Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for automating the exchange of information between the multiple personal computerized devices of an entity so as to provide context for communications, such as incoming and/or outgoing telephone calls, with other entities. The system and method associate one entity with multiple devices. Communications over a device (e.g., one of the various types of telephones) are tracked. Then, for a given communication, an identifier (e.g., a caller ID from an incoming telephone call) is communicated to at least one other device. The other device performs a local and/or internet search for information associated with that particular identifier. The retrieved information is then displayed so as to provide the entity with essentially instantaneous context for the given communication. The system can be implemented using client-server network technology or, alternatively, using point-to-point communication technology.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database, the system comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprising a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing IVR menus, wherein the one or more destinations are grouped based on a plurality of categories of the IVR menus. Further the memory includes instructions executable by said processor for automatically communicating with the one of more destinations, and receiving at least one customization record from said at least one destination to store in the IVR database.

Abstract: Tools and techniques are described for storage and expedited retrieval of messages and responses in multi-tasking environments. Methods provided by these tools may establish active communications with a first contact, and then received indications of secondary communications involving a second contact. These methods may then present user interfaces (UIs) that include representations of at least the secondary communications. Through the UIs, the methods may receive a selection of one of the secondary communications for an expedited response, and may receive input from the user that provides the expedited response to the secondary communication, while maintaining the active communication in an active state. These methods may provide the expedited response to the secondary communication, based upon the input received from the user.

Abstract: Files are easily located based on addresses associated with calls. When a call is processed to, or received at, an address, the address may be used to query a database. The database stores associates between addresses and files stored in memory. All filenames related to the address may be displayed, thus allowing a user to quickly launch the files associated with a calling number.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for verifying a user alias. The method comprises: a calling terminal inserting a set alias and a calling user's own number into calling information when calling a called terminal; after the called terminal receives the calling information, when the calling terminal registers calling number display restriction or when the calling terminal cancels the calling number display restriction and the calling number of the calling is inconsistent with a calling user number stored locally in the called terminal, determining whether the calling user's own number matches successfully with the calling user number stored locally in the called terminal to display in different modes when the matching is successful and unsuccessful, respectively.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is configured to respond to a call initiation instruction from a user with a two dimensional array of pictures or diagrams that each represent a potential call destination. The user can scroll (left, right, up, down) to select the image representing the desired call destination and upon selection from the user the wireless communication device places a call (voice or data) to the selected call destination or allows editing of the corresponding contact record. The pictures or diagrams presented to the user may be from a dynamic (e.g., most frequent contacts) or persistent (e.g., My favorites) predetermined list.

Abstract: The present invention provides flexible call processing. For example, a call processor system can receive an inbound call intended for a called party and place an outbound call to the called party. The call processing system can provide the called party with a call transfer option.

Abstract: A telephone device is capable of receiving, during communication with a first external device, a call from a second external device. The telephone device includes a setting unit and a ring alert inhibiting unit. The setting unit is configured so as to be capable of setting the telephone device to either one of a first status, in which a user of the telephone device wants to perform communication, and a second status, in which the user does not want to perform communication, the setting unit being configured so as to be capable of setting the second status, either when communication is started with the first external device, or while the communication with the first external device is being executed. The ring alert inhibiting unit inhibits a sound of a ring alert for informing that a call has been received from the second external device when the telephone device is in the second status.

Abstract: Information that is no longer valid due to the passage of time is not provided to a user. When a stock price information server acquires updated stock price information from a securities market network, a message that instructs that a predetermined application be started up and to which a term of validity has been attached is sent to a user terminal over a paging channel via an SMS server. When the user terminal receives the message, it determines whether or not the message is within the term of validity, and if it determines that the message is within the term of validity, starts up the instructed application from among a plurality of applications that are stored. The stock price information server then sends to the user terminal the stock price information that is requested by the started up application.

Abstract: A method and system for storing, transmitting and retrieving an audio message is disclosed herein. The invention allows a recipient to access a voice message sent by a sender by clicking on an access key in a SMS text sent to the recipient's phone. The SMS text preferably provides information on the sender and the length of the voice message. Once the recipient accesses the message, another SMS text is sent to the sender providing information on the when and how much of the voice message was communicated to the recipient. The voice message is preferably stored at a server of the system.

Abstract: There is provided a communication device, comprising: a display screen; a communication unit; an image data storage unit storing of image data; a registration information storage unit to store registration information and area information in such a manner that the area information is associated with the registration information; and an output control unit to display an image corresponding to image data associated with registration information corresponding to a source which transmitted a communication request such that an area corresponding to the source is distinguished from other areas.

