Abstract: The present multi-media communication system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. Each communication space station includes a subscriber voice interface and a help button. Further, each communication space station is configurable to include a graphic display screen and may server a subscriber device that includes a graphic display screen. The controller provides help information to the subscriber station in response to subscriber activation of the help button that is dependent on the operational state of the communication space station and is compliant with the communication space station's subscriber interface. The controller further provides for establishing a communication session with a help station in response to a second subscriber activation of the help button.

Abstract: A telephony system and method provide for the establishment of telephonic communications through use of a television and a set top box. The set top box is connected both to the television and a telephone network. Incorporated into a set top box is a microphone and a command signal input device. A viewer of the television may, through use of a user interface device such as a hand-held remote control or a keyboard, enter command signals which when processed within the set top box provide for the display of a number of interactive display graphics. Through interaction with these display graphics, the viewer may go off hook and dial phone numbers in order to establish a telephonic connection. Through use of a microphone and speakers incorporated into the television, a speaker phone is provided which allows for two-way audio conversations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a server receives a request for a PIN over a network, the request originating from a user at a client terminal. The request is associated with a requested monetary unit and a requested provider. The server retrieves from a database a PIN associated with the requested monetary unit and requested provider. The server transmits the retrieved PIN to the client terminal over the network, wherein the PIN is transmitted to the client terminal on-demand in response to the customer's request.

Abstract: A telephone stores a plurality of pairs of data in a memory 7, each pair consisting of a caller telephone number received from a telephone number forwarding service, and the time at which the telephone number was received. In response to a first operation, a control unit 1 controls a sequential display of a first display image and a second display image by the display unit using a content of the memory 7. The first display image includes caller telephone numbers and the second display image includes other display content. In response to a second operation, the control unit 1 continuously controls the display of a first display image on the display unit using the content of memory 7 to update caller telephone numbers displayed in the first display image.

Abstract: A system and method for consolidating access to communication media into a single, configurable interface accessible by callers.

Abstract: Upon receipt of a message in a state of waiting to receive the message, the received message is stored in a RAM, and a message receipt information is performed. When a user presses down a push switch for the message receipt information, the received message is displayed on a LCD. At this time, when it is impossible to display the received message on the LCD at a time because of the long received message, a jog switch is manipulated by a user. When the user manipulates the jog switch 12, the message displayed on the LCD is scrolled depending on the direction of rotation of the jog switch and the quantity of rotation thereof. Of the scrolled message, the portion of the message before scrolling is underlined and displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: A communication such as a telephone call is received, bearing identification information such as caller ID. The received audio signals if any, is encoded and stored. The identification information is used to look up additional information about the sender of the communication, such as by using the caller ID information to search the internet, for example by doing a reverse telephone number lookup. The user is presented with a graphical representation of this, and prior, communications, such as via an html page, and can select individual communications for playback, deletion, and the like. If the user is at a remote location, the encoded communications may be forwarded to that location, such as in the form of email attachments.

Abstract: A symbol for establishing a telephone call, has the following characteristics: (a) the symbol appears on a computer display; (b) a user can select and activate the symbol, which causes computer software associated with they symbol to activate telecommunications equipment which establishes the telephone call; (c) the symbol is “portable”, in that a user can cause it to be moved from any one of the following locations: (i) an Internet web page, (ii) an email message, (iii) a window associated with a computer program, (iv) a file directory folder, (v) and electronic form, (vi) a computer data storage medium, (vii) the user's operating system “desktop”, (viii) a personal digital assistant, Wireless Application Protocol phone or other mobile computing device; to one of the following locations: (I) the user's operating “desktop”, (II) an email message, (III) a window associated with a computer program, (IV) a file directory folder, (V) an electronic form, (VI) a computer data sto

Abstract: The invention makes efficient use of the function of a video telephone to store incoming calls. A caller image is stored in a display storage portion during a call, and the display of the image with an image display portion is continued after the communication. When the user sees the display portion, the user can confirm with one glance from who a video telephone communication was received while the user was out. It is also possible to store caller images while successively increasing the number of partitions into which the screen of the image display portion is partitioned whenever an image is recorded, and successively increasing the empty display space.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing caller ID information can be used in a call center or other telephony system to present customized caller ID information to a called party independent of the telephone line from which the call is made in the call center. The system retrieves at least one call record including a telephone number to be called and a customized caller ID telephone number associated with the call record. The number to be called and customized caller ID number are placed in a setup message formatted using an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) protocol. The setup message is sent to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to establish a telephonic connection with the called party. If the called party subscribes to the caller ID service, the customized caller ID telephone number and any associated information will be presented to the called party.

