Abstract: Perception of video clip is enabled in an instant messaging communications session by storing on a host system one or more video clips, receiving the request at the host system for a selected video clip to be delivered to an instant messaging participant system, accessing the selected video clip stored at the host system, and communicating the selected video clip from the host system to the instant messaging participant system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging participant system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.

Abstract: An internet facsimile machine capable of facsimile transmission via an internet to an addressee includes an identification information input circuit for inputting user identification information of an address of an addressee, a predetermined information input/selection circuit for inputting or selecting a predetermined piece of information so that information relating to a user in the address of the addressee is narrowed, a storage unit for storing a large amount of information about the user, a candidate presenting circuit for presenting a candidate for information relating to the user in the address of the addressee by relating the predetermined information input or selected by the input/selection circuit to the information about the user stored in the storage unit, a presented candidate determining circuit for determining only one candidate when said one candidate is presented by the candidate presenting circuit, and for selecting and determining either or any one of two or more candidates when said two or

Abstract: In a transmitting-side telephone apparatus 1 of a telephone system, a multimedia data multiplexing portion 108 multiplexes character data in a character data memory 101, image data in an image data memory 104, and music data in a music data memory 107 to produce multiplexed multimedia data to be memorized in a caller identification information holding memory 109 as caller identification information. A communication control information/caller identification information multiplexing portion 110 multiplexes communication control information from a transmission communication control portion 111 and the caller identification information from the caller identification information holding memory 109 to produce multiplexed transmission data to be transmitted through a transmitting portion 112.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: The collect call party identification service disclosed enables a service provider to identify a person who makes an assistance-free collect call and to transmit the caller's identity on the called phone regardless of the phone number from which the call is made and before any charges are incurred. The service provider, in a database controlled by the service provider, lists and identifies each person in a defined group with a personal identification number such as his/her phone number, social security number or the like. The Collect Calling Party Identification service is invoked by using a prefix such as *99. A person listed in the service provider's database and having been assigned a personal identification number can make a collect call without the assistance of an operator by dialing *99 plus his/her personal identification number. Upon confirmation from the database that the caller is listed in the database, the caller making the collect call then inputs the number that he/she is attempting to reach.

Abstract: A system for providing integrated multimedia and voice telephone service by simply dialing a telephone number is provided. One or both parties of a typical voice telephone call placed by the calling party dialing the called party number may simultaneously receive multimedia packets of data associated with the other party if both of the voice telephone devices are connected to or associated with a multimedia display device, and both telephone numbers are associated with clients or subscribers of the multimedia service. Multimedia data that may be provided to one or both parties includes names, office hours, maps of the other party's location, etc.

Abstract: A caller information display system and recording medium in a communication system in which voice communication and data communication can be done between multiple terminals over a network following an Internet protocol, includes a caller information storage unit in which caller information of each local terminal is stored in advance in each terminal, and an input unit that inputs caller information. A display unit displays caller information, and a call circuit unit controls voice communication. The display system also has a caller information transmission and reception control unit which controls transmission and reception of caller information when a call is made or received.

Abstract: A communication such as a telephone call is received, bearing identification information such as caller ID. The received audio signal, 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: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) based system and method that allows a subscriber connected to the Internet to receive customized call alerts and caller identification information concerning an incoming telephone call. Using client software, the subscriber associates telephone numbers to sound files. Then, when an incoming call with caller identification information is received, the client software determines whether the incoming telephone number points to a sound file. If so, the client software directs the sound file to play.

Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.

Abstract: A telephone or adjunct Caller ID device adaptively stores Caller ID data based, for example, on a blocked status of the Caller ID data. In a particular example, a telephone or Caller ID device includes a memory adapted to store Caller ID data associated with an incoming call, and a processor adapted to affect storage of the Caller ID data based on an attribute of the Caller ID data, such as a blocked status of the Caller ID data. In an alternative embodiment, a method of receiving an incoming telephone call includes the steps of receiving Caller ID data associated with the incoming telephone call, evaluating a portion of the Caller ID data, and making a storage decision based on the evaluation. The decision may be based on a blocked status of the Caller ID data. The decision may be made proximate in time to the reception of the incoming telephone call, or in response to a user input to affect Caller ID already stored.

Abstract: A method and system for administering calls on a voice network allows a user to selectively determine which calls will be accepted and assists the user in placing calls to other users on the network. The user may establish a list of users whose calls will be accepted and may also establish a list of users whose calls will not be accepted. The method and system may provide unwanted callers with an option to speak with the user for a fee. The method and system may also display phone or other messages to the user on a video display.

Abstract: A voice telephony system integrates voice telephony technology with television programming via a visual interface for a telephony device operating in a speakerphone mode. The visual interface indicates a status of the telephony device to a user, and is displayed by a video processing device connected to the television.

Abstract: A method, carried out in an arrangement having a cable that provides programming information to a video monitor as well as telephony service, where call progress information of a telephone call is displayed on the monitor, and the method sends control information upstream, over the cable, in connection with desired information relative to the call progress.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering unanswered telephone calls is provided. The method includes directing the unanswered call to an external server, recording details of the calling telephone, including the telephone number of the calling telephone (caller ID), the time and the date of the call, and notifying the called telephone of the details of the unanswered telephone call.

Abstract: An automatic call distributor (ACD) system, which includes an object-oriented system for defining one or more call treatments is provided. The system includes a first graphical user interface including a plurality of data record fields, which define data applicable to handling an incoming call. Also included is a second graphical user interface, which is configured to accept one or more tests based on the data included in the data record fields applicable to the handling of an incoming call. The first and second graphical user interfaces include a plurality of icons and data entry fields, which are manipulated by a system user to create and modify a call treatment. Once created, call treatments are displayed in a graphical format on a third graphical user interface, which allows one or more portions of a displayed call treatment to be altered by selecting the graphical representation of the relevant portion using a computer mouse or other point and click device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a telephone call is provided in which an email address is used to identify an intended recipient of the call and initiate a telephone connection. An email address is input and transmitted to an email address receiver. A telephone number is determined by a central communications provider via accessing a database or series of databases of telephone numbers associated with the email address. The telephone number thus determined is dialed to connect the user with the intended recipient.

Abstract: A PDA and telephone are associated so that the PDA can automatically dial the telephone. Another aspect enables acquiring a digital photo, and associating that with contact information on the PDA.

Abstract: A method of telephone dialling comprises: accessing a remote database computer from a terminal computer; interrogating a database thereon to retrieve a required telephone number; causing the storage on the terminal computer of identification data associated with a dial out number, in persistent form; calculating, from the data and the retrieved telephone number, the telephone number to be dialled; and causing the dialling of the calculated number.

Abstract: Methods for displaying caller identification information on an integrated display/telephone system capable of displaying images are disclosed. One or more signals are received and one or more images are displayed on a display of the integrated display/telephone system. An incoming telephone call is received with the integrated display/telephone system, and data corresponding to the incoming telephone call is received with the incoming telephone call. A caller identification display signal in generated, and the caller identification display signal is based on the one or more received signals and the data received with the incoming telephone call. The caller identification display signal includes the one more received signals and signals from a generator that generates character signals and background display signals.

Abstract: A method for notifying and reminding phone users of missed calls. The method is characterized in that when an incoming call is unanswered, the telephone notifies and subsequently reminds the user of the incoming call at a time period interval in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for delivering personalized messages to a calling party who calls a called party who is engaged in an Internet session over a telephone line not capable of receiving telephone calls without interrupting the Internet connection. The called party receives a notification on her computer screen of an incoming telephone call from a calling party. A drop box on the called party's computer temporarily interrupts the called party and identifies the calling party. The called party may answer the call, forward the call to a separate telephone number, place the call on hold, send the call to voice mail, or type, select or record a personalized message that is delivered to the calling party without interrupting the Internet session. The personalized message may be a text message or a voice message. Text messages are converted from text to speech before delivery to the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method comprises an emergency server for storing pre-provisioned emergency information for a subscriber position and embedding the information in an emergency call delivered to a public safety answering position terminal.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) based system and method that allows a subscriber connected to the Internet to receive customized call alerts and caller identification information concerning an incoming telephone call. Using client software, the subscriber associates telephone numbers to sound files. Then, when an incoming call with caller identification information is received, the client software determines whether the incoming telephone number points to a sound file. If so, the client software directs the sound file to play.

Abstract: A method, carried out in an arrangement having a cable that provides programming information to a television monitor as well as telephony service, where call progress information of a telephone call is displayed on the monitor of the television monitor, and the method sends control information upstream, over the cable, in connection with desired information relative to the call progress.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes (a) a memory which stores telephone directory data input into the handy communication terminal, (b) a display unit which displays the telephone directory data, and (c) a controller which displays modes each of which determines a specific order of displaying the telephone directory data in the display unit, and displays the telephone directory data in the display unit in accordance with a mode selected by a user.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus includes a communication section that controls communication to a destination and a browser that analyzes hypertexts, and displays an image in accordance with the analyzed hypertexts on a display, the image having at least an input field. Hardware keys are configured to input numbers and characters, and are selectively operable in a first mode to input a destination number to the communication section in order to communicate with the destination, and in a second mode to input data to the input field. A controller controls a status of the hardware keys in one of the first and second modes. The controller controls the hardware keys to input data to the browser when an input position is in the input field, and controls the hardware keys to input a destination number to the communication section when the input position is out of the input field.