Abstract: A method for processing telephone call includes: access number configuration information corresponding to a called number is stored in an access number configuration equipment in a communication system; the calling party requests for the pre-call registration in the communication system, the communication system adds a corresponding pre-call registration record into a pre-call registration list according to the access number configuration information; the calling party initiates the call to the called party, after the communication system receives the call request of the calling party and before calling the called party, the communication system determines whether the calling party has been registered in the pre-call registration list, if the calling party has been registered, connects the call request and initiates the call to the called party; otherwise, refuses to initiate the call to the called party.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a graphics user interface is provided. The graphics user interface includes a plurality of graphical representations. Each of the plurality of graphical representations identifies a separate voice message. A summary of content of each of the separate voice messages is displayed for each of the plurality of graphical representations, respectively. Each of the plurality of graphical representations is configured to be selected for playback of the respective voice message.

Abstract: In an image information storage device, a registration information storage unit stores registration information while associating it with first image data stored in an image data storage unit, while storing registration information for area information representing one of areas set in a drawing area of first image data stored in the image data storage unit. When an input specifying an area represented by area information is made while an image represented by first image data stored in the image data storage unit is displayed on a display screen, a search unit searches for second image data associated with registration information that has been associated with the area information in the registration information storage unit. An output control unit controls output of image/information to the display screen while outputting an image represented by the second image data search by the search unit to the display screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: A computing device displays a call history graphical user interface (GUI). The call history GUI includes a new list and an old list. The new list may include new missed call elements and missed call elements associated with new unopened voicemails. The old list may include other call history GUI elements, such as old missed call elements and missed call elements associated with opened voicemails.

Abstract: A digital photo frame, including a memory for storing a plurality of digital photos, and tags associated with the digital photos, where a tag for a digital photo corresponds to an object appearing in the digital photo, a screen for displaying the digital photos, an interface for making connection with a communicator, wherein the communicator includes a storage for storing a contact list of phone numbers for objects, and a controller, coupled with the memory and the interface, for rendering one of the plurality of digital photos on the screen, and for instructing the communicator via the interface (i) to identify the phone number of a selected object, and (ii) to dial the identified phone number, in response to user activation of a tag associated with the rendered digital photo and corresponding to the selected object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for locating files. Upon receipt of caller identification information, a search is performed to identify all files associated with the caller identification information. A presentation of the caller identification information is caused.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for storing a phone number in a mobile terminal. The apparatus includes a memory that stores a call history in which an outgoing call number and an incoming call number are listed; a phonebook manger that detects a recent phone number from the call history, checks how many times the detected recent phone number has been used to make a call, and determines whether to store the recent phone number; and a Micro-Processor Unit (MPU) that controls the phonebook manager to determine whether the recent phone number can be stored when the call is ended, and, if information that indicates the recent phone number can be stored is received from the phonebook manager, stores the recent phone number in the memory.

Abstract: A communication terminal having one or more one-touch-dial buttons simplifies operations needed for registration of destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses. A communication terminal (e.g., a cellular phone) having one or more one-touch-dial buttons includes a destination-data registration unit (e.g., a phone-directory database) that allows destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses to be registered therein, a one-touch-dial registration unit that allows destination data to be registered therein so as to be associated with the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, and a control unit that, in response to an operation of the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, determines whether destination data has been registered in the one-touch-dial registration unit or the destination-data registration unit, and that outputs a result of the determination and a query message regarding registration of the destination data.

Abstract: The invention provides a caller ID and information display system, comprising means to transmit the information normally displayed on a phone or a base unit's screen to portable panels. The system is also capable of displaying other information such as current local weather conditions, real time monitoring of stock and bond markets, sports scores, winning lottery numbers, daily horoscopes, holidays, birthdays and a multitude of other information.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a communication unit conducting a videophone call, a memory storing a telephone directory which registers at least each individual telephone number and which is capable of registering a portrait image associated with each individual telephone number, a portrait image registration determination unit determining whether or not a portrait image of a calling party is registered in the telephone directory by referring to the telephone directory based on the telephone number of the calling party when sending and receiving data according to the videophone call, a portrait image capturing unit capturing a portrait image received from the calling party as a calling party portrait image if the portrait image registration determination unit determines that the portrait image of the calling party is not registered in the telephone directory, and a portrait image automatic registration unit registering automatically the portrait image captured in the portrait image capturing unit

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes receiving a selection of an interactive voice response (IVR) option. The method also includes receiving, at an IVR system, a first spoken message. The first spoken message is translated, at a translator, into a short message service (SMS) text message.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system that facilitates automatic transmission of a variety of information packets to the communication devices of a calling party and parties called during a call. The information packets are comprised of actual files and or links to files or websites, and are automatically transmitted following the initiation of a call. Upon initiating a call, an indicator that may include metadata linked to information packets is processed to identify at least one database for locating information packets to which the metadata is linked. The interactive information distribution system also includes a verbal communication conversion engine that allows verbal telephone communications to be converted to text and filtered to generate keywords which are used in additional database searching to identify additional information packets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for enhancing user interaction with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) destinations, the system comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising: data encoding a database, the database comprising a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing an IVR; instructions executable by the processor for automatically communicating with at least one user; and instructions executable by the processor to pull at least one menu from the database and display the menu to the at least one user, wherein the menu is associated with a telephone number dialed by the at least one user, and wherein the menu comprises at least one icon.