Abstract: A communication system and format is described for use in assisted telephonic communications, intended to help users who are hearing impaired use the telephone system. A relay connects a hearing user with the assisted user. The relay creates a text message stream containing the words spoken by the hearing user. The relay then combines the digital characters of the text message with packets of digitized voice spoken by the hearing user and sends the combined digital data packets to the station of the assisted user. The station of the assisted user is capable of separating the voice from the text and displaying the text for reading by the assisted user.

Abstract: A message sender status monitor is used to determine the communication status of the sender of an electronic message. In the case of email, upon the recipient opening an email, a query is launched to a “status registry” to determine if the sender of the email is currently logged in to the communication network, or if the sender is currently on the telephone, or currently using a cell phone, etc. This status information is then used by the recipient of the email to determine the communication medium used to send a reply to the email sender. For example, if the status information indicates that the message sender is currently logged in to the data network, the recipient can respond using “instant messaging” (considered, therefore, to be a more efficient type of response that merely responding with an email message).

Abstract: An easy response system for enabling a reply of yes or no to be made with the touch of a key or a voice reply to be made to electronic mail received at a portable telephone. A gateway unit 20 having an interface to Internet 1000 and an interface to a portable telephone network 2000 contains Internet communication means for transmitting and receiving electronic mail to and from a personal computer 10, portable telephone filter means for converting electronic mail received from the personal computer into a format in which the electronic mail can be handled on a portable telephone 30, reply mail preparation means for preparing reply mail to the personal computer 10, and portable telephone data communication means for receiving key input on the portable telephone. The portable telephone contains gateway communication means for sending key input to the gateway unit, electronic mail display means, and key input means, and operation description means for converting the key input into the corresponding operation.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for sending a message from one telephone to another by transmission of a short code. A set of message units stored within the receiving telephone is assigned to a set of codes which may be transmitted. The receiving telephone is a code-compatible telephone configured to detect an incoming code and forward the corresponding message unit to an output device associated with the code-compatible telephone. A message unit may comprise an entire message, or a portion of a message, such that multiple message units are combined to form a message. The message units may be alphanumeric or non-alphanumeric. An alphanumeric message unit contains multiple alphanumeric characters, while a non-alphanumeric message unit may contain graphical or auditory information. An alphanumeric or graphic message unit is forwarded to a display screen on the code-compatible telephone if the corresponding code is received. An auditory message unit is instead forwarded to the telephone's loudspeaker.

Abstract: A telephone terminal has a large size display indicating a telephone operation display of a touch panel system and it is used, for example, in a dealing speech system of financial organizations and the like. The telephone terminal has telephone operation indication functions which control the large display, as well as a master controller for controlling the display depicting telephone operation indications (pagination keys) and a slave controller for controlling the handlings concerning communication functions in order to obtain improved communication functions of the telephone terminal proper. These of the master controller and slave controller are cooperatively functioned to control these telephone indication functions and communication functions.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice control communications device interactive with voice mail systems and electronic mail systems and effective as a stand-alone unit. In general, when a motion detector detects motion in the vicinity of the device, a microprocessor receives input therefrom to initiate a software command to check for messages. If messages are present, the device provides an audible report stating the number of messages waiting and provides a list of voice commands by which the user may initiate the next action, which may include review, erase or skip message or end session. The presently described communications device can be used in conjunction with voice messaging platforms or electronic messaging systems via a personal computer.

Abstract: A method for providing information services to display the character information on terminals by a PBX through an ISDN, the method comprising the steps of registering a subscriber's request of character information services according to a given menu by connecting a specified port to the ISDN, determining whether corresponding terminal is registered for the character information services upon receiving a service message, and transferring the service message to be displayed in characters on the registered terminal.

Abstract: An aural information is expanded correspondingly to a compression system and a compression rate when a receiving signal from a digital telephone circuit is the aural information and a control signal received from the digital telephone circuit indicates that the aural information is compressed. When the control information indicates a stereo system including a right voice system and a left voice system, right and left voices are separated and output. Thus, a stereo communication is realized with an improved tone quality with using a digital telephone set.

