Abstract: A system and method for facilitating navigation of an interactive voice response (IVR) menu. When a subscriber desires a connection (e.g., telephone call) with an organization or other entity accessed though an IVR menu, the system maps or translates the IVR menu options into a textual or graphical format for presentation on a suitable subscriber device (e.g., computer, PDA, telephone). The mapped IVR options may be provided to the subscriber in real-time, while the subscriber is connected to the organization. Or, the mapping may be presented off-line so that the subscriber may select a navigation path or destination prior to a connection being established. The system may enter the menu choices (e.g., via DTMF signals) for the subscriber, and the caller may be connected to the call before or after the target of the call answers.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for a map-based directory service. Users are presented with a map on a computer screen, the map having symbols indicating real-world locations such as buildings, streets, parks, and bodies of water. A close correspondence exists between the map and the real-world. The map further has symbols indicating virtual locations. A virtual location, as the name implies, refers to a location that appears on the map but is not physically present in the real world. In accordance with the present invention, users can locate listings in conjunction with both real and virtual locations related to such listings, and, can connect to the entities associated with those listings once located.

Abstract: A method to receive calling party identification data and accept subscriber attached data for memory storage with projection as a focused lighted image on a flat surface is provided. The calling party identification data is received as Caller ID provided by the telephone service provider during the ring cycle of an incoming call and the subscriber attached data is additional information input by the called party for correlation and attachment to specific received calling party identification data. The lighted image is projected to provide a visual review of the calling party data in the form of grayscale or multicolor combination of text, characters or pictures from a viewing distance of two to forty feet in any ambient light.

Abstract: When a telephone call is received via an internal line, an information control/storage device transmits an electronic mail to a terminal device via an information line. The electronic mail includes information about the caller of the telephone call. When a user of the internal line cannot respond to a telephone call, an electronic mail is transmitted to a user designated as a substitute answerer. In this case, the electronic mail includes information indicating the user to whom the telephone call is originally addressed. After completion of the response to the telephone call, the substitute answerer transmits a message by an electronic mail to a terminal device of the user to whom the telephone call was originally addressed.

Abstract: A telephonic terminal system outputs vocal and picture signals to inform a user about an incoming phone call. A signal processing unit of the telephonic terminal system checks whether the incoming phone call signal can be identified in an internal data storage device that records a plurality data about various telephonic terminal users. If the incoming phone call signal is identified, a prompter including texts, vocal signals, and picture/video signals is outputted to inform the user of the origin of the incoming phone call signal. If the origin of the incoming phone call signal is not identified, the prompter accordingly informs the user. The telephonic terminal system further can catch pictures or video in snapshot fashion delivered from a remote telephonic terminal system.

Abstract: A method for telephone communications includes providing a protocol that defines a relation between predetermined graphic elements and respective sequences of dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals. A screen to be displayed is designed, including one or more of the graphic elements. An encoded representation of the screen is then generated using DTMF signals in accordance with the protocol. The encoded representation is transmitted over a telephone line to a telephone subscriber unit, whereby the one or more graphic elements are displayed by the subscriber unit responsive to the encoded representation of the screen.

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 telephony system allows a calling party to provide Call Context Identification (CCID) in conjunction with a voice telephone call. When a called party's telephone device is in its ringing state or in a call waiting alerting state, the CCID is displayed to the called party to aid the called party in determining whether to answer the call. The system allows a calling party to embed actions in text messages. Such actions are displayed on the called party's telephone device as action keys. Selection of these action keys results in performing an action defined by the calling party.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preliminary communication identification is disclosed. An apparatus for preliminary communication identification includes a receiver for receiving a signal from a remote source and a communicator for communicating the received signal. The communicator is suitable for communicating the received signal without indicating reception of the received signal to the remote source. The signal may include an image of a second user utilizing the remote source so as to enable a first user utilizing the apparatus to view the remote second user. A method for preliminary communication identification is also disclosed, including receiving a signal by a host system from a remote source and communicating the signal by the host. The signal is suitable for being communicated without indicating reception of the signal by the host to the remote source.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting announcement to a called party that is busy on a first call and receives a second call. Information provided by a second calling party is recorded and played back to the called party after the first call is over. The called party is not interrupted during the duration of the first call.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, user-interface and system to support selective caller identification, the automatic transmission of a caller's identification information to a selective group of call recipients, conducted over a network, using a communications device. When selective caller identification is activated, and a caller initiates a communications session with a particular call recipient, caller's communications device determines whether that particular call recipient identifier is stored within the caller's selective caller identification database. If recipient's data is stored within the caller's selective caller identification database, then depending upon the database entry, selective caller identification will enable or disable the transmission of caller's identification information.

Abstract: A bi-directional Calling Identity Delivery (CID) system is disclosed, including a first CID unit of a destination phone set that receives, displays, and stores first CID data of a call and displays, stores, and transmits second CID data of a prior call. A call-originating terminal receives the corresponding second CID data in response to a CID data request signal. A second CID unit of a destination exchange transmits a CID data transmission control signal to the first CID unit, receives the corresponding second CID data from the first CID unit, and transmits the corresponding second CID data to the call-originating terminal. The first CID unit transmits the corresponding second CID data to the second CID unit in response to receiving the CID data transmission control signal, and the second CID unit transmits the CID data transmission control signal in response to receiving the CID data request signal initiated by the call-originating terminal.

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 communication apparatus for an exchange network having a service of notifying the telephone number of a caller during a call-receiving operation can recognize respective callers of past call-receiving operations. During a call-receiving operation, a communication partner's telephone number detection unit detects the telephone number (identification information) of the caller, and stores the detected telephone number in a nonvolatile RAM (random access memory). The RAM can store a plurality of sets of identification information, which are recorded and output in the form of a list by a recording unit.

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: When a call has been transmitted to a telephone apparatus of a user through a communication means, a control means 102 extracts identification data, such as the telephone number, indicating the connected telephone. Then, a comparison is made between extracted data and the telephone number stored in the storage means 104. When coincident registered data is present, the address of a portion in which related image data has been stored is read. Then, reading of the address of the portion in which image data has been stored is controlled to extract image data in a corresponding memory card 103. Extract image data is transferred to a display portion 101 so as to be displayed.

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 telecommunication system obtains personal information from a caller to provide the identity of the caller to a called telephone. In one embodiment, fingerprint information of the caller is obtained from a fingerprint scanner at the calling telephone of the caller which is then correlated with names in a finger print information database to the identify the caller. In another embodiment, voiceprint information of the caller is obtained to identify the caller through use of a voiceprint information database that correlates the voiceprint information with voiceprint data in the voiceprