such call treatment determinations may be made with respect a particular prisoner or other resident of the controlled environment facility making the call, may be made with respect to all calls made from a particular controlled environment facility, may be made with respect to a group of controlled environment facilities, etcetera.

Abstract: A system includes at least one service switching device in communication with a first calling device and a second calling device. The system further includes at least one service control point in communication with the at least one service switching device and is configured to route incoming and outgoing calls between the first and the second calling devices, wherein the service control point is configured to collect and save biometric keystrokes from a calling party to identify the calling party to a called party.

Abstract: System and methods for authenticating access to multiple data stores are disclosed. The system may include a server coupled to a network, a client device in communication with the server via the network and a plurality of data stores. The server may authenticate access to the data stores and forward information from those stores to the client device. An exemplary authentication method receives a request for access to data. Information concerning access to that data is stored and associated with an identifier assigned to a client device. If the identifier is found to correspond to the stored information during a future request for access to the store, access to that store is granted.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for natural-language surveillance of packet-based communications. Speech data is received, representing at least part of a speech session. The speech data is compared with at least one speech-characteristics profile in an automated manner. The comparing step comprises using natural-language-processing (NLP) to compare the speech data with the profiles on at least one of a lexical level, a syntactic level, a semantic level, a discourse level, and a pragmatic level. It is determined in an automated manner whether the speech data matches any of the profiles. If the speech data matches at least one profile, an indication that the speech data matches the at least one matching profile is responsively stored.

Abstract: Security is improved in a communication system in which a communication connection is established when a user who has received a software button on his computing device (a Recipient) clicks on the button. When a Recipient first actuates a software button, a basic type of communication connection is established, during which the Recipient's identity can be verified. The Recipient then establishes a personal identification code, which he will have to provide upon future actuations of the software button. The system then enables other types of communication connections to be established by the Recipient. After the Recipient actuates the software button and verifies his identity, the system remembers the identity and location of the computing device he is using. When the Recipient subsequently actuates the software button, the identity and location of his computing device are checked, and verification of his identity is suppressed if they have not changed.

Abstract: A system enables voice authentication via a network. The system may include an intelligent voice response engine operatively coupled to the network for receiving transaction or access requests from a plurality of telecommunications devices over the network. A speech recognition and verification services engine may be operatively coupled to the network and a database may be operatively coupled to the speech recognition and verification services engine for storing user voice print profiles. The speech recognition and verification services engine may receive a speaker verification call from the intelligent voice response engine and perform speaker verification on the received speaker verification call based on the stored user voice print profiles. The speech recognition and verification services engine may generate a verification score based upon results of the speaker verification.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method that includes receiving data through a non-voice input. The method also includes translating the data into one or more numeric values. The method includes encoding the one or more numeric values into an audio stream, wherein the audio stream is to be transmitted over a transmission medium that is in use for voice communication.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and computer program product for managing conversational input. The process authenticates a user on a device in a set of communication devices for manipulating conversation stubs. The process monitors an exchange of conversation for a triggering event on the device in a set of communication devices. Responsive to detecting the triggering event, the process generates a conversation stub that contains information relating to the topic of conversation. The conversation stub is stored in a storage device located remotely to the set of communication devices. Responsive to receiving a selection of the conversation stub, the process presents the conversation stub on a communication device selected from the set of communication devices.

Abstract: A computer system has a CPU, a registration terminal and a plurality of telephones. The CPU has an office registration section, an initial phone-in registration section and a vote section. A registration office contains the registration terminal whereat a voter provides appropriate identification and proof of citizenship, if necessary, and then enters a personal identification number into the office registration section through the registration terminal. A first link is between one of the plurality of telephones and the initial phone-in registration section, preferably through a computer, whereby the voter enters into the initial phone-in registration section the personal identification number, an identifying name and a password. A second link is between one of the plurality of telephones and the vote section, preferably through a computer, whereby the voter enters into the vote section the personal identification number and provides the identification name and the password and then votes.