Abstract: A keypad used for dialing telephone numbers to establish a communications link is also used to display game moves. Once the communications link is established between two or more parties, their terminals are placed in a game mode which activates inband signal detection and player identification circuitry located within the terminals. Multi-colored indicators (e.g., LEDs) and player identification displays (e.g., LCDs) at each terminal are activated, their color being dependent upon the source of received instructions. Player identification indicators are incorporated into a touch-tone keypad located on each of the terminals. Each key of the keypad has two or more color-coded indicators incorporated within, each color representing a particular player's move. Thus, the touch-tone keys represent a game board and/or game accessory when the terminal is placed in a game mode.

Abstract: The telephone memory aid provides a database to a primary party for storing and retrieving personal information about a secondary party, including summary information related to communication exchanges between the primary and secondary parties. The summary information includes, for example, the date and time of prior telephone calls and the topics discussed. This secondary party information, including the summaries of prior telephone calls, is available for review by the primary party during future phone calls with the secondary party. The telephone memory aid also facilitates entry of information into the database through speech recognition algorithms and through question and answer sessions with the primary and secondary parties.

Abstract: A delivery-information management method which enables designation of a reception date and time by easy manipulation of a terminal or the like. Delivery information is recorded in a database. Next, an e-mail containing a scheduled delivery time and a telephone number for confirmation communication is transmitted to an e-mail address included in the delivery information. Thereafter, a telephone call to the telephone number for confirmation communication is received, and an originating telephone number which indicates a number assigned to a telephone line through which the telephone call is made is acquired. When the originating telephone number coincides with the telephone number of a recipient, a flag indicating that the delivery date and time are confirmed is set in the delivery information.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a connection between a telephone agent and a computer user. A request is received from the user requesting a return call by an agent. The request is received through a web server and includes an identifier associated with the web page being viewed by the user. The identifier associated with the web page is transmitted to an agent that will contact the user. This allows the agent to view the web page that was being viewed by the user when the request was entered. A telephone connection is then established between the user and the agent. An agent can be selected based on the content of the web page being viewed by the user at the time the request for agent contact is entered. Additionally, for an incoming call, a web page can be generated that contains information about the incoming call. An identifier associated with the generated web page is transmitted to an agent that will answer the call. The agent then accesses the web page using the received identifier.

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: A method and apparatus for registering unanswered telephone calls is provided. The method includes directing the unanswered call to an external server, recording details of the calling telephone, including the telephone number of the calling telephone (caller ID), the time and the date of the call, and notifying the called telephone of the details of the unanswered telephone call.

Abstract: Voice/fax messages are stored in an intelligent network. A network server receives an incoming call from a subscriber and, if the incoming call contains a voice/fax message, a trigger device is used to call up a voice/fax storage service which stores the voice/fax message either on a voice/fax storage server or in a subscriber terminal of the called subscriber. The corresponding apparatus has a callback device which is driven when a given time period is exceeded or when the message has been retrieved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preliminary communication identification and caller ID text messaging is disclosed. The systems receive text entry from a caller for a short text message to be sent in conjunction with the incoming call signal. The text message is updated between rings. The system is suitable for communicating the text message of the received incoming signal without indicating reception of the received signal to the caller.

Abstract: An indication of urgency of a call is received from a caller. The urgency indication is communicated to the called party through a distinctive notification, such as distinctive ringing. The urgency indication may be obtained from a caller via a personal agent.

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: A method for notifying and reminding phone users of missed calls. The method is characterized in that when an incoming call is unanswered, the telephone notifies and subsequently reminds the user of the incoming call at a time period interval in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A displayed information management method allowing easy operation of a portable communication apparatus is disclosed. After selecting data from a set of data according to a desired condition inputted through a ten-key pad, a sequential index number is added to each piece of selected data. The sequential index number is not greater than a maximum number of lines displayable on the display. Each piece of the selected data accompanied with a sequential index number is displayed on the display. A desired piece of selected data is selected by a user inputting a sequential index number accompanying the desired piece of selected data through the ten-key pad.