Abstract: A communications device capable of communicating via any one of a number of communication modes comprises a mode comparator configured to determine which of the available modes is likely to be most appropriate for selection when initiating communication with a destination call party based at least in part on availability status data representative of a state of availability of the destination call party. The device displays the mode as a suggestion for selection by the user together with an ordered list of available communication modes for use in contacting a particular party, the list being ordered according to the likelihood of communication being successful.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.

Abstract: A system and method is described for managing phone calls initiated from a phone device of a personal digital assistant. In one example, a system for managing a phone call is described. The system comprises, among other things, a personal digital assistant. The personal digital assistant includes the following: a display device; a phone device; a call device configured to control the phone device and to display a selectable interface on the display device; a hard button configured to initiate the call device; and a selection mechanism configured to receive user selections from the selectable interface.

Abstract: A phone dialing method is carried out on a communication device when browsing photos so as to make a phone call. First, a browser is activated to load a picture. Face features of all the existing human faces are detected. The face features of all contacts in a directory are compared to find out the contact matching the characters of human face. Then, the phone number of the contact is dialed. Further, after the picture is loaded, a user may set an identification area to narrow down the scope of identifying human faces. After that, the characters of human face of the selected human face are analyzed, and a search is made in the directory to find the contact matching the characters of human face. Finally, call contact by the number of directory.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a notification at a network server and directing the notification to a particular address of a plurality of addresses that are associated with a customer premises. The method further includes identifying one or more customer premises equipment (CPE) devices that are designated to receive notifications directed to the particular address based on a directed notification profile that is associated with the customer premises. The directed notification profile may be stored at a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) database that is accessible to the network server. The method further includes communicating the notification from the network server to the one or more identified CPE devices.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireline telephone to a geographic-based local access directory number. A signaling node associated with the dialed local access DN sends a location request that includes the local access DN to an HLR. The HLR obtains the wireless DN from an internal database in which the wireless DN is associated with the local access DN. The HLR utilizes the wireless DN to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register, associates the TLDN with the local access DN and forwards the TLDN to the signaling node, which relays the TLDN to the originating switching node. The call connection is then established directly from the originating switching node to a visited cellular switch using the TLDN.

Abstract: A system and method for improved audio controls on a personal computer is provided. The system and method provide a unified architecture for audio controls across hardware and software interfaces of the personal computer. An intelligent facility may automatically change audio controls for users to simply interact with various communications and media applications. To this end, a configurable audio controller intelligently handles various aspects of the system's audio devices by following various rules that may be based at least in part on user-configurable settings and a current operating state. The present invention also provides audio controls so that a user may easily change audio settings such as the volume of an audio output device. There are many applications that may use the present invention for automatic control of audio devices based upon the user's context.

Abstract: Enhanced caller ID display functionality is linked to Photo or image and/or address book or other database information elements associated with the caller by the call recipient to provide a richer Caller ID Display experience. The enhanced ID caller information is displayed on the call recipient's television via, for example, a television set-top box. Advantageously, the call recipient selects the information to associate with the caller. This is advantageous because it is the recipient that is in the best position to know which information, including which image or images, is most useful to the recipient in relation to the caller.

Abstract: An enhanced caller-id service providing multi-media based caller information to subscribers via a server system. The server system can combine user-provided profile information with other data to provide more detailed reports for the subscriber. The server can also be used to maintain long-term calling records for subscribers. The caller information can be accessed remotely by the subscriber and can be downloaded from the server to another computer for use with other applications.

Abstract: A method and system authenticates an authenticatee and provides an authentication to a recipient. The authenticatee may be either the called party or the calling party. A network platform or customer premise equipment may be utilized to provide information for authentication. Customer premise equipment provides the authentication to the recipient.

Abstract: A system and method for processing multi-modal communications during a call session are provided. A call is received from a caller and assigned to an agent. A caller identification is assigned to the call. Voice communication from the call is processed and displayed. One or more text messages from the caller are received during the call. The caller identification is assigned to each of the text messages. The text messages are matched to the call using the caller identification and are displayed to the agent for review during the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides flexible, user-definable call screening processes. The user can optionally define to which telecommunication terminals a screened call is to be broadcast to and under what conditions. An incoming call is forwarded to a call management system that asks the caller to leave a voice message. The call management system selectively couples the call to a POTS line or a VoIP-capable device so that the user can listen to the incoming message and thereby screen the incoming call. Based on the screening, the user can instruct the call management system to connect the caller to the user.