Abstract: A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, miniscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of pre-recording voice data for notification is disclosed. A microphone receives voice data from a user. A speaker is provided for playing the voice data. A voice data processor processes the received voice data and the voice data to be played. A non-volatile memory stores at least one notification item, at least one notification time, and the corresponding voice data pre-recorded by the user via the microphone. A central processing unit is provided for searching voice data related to a notification item from the non-volatile memory when the notification time is reached, and sending the voice data to the speaker for being played, so as to notify the user.

Abstract: A voice mail messaging display system having a means for receiving telephone calls, and a data processor or computer coupled to the means for receiving telephone calls. The computer has a memory storing a voice mail program and a message board program. The voice mail program answers the telephone calls received by the means for receiving telephone calls and generates message records of the telephone calls. The message board program uses the message records and generates a display signal based on the message records. A signal conversion mechanism is coupled to the data processor and converts the display signal to a desired format. The converted display signal is delivered to at least one display device positioned in an area where a large number of people may see the display. Any person who is a subscriber of the system may review the display to determine if he or she has received any messages and, if so, may then dial into the computer to retrieve his or her messages.

Abstract: The invention uses the advanced intelligent network to provide caller identification for calls placed over the internet (24). A long distance call placed with an internet carrier results in the originating SSP (14) forwarding the call to an originating POP (22) for the internet carrier. The caller ID information is routed through the signaling system 7 network (16) to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The call is routed to a terminating POP (26) and then to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The SSP (32) inserts the caller ID information received through the SS7 network (16) and routes the call to the terminating line (30).

Abstract: An interaction manager system and method are provided to aid a caller in communicating with a callee. An interaction space is provided to a caller's communication device. This interaction space can include visibility information that informs the caller about the status of the callee, accessibility information that provides the caller with a list of communication channels available to the caller, and continuity information that includes information and action facilitation data that reflect the ongoing interaction between the caller and the callee.

Abstract: A communication system of the present invention retrieves first relevant information for an addresser according to received addresser information out of a storage circuit 14 and displays the first relevant information in a second window different from the first window and having a display priority higher than that of a first window of a first processing based on an application program in the program memory 16. In this case, the control circuit 12 keeps a display focus in the first window. Thereby, it is possible to display only the necessary and minimum addresser information without influencing an application currently used when a call is received. Moreover, the present invention can be constituted so as to display first relevant information in a tool bar.

Abstract: When CPU of a communication apparatus judges that a telephone line is not closed-and-connected and also judges that a transmission original is set, CPU performs processing of setting a transmission concentration. If it judges that no transmission original is set, the volume of a ringing sound is set. Further, when CPU judges that the telephone line is connected and closed and also judges that a telephone receiver is not on hook, it performs processing of setting a receiver volume. If it judges that the telephone receiver is on hook, it sets the volume of voices of a communication partner which are output from a speaker.

Abstract: A program execution device is connected with a predetermined communication terminal, and signals a call arrival when a call has arrived in the communication terminal during an execution of a program. With this arrangement, the program execution device securely informs the user about the call arrival in the communication terminal, even during the execution of the program. When necessary, the user can respond to the arrived call.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which enables a multitude of dissimilar end-system devices, appliances, and platforms to interchange image information. The inventive method utilizes a directory database of end-user profiles, a session manager, a conversion manager, individual conversation processors, a queuing database, and a store-and-forward file-folder database. The system accommodates pre-subscribed end-users as well as non-subscription users. The system handles both real-time and store-and-forward communications modes. The present invention may be practiced as either a one-node or a multi-node distributed architecture, scalable as required, and may be either network-based or premises-based, or a hybrid combination of these. Communications transport both into and out of the node(s) can range from voiceband telephone on analog circuits to high speed channel or fact-packet protocol communications modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a computer to display a multifunction telephone to augment or supplant a regular desktop telephone, said displayed phone having a variable size which may be increased from a minimum size in increments or with a fixed width or length with the other of the two dimensions infinitely variable to a maximum length or width. Each increment displays different virtual buttons which may be virtually pushed using a keyboard or pointing device to carry out various telephone functions such as speed dialing, transfer, speakerphone etc. using the TAPI Windows interface and library of telephone functions or an analogous library and API in other operating systems. As the size of the phone is varied, more virtual buttons become visible and their functions may be invoked. Preferably, the virtual buttons are positioned on the phone display such that they become visible in the order of frequency of use for the typical user.

Abstract: An arrangement for dynamically varying how space on a small display is allocated for presentation of various types of user information is provided. The arrangement optimizes utilization of space on small displays by dynamically allocating lines on the display for presentation of status or header-type information as well as menu item-type information. The arrangement configures the display such that lines therein are dedicatable in any combination to displaying these two types of information.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: The keypad 23 of a remote selection device 20 is operated to select a display object displayed on the monitor 3 of a processor unit 2. In response to the selection, the infrared ray emission unit 22 transmits an infrared ray signal. The infrared ray signal receiving unit 6 of the processor unit 2 receives the signal, and then the telephone function unit 4 calls up to a corresponding party. After the session established, telephone conversation is made using the microphone unit 26 and speaker unit 27 of the remote selection device 20.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus displays candidate telephone numbers of a destination person to support a calling operation when the destination person does not answer the call placed to a main telephone number of the same person.

Abstract: A system architecture for bypassing a local exchange carrier comprises an intelligent terminal, a residential gateway coupled to the terminal, a cable facility management platform terminating a twisted pair or coaxial cable facility and a network service platform. The platform serves both a cable headend and a telephone DSL network to enable a single service provider to provide different information content services independent of how a user actually receives the services. The twisted pair and/or coaxial cable fed, integrated residence gateway controlled intelligent terminal or set-top device provides a multiple menu heirarchy for selecting a plurality of enhanced services. The menus are implemented on a video telephone or similar device with a touch-sensitive screen display for interactively displaying video and accompanying audio signals and menu screens.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for identifying the call of a subscriber calling, via a telecommunication network, a destination telecommunication device, in particular, a destination terminal of a called subscriber, a destination program module for it, a destination telecommunication device for it, a network device program module for it, a network device for it, a source program module for it and a source telecommunication device for it. According to the method, upon setup of a call connection, identification data for identification of the caller is transmitted to the destination telecommunication device. The destination telecommunication device outputs the identification data.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining and processing items of information that are relevant for setting up a telephone connection in a CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) system, as well as corresponding CTI system. A user of the CTI system can at will mark character strings shown on a display screen (11) of the computer (4) of the CTI system, which strings can in particular be independent of the programs respectively running on the computer (4).

Abstract: A user interface for screen phones monitors telephone line state information and displays user interface controls and telephone line status information dependent on the telephone line state. The user interface includes a display element referred to as a call slip that expands and collapses in response to changes in telephone line state and user input. The call slip updates the information that it displays based on telephone line state changes and information communicated from one or more telephony monitoring applications. The call slip displays user interface controls representing tasks that are dependent on information derived from a telephone call, such as caller ID information. The software used to control the display of call slips and to monitor telephone line state is part of a software platform that may be customized for a particular device or application.

Abstract: A user interface of a mobile station includes a display, a keyboard, and an operating knob for using menus. Items describing functions of the mobile station are arranged on a menu. The operating knob is in a control and by rotating the operating knob, an item can be selected on the menu. By pushing the operating knob, a function can be carried out and by pulling it, the last implemented function can be undone.

Abstract: A remote control handset for cordless communication with a video controller enables enhanced video control and telephonic communication through the handset in an integrated communication network. A handset controller is adapted to selectively activate, deactivate or adjust the energy applied to the handset speaker and to operate a handset transmitter to send control and/or voice signals to the video controller such that a caller's audio signal may be overlayed on the video signal provided to an audio appliance and broadcast on the audio appliance speaker.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with virtual image display including a semiconductor array providing a real image and an optical system mounted to receive the real image and produce a virtual image at a viewing aperture. Electronics are associated with the array to produce real images in accordance with messages received by a data source such as a communication receiver. The display is sufficiently small to mount in a hand held microphone for viewing by the operator while using the microphone.

Abstract: A telephone call reception system which infers mental and/or physiological states of callers. Two types of analysis are available, and both types may be used upon the telephone calls. In one type, speech recognition is performed upon the call to generate a text file. Key words are sought in the text file. In the second type, the electrical signal itself is processed, as by a spectral analysis. Information obtained by the two analyses is used to predict the mental or physiological state of the caller.

Abstract: A wireless handset phone, virtual image display coupled to the wireless handset phone and pointing device for pointing on the virtual image display are included. The communicator may also include a limited-function computer. The virtual image display uses optics to create the virtual image. The pointing device may include a virtual selector; that is, an array of sensors or switches to accommodate different users's hands.

Abstract: A telecommunication system enables a called party having a caller identification device to learn the identity of a calling party although the calling party is a credit card caller, a calling card caller, a caller using an Intelligent/Agent service, a caller using a pager or a caller connected to a PBX system. If the calling partys ANI does not fully identify the calling party, information stored in a database is used to supplement the ANI so that the calling party can be identified.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a data distributor between the outputs of a public exchange switch and customer lines. The data distributor provides a controllable, simultaneous and direct connection between a source of data and a plurality of the customers' telephones to facilitate direct delivery of data to a large number of customers. Telephones for use with the system provide processors for receiving and displaying data and for transmitting responses by the customers.

Abstract: A system in a telecommunications network for providing selected advertisements to subscribers utilizing display screens to conduct a video telephone call. The system comprises a centralized database of subscriber advertising preferences, an information source, a calling subscriber's switch connected to the database and the information source, and a called subscriber's switch connected to the calling subscriber's switch. The database of subscriber advertising preferences stores advertising preferences for subscribers in the network, and is updated whenever a subscriber selects a displayed advertisement for more information. The information source stores a plurality of advertisements, and includes an advertisement selector which selects advertisements based on the advertising preferences for an identified subscriber such as the calling subscriber.

Abstract: Computer telephony application programming interface is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one call control object and at least one media control object. The call control objects are to initiate and terminate a computer telephony call having a media stream. The media control objects are to end-point the media stream of the computer telephony call. In a further embodiment, there is also a media control manager to instantiate a media control object for each multimedia device of the system.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for sending a message from one telephone to another by transmission of a short code. A set of message units stored within the receiving telephone is assigned to a set of codes which may be transmitted. The receiving telephone is a code-compatible telephone configured to detect an incoming code and forward the corresponding message unit to an output device associated with the code-compatible telephone. A message unit may comprise an entire message, or a portion of a message, such that multiple message units are combined to form a message. The message units may be alphanumeric or non-alphanumeric. An alphanumeric message unit contains multiple alphanumeric characters, while a non-alphanumeric message unit may contain graphical or auditory information. An alphanumeric or graphic message unit is forwarded to a display screen on the code-compatible telephone if the corresponding code is received. An auditory message unit is instead forwarded to the telephone's loudspeaker.

Abstract: A device enables a user to block telephone numbers designated by a caller ID device as “Unavailable”, “Out of Area”, and “Private” numbers. And, specified numbers can be provided in a list and blocked. A user can optionally select actions for the “No Caller ID Call Block” situation. In a first setting the telephone line ring can be suppressed, caller ID data read, and a determination made whether to pass or block the call. In this first case, the block will be performed by the telephone line going off-hook momentarily and back on-hook, such that the call is answered and subsequently disconnected. In a second setting, the block will be performed by the telephone line going off-hook momentarily and back on-hook, such that the call is answered and subsequently disconnected. In a third setting, the telephone line ring will be suppressed, and the block will be performed by suppressing the ring of the telephone for the entire duration of the call attempt.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting an alternative video or multimedia data file during an interrupted video transmission in, for example, a mobile video telephony system. In a first aspect of the invention, the method includes interrupting the video signal (200) which then automatically initiates downloading of a video data file from a storage medium (205,206) into a memory (120) for transmission to viewers over the mobile telephony system during the interruption in the video transmission. In a second aspect, a pre-encoded multimedia data file is stored on a storage medium (310) and downloaded into the video telephony system for playback to viewers during the interruption thereby providing a more enjoyable and possibly more informative viewing experience. In a third aspect, a software generated image is produced (400) and transmitted to viewers in lieu of the interrupted video transmission.

Abstract: A telephony system and method provide for the establishment of telephonic communications through use of a television and a set top box. The set top box is connected both to the television and a telephone network. Incorporated into a set top box is a microphone and a command signal input device. A viewer of the television may, through use of a user interface device such as a hand-held remote control or a keyboard, enter command signals which when processed within the set top box provide for the display of a number of interactive display graphics. Through interaction with these display graphics, the viewer may go off hook and dial phone numbers in order to establish a telephonic connection. Through use of a microphone and speakers incorporated into the television, a speaker phone is provided which allows for two-way audio conversations.