Abstract: Changing of setting of a predetermined function or file that is selected is controlled only be performing fingerprint authentication while data regarding the predetermined function or file is displayed on a display unit. While data regarding a function arbitrarily selected by an input unit from a plurality of functions is displayed on the display unit, a control unit authenticates a user based on fingerprint information representing a fingerprint pattern read by a fingerprint sensor and registered fingerprint information pre-stored in a fingerprint information area. If the authentication is successful, the control unit changes a “user restriction flag” associated with the function selected by the input unit in protection setting information stored in a user restriction flag storage area to an effective state or an ineffective state.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for preventing unauthorized persons from using an electronic device within a facility. In such an embodiment, the system may include a plurality of RFID tags each having unique identification information associated with a wearer of one of the RFID tags. This system may also include an RFID reader associated with the electronic device and having an RFID coverage zone for detecting RFID tags within the coverage zone. A device management system may be connected to the reader and configured to determine whether wearers in the coverage zone are authorized to use the electronic device based at least in part on detected RFID tags' unique identification information. In such an embodiment, the device management system is configured to activate the electronic device if it determines only authorized wearers are detected in the coverage zone, and to deactivate the electronic device if it determines an unauthorized wearer is detected in the coverage zone.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for easily detecting a fraudulent user who attempts to obtain authentication using voice reproduced by a reproducer. A personal computer is provided with an audio data obtaining portion for picking up ambient sound around a person as a target of user authentication using voice authentication technology during a period before the person utters, and a fraud determination portion for calculating an intensity level showing intensity of the picked-up ambient sound per predetermined time for each of sections into which the period is divided and for determining that the person is a fraudulent user who attempts to obtain authentication using reproduced voice, when, of two of the calculated intensity levels, the intensity level of the later section is larger than a sum of the intensity level of the earlier section and a predetermined value.

Abstract: A voice communication system, which is connected to a LAN to which communication terminals are connected and to a public network to which telephones are connected, is provided with a communication server between the LAN and public network having different protocols from each other. The communication server enables a voice communication between a telephone on the public network and a communication terminal connected to the LAN by performing processing similar to that for a voice communication between two communication terminals connected to the LAN. The communication server determines whether an address of the other party inputted by a user is a communication terminal address or a telephone number, and transmits a voice communication request to a communication terminal of the other party when the address is a communication terminal address.

Abstract: One or more participants in a communication are authenticated using an authentication metric such as a face print or voice print. A single telecommunication address (or one for each participant) that is not associated with a communication device and is associated with at least one of the participants is determined. The telecommunication address (or addresses) is sent during the initiation of a communication session. Other embodiments provide for sending a single associated telecommunications address, individual identifiers of each of the participants, and a communication device name to better identify exactly who is calling. The system can also detect when an additional participant has joined the communication session and when a participant leaves the communication session.

Abstract: A method of authentication is disclosed. When a user registers with an enterprise, the enterprise instructs the user to select sounds from a selection of sounds. Any sound that the user selects is designated as a “type-A” sound and any sound that is not so designated is deemed a “type-B” sound. To authenticate the user, the enterprise combines type-A sounds and type-B sounds into a temporal series of sounds and constructs questions about the series that can only be answered by someone who can recognize and distinguish type-A sounds from type-B sounds. The series of sounds and the questions are then transmitted to the user. If the user is able to answer the questions, then he or she is authenticated, and if not, then he or she is not authenticated.

Abstract: Architecture for a communications system enabling a user to provision a telephone at a new location without network administrative pre-configuring. An input component (e.g., keypad) receives a numeric extension and PIN. The extension is a telephone extension of the user and the PIN can be administratively assigned. A location component provides location information of an enterprise communications server to the telephone based on the extension. The telephone uses the location information to send messages to the enterprise communications server. A registration component registers the telephone with the enterprise communications server based on the numeric extension. A telephony address is returned to the telephone. An authentication component authenticates the telephone based on the PIN. Upon authentication, the extension is assigned to the telephone, and telephone communications can be sent and received from that location.

Abstract: A system and method for simplified provisioning is provided. The method comprises storing information associated with a user during a non-provisioning event. The information is utilized to pre-fill a registration related to a provisioning event. One or more communications are forwarded to the user requesting information to complete the registration for the provisioning event based on the information stored.

Abstract: Provided is a method that includes receiving a redirect request from one or more switches of a telecommunications network, receiving, from one or more switches of the telecommunications network, a connect request that requests connection of a transmitter device to a receiver device associated with the normal subscriber number, and configuring the telecommunication network to connect the transmitter device to a receiver device associated with the modified subscriber number, independently of the switch serving the normal receiver device being operable or inoperable. The redirect request comprises a normal subscriber number and a modified subscriber number.