Abstract: The present application relates to software on phones for displaying local times of distant parties as to allow users of the software to shape their behavior based on the social and business expectations related to those local times. Local times are retrieved by communicating with a directory number information service. The directory number information service can receive a user identifier from a phone application identifying a remote party. The service can retrieve a location of the remote party identified by the user identifier. The service can determine a local time of the remote party based on the remote party's location and provide the local time to the phone application for display. Social statuses can also be provided. The phone can create a call log for incoming calls made by remote parties. The calculated local time can be used for updating software on the phones.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to receive an incoming call message via a data interface upon activation of a trigger established with a voice communication network and activated when the voice communication network receives an incoming call to a destination identified by a pre-determined subscriber account; generate a call notification in response to the incoming call message; obtain a list of set-top boxes corresponding to the pre-determined subscriber account; and route the call notification to the set-top boxes on the list.

Abstract: A caller information providing system and caller information transmitting method in a mobile radio communication network is disclosed. When a call comes in, the present invention provides a user at the terminating mobile station a picture information of a caller or caller information including a picture information, audio information, and/or character information of the caller.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for providing a personalized greeting to a caller includes receiving an incoming call addressed to a first communication device from a caller using a second communication device, and determining a received caller identifier associated with the second communication device. The method further includes determining if the received caller identifier matches a pre-assigned caller identifier from a pre-assigned caller list. If the received caller identifier matches a pre-assigned caller identifier the method further includes playing an outgoing audio message associated with the pre-assigned caller identifier, recording an audio message from the caller, converting the audio message into a text message, and sending the text message to a user associated with the first communication device.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for announcing caller information to users over a television link. The method comprises receiving signalling information associated with an incoming call destined for a destination party, the signalling information comprising a portion conveying information regarding an origin of the incoming call and information regarding an identity of the destination party. The method also comprises attempting to establish a telephony link with a device associated with the destination party over a communication network in response to said receiving. The method further comprises attempting to establish a second telephony link with a processing entity to convey said portion of the signalling information to the processing entity to cause delivery of an indication of the origin of the incoming call over a television link associated with the destination party, said indication based on said information regarding an origin of the incoming call.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: A method of configuring a telephone, comprising configuring a plurality of self-labeling Role Keys to represent respective user roles, and configuring a plurality of self-labeling Role Associated Keys associated with respective ones of the self-labeling Role Keys such that upon user selection of one of the self-labeling Role Keys representing a predetermined user role, the plurality of self-labeling Role Associated Keys are presented to the user for invoking respective features associated with the selected user role.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for interfacing with a phone provider in an on-demand service environment. In one embodiment, a proxy server is in communication with a phone system. The phone system provides a phone call and is operated by the phone provider. The proxy server is configured to: receive information from the phone system regarding a phone event in relation to the phone call, and output a message including the phone event information to a data network. A client machine is in communication with the proxy server over the data network and in communication with a data provider separate from the phone provider. The client machine is configured to: receive the message from the proxy server, and display the phone event information in a first part of a user interface in a web browser. A second part of the user interface can display information received from the data provider.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying and producing computer based documents seamlessly to users that relate to their telephone calls. The best mode of the invention is considered to be the use of the invention with social media, such as Facebook, where the mobile station (30) searches for the social media page of the caller based on the Caller ID and displays it to the recipient of the call on the mobile station screen, possibly with other Internet search results. The method and system allow the user to obtain the newest public information about the person who calls him or he decides to call, or any documents that might be intermittent between the people. The Desktop or screen automatically arranges itself to a state in which it is easiest to work during the call, using searches made based on call parameters, such as caller ID. The invention adds “bandwidth”, i.e.

Abstract: A communication device receives an out-of-office message regarding a first contact. An application executing on the communication device displays a name of the first contact and an out-of-office indication regarding the first contact without displaying said out-of-office message.

Abstract: A communication terminal having one or more one-touch-dial buttons simplifies operations needed for registration of destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses. A communication terminal (e.g., a cellular phone) having one or more one-touch-dial buttons includes a destination-data registration unit (e.g., a phone-directory database) that allows destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses to be registered therein, a one-touch-dial registration unit that allows destination data to be registered therein so as to be associated with the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, and a control unit that, in response to an operation of the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, determines whether destination data has been registered in the one-touch-dial registration unit or the destination-data registration unit, and that outputs a result of the determination and a query message regarding registration of the destination data.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and method for delayed answering of a call to a cellular phone which can operate in either a distributed or a centralized manner. In particular, the system and method according to the present invention allows the cellular phone user upon receiving a call to play a message to the caller, such as informing the caller to “hold on” for a short time and that the user will be available shortly. The present invention provides a number of advantageous alternatives to provide a cellular phone user flexibility in answering incoming calls.

Abstract: A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.