Abstract: Information transmitted through radio is recorded in telephone communications using radio.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus of the present invention comprises a telephone number comparator for comparing a telephone number included in caller information delivered from caller identification delivery service with a telephone number registered in an electronic telephone directory, and displays the telephone number registered in the electronic telephone directory in display unit when the telephone numbers match at least in part as a result of the comparison. The telephone apparatus is thus able to display a correct telephone number of the incoming call and dial the telephone number correctly when making a callback.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) based system and method that allows a subscriber connected to the Internet to receive customized call alerts and caller identification information concerning an incoming telephone call. Using client software, the subscriber associates telephone numbers to sound files. Then, when an incoming call with caller identification information is received, the client software determines whether the incoming telephone number points to a sound file. If so, the client software directs the sound file to play.

Abstract: A method (30), a telecommunication device (10) and a software product for implementing a method (30) on a telecommunication device (10) are presented, whereby the method (30) comprises steps for providing a telecommunication device (10) with a call-number directory (20) assigning calling party identifications (23) to defined call-number representations (22), matching (S32, S34) a call-number of a calling party with the call-number representations (24, 26) in the call-number directory (20) and, in case a generic call-number representation (26) in the call-number directory (20) matches a number sequence of the call-number of a calling party, outputting the calling party identification (27) assigned to the generic call-number representation (26).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for serving character message transmission during a telephone call over PSTN connected to the central office to which information terminals having displays are connected for telephone calls and for data communication, the method including the steps of: based on SMS message writing and transmission request for use of character message transmission service of the first information telephone subscriber during a telephone call between a first and a second information telephone subscribers among the information telephones, if the customer premise equipment (CPE) alerting signal (CAS) is transmitted from the first information telephone in order to secure data transmitting/receiving reliability, muting, at the first information telephone, a handset of the first information telephone, transferring the CAS to the second information telephone through the central office in order to data transmitting/receiving reliability, and receiving a first acknowledge (ACK) message in respons

Abstract: The parties (12, 14) to a telephone call can exchange multimedia information by sending each other a URL that identifies the party's information. Each party may communicate its URL to the other party in the form of a caller identification message for receipt by the other party on a caller identification device (18) connected to computer (20). Upon receipt of the URL, the computer will access the Internet to retrieve the multimedia information corresponding to the URL. Rather than communicate its URL in the form of a caller identification message, each party may communicate its URL to the other in a call set-up signaling message in connection with an Internet Protocol telephone call.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for receiving directory information from directory assistance to an electronic communication device. Electronic communication devices may include, but are not limited to telephones, facsimile machines and electronic organizers. The system and method as described herein allows a user of an electronic communication device to contact directory assistance to obtain directory information and subsequently have the information transmitted to the directory of the device. Thus, the information is electronically transferred to the device without intervention from the user. The transfer may include an update of an existing directory entry within the electronic communication device or the creation of a new entry. The system and method as described herein minimizes the tedious and laborious task of creating and updating directory entries for the user.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively managing telephone functionality by utilizing a settop box may preferably include a television coupled to the settop box for displaying television programming from a television programming source, and a telephone coupled to the settop box for receiving telephone calls from a telephone network. The settop box may include a TV mute manager for controlling a television mute mode that may be activated to mute audio programming on the television when receiving incoming telephone calls. The settop box may further include a caller ID manager that controls a caller ID mode that may be activated to display caller identifications on the television when receiving incoming telephone calls. The settop box may also include a phone mute manager that controls a telephone mute mode that may be activated to mute telephone ringing when receiving incoming telephone calls.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for determining the caller identification for an incoming call and for displaying such caller identification information on a video display device such as a television. A caller identification line modem determines the caller identification information, a control processor translates and/or inputs such caller identification information to a video circuit for displaying the caller identification information. Various methods for so displaying caller identification information are provided, including overlaying such information on an input video signal such as for a predetermined interval of time, generating a separate caller identification video signal, which may be placed, for example, on an unused television channel. The caller identification circuits and methods may be integrated or combined with various advanced television, video and/or telephony functions.

Abstract: A method is provided of synchronizing analog call display data, comprising the steps of providing a ringing signal from a remote peripheral to a remote user in the event of a pending call initiated by a central controller, generating a predetermined go-ahead signal at the remote peripheral following application of a first full ringing cadence of the ringing signal to the remote user; and generating analog call data at a DSP device co-located with the central controller and transmitting the analog call data to the remote user upon receipt of the go-ahead signal.