Abstract: A caller identification system provides a caller identifier of an actual user rather than the conventional telephone number dependent on a caller terminal. Further, a caller base billing method and its system can bill an actual user by carrying out user authentication through a certification authority for a caller identifier that is independent of a caller terminal. The method includes the steps of receiving authentication information of the caller from a caller terminal; verifying the authentication information; and carrying out call setup if the authentication information and the certificate match, wherein the authentication information is generated by using a caller identifier and a private key that are applied by the caller, with no dependency on the caller terminal, and caller information corresponding to the caller identifier is transmitted to a callee terminal during call setup.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to monitor and control electronic communications. A processor is in operable communication with processor readable media, and a user interface is provided by the processor over a communication network that is operable to send, receive and report communications from a plurality of users. A database is provided on the processor readable media and accessible by the processor. A centralized messaging center is operable to receive from the processor the communications, to print the communications, to image the communications and to store the communications in a database.

Abstract: A method for remote accessing a multi-line residential telephone system. Using a first remote telephone, a calling party dials a telephone number associated with a first telephone line of the multi-line residential telephone system. After a predetermined number of unanswered rings at the first telephone line of the multi-line telephone system, the multi-line telephone system prompts the calling party to input a code. After a successful verification of the code, the multi-line telephone system connects the first remote telephone with a second telephone line of the multi-line telephone system so that the calling party receives a dial tone over the second telephone line. The calling party then dials a terminating telephone number associated with a second remote telephone to establish communication with a called party of the second remote telephone.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: 1.1. Phone and PIN enables any unmodified telephone to act as a secure PIN (Personal Identification Number) entry means any remote Computer or Business Information System can use to authenticate the identity of any person or to obtain validation for any transaction purportedly made by any person. There are many instances when Business Information Systems or individuals may wish to immediately confirm the accuracy, validity or authenticity of the identity of any person or confirm the accuracy, validity or authenticity of a transaction any person has, is about to or which they intend to present. This need often arises in the normal course of business and particularly when persons transact business on the Internet. Phone and PIN provides an automated means for such authentication to be obtained. The person to be called has a PIN number associated with their telephone, which is known to them.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile terminal includes receiving mobile communications and transmitting mobile communications in a first mode of operation, and enabling at least one function that is not available in the first mode of operation while preventing transmission of mobile communications in a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation is activated responsive to receiving a valid authorization code in the second mode of operation. Related devices and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of managing a communications network, managing secure transactions conducted by digital communications devices over a communications network and computer program product therefore. A Back to Back User Agent (B2BUA), for example, receives numerical input from a networked digital communications device, e.g., a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device, and determines when and whether the SIP device displays digits entered at the devices. The B2BUA analyzes received digits for an identification (ID) code and selectively couples the SIP devices with a media server capable of providing prompting the SIP devices. In cooperation with the media server, the B2BUA directs replacing sensitive codes (e.g., passwords or Personal Identification Number (PIN)) with placekeepers or suppressing display altogether. After sensitive code input is complete, digit entry display resumes.

Abstract: A biometric data collection and storage system includes stations (e.g., checkpoints such as those found in airports, seaports and border crossings) for collecting biometric data from each individual passing therethrough. The biometric data includes a variety individual-specific biometric features that are measured or collected while the individual is in the station. Each station, uniquely identifiable by a code, assembles a data package to include the biometric data and the station's code. A controller maintained in proximity to the stations receives and encrypts each data package to generate an encrypted data package for each individual. Storage devices/facilities located remotely with respect to the controller are used to store each encrypted data package.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting additional information about a user are provided. The user may be a calling party or a called party. A request for information in addition to the information normally contained in the caller ID may be constructed and sent to a repository of additional information that returns the additional information. If the user is a calling party, the additional information may be presented on the called party's communication device. If the user is a called party, the additional information may be presented on the calling party's communication device. A system including the repository may receive the request. An authoring and editing component of the system may allow the user or others to edit the additional information about the user. The system may select and send the additional information based on a set of parameters in the request and the access type of the requestor.

Abstract: A method of controlling free phone calls placed from within a secured premises through an institutional phone system generally includes assigning a unique access identifier to an individual caller upon entry into the secured premises; receiving a destination number from the individual caller within the secured premises, the destination number being associated with a telephone located outside the secured premises; determining if the destination number is a per se free number, and, if the destination number is not determined to be a per se free number: receiving the unique access identifier from the individual caller; validating the unique access identifier; and, if the unique access identifier is valid, processing a telephone call to the destination number.

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

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that enable users to configure, customize, or personalize names for called number identification information. Accordingly, when such information is displayed for an incoming phone call, a user is able to quickly determine which line is being called based on a better user-created description of the CNI information.

Abstract: In an information distribution device for supporting an individual-adaptive system, when a car navigation system is employed as an individual-adaptive system, the system includes an individual identification section which can be connected to a portable cellular phone, enables entry of a portable cellular phone number from the portable cellular phone, and determines a setting status of a device in accordance with the input phone number; and an operation control section which controls the setting status of the device in accordance with the setting status determined by the individual identification section.

Abstract: An account administration system and method with security function are provided. The system comprises an identification unit, an issue unit, a portable communication device, and a identification device, wherein after the issue unit receiving the request massage from the portable communication device, a user password will be generated from the issue unit, and the user password will be sent to the portable communication device and the identification unit, thus, user can input the user password to the identification device received from the portable communication device, furthermore, according to the user account used, the identification procedure of the identification unit will exam to be passed for the identification device, such that the online access with the identification unit will be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time insertion of services into an IP telephony call session are disclosed. A client initiates a service request message to a second server. The service request message includes the client identity and a requested service available from a second server. The first server determines if the client is authorized to use the requested service. If the client is authorized to use the requested service, the second server delivers the requested service to the client.

Abstract: A network-based verification of call connections is provided between a telecommunications subscriber terminal and a telecommunications service device selected by a service call number. This verification provides a way of enabling secure protection against an undesired selection of a service device and/or the selection of an undefined service device. A system and a method are provided in which during a call set-up, the selected call number is evaluated on the basis of at least one service call number stored in a communication network and/or at least one service call number area.

Abstract: A method and system to verify the identity of a user are described. The system may include a communications module to receive a telephone number and a plurality of digits; an address detector to obtain a geographical address associated with a user, based on the telephone number; and a business rules engine to determine whether the plurality of digits correspond to at least a portion of the social security number of the user, utilizing the obtained geographical address and the received plurality of digits.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a transfer of an endpoint device are disclosed. For example, the method receives an indication of a transfer of an endpoint device to a new user by a service provider. The method then notifies a subscriber associated with the endpoint device that the indication of the transfer was received by the service provider.

Abstract: A system includes at least one service switching device in communication with a first calling device and a second calling device. The system further includes at least one service control point in communication with the at least one service switching device and is configured to route incoming and outgoing calls between the first and the second calling devices, wherein the service control point is configured to collect and save biometric keystrokes from a calling party to identify the calling party to a called party.

Abstract: A small form-factor security device is provided that may be inserted in series with a telephone line to encrypt dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones from a telephone to prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. A receiving device decrypts the encrypted DTMF tones to receive the original information sent by the telephone. The security device acts as a second factor in a two-factor authentication scheme with a tele-services security server that authenticates the security device.

Abstract: A database for a telecommunication service includes a first record for a first number having a predetermined NXX, and a second record for a second number having the predetermined NXX. The first record includes an indication that a call having an automatic number identification associated therewith is acceptable for the first number. The second record includes an indication that a call having at least one of an automatic number identification and a calling party identification associated therewith is acceptable for the second number. Associated methods and systems for providing a telecommunication service for the predetermined NXX are disclosed.

Abstract: Access to information related to a client terminal is provided to a first web server, the information being stored by a second web server. The first web server is connected to the client terminal via a proxy server. The second web server sends a message, including a cookie, to the proxy server, wherein the cookie comprises a network address of the second web server. The cookie, related to the client terminal, is stored in the proxy server. The proxy server receives a message from the client terminal addressed to the first web server and the proxy server inserts the stored cookie into the received message. The proxy server forwards the received message to the first web server, which uses the cookie to request information from the second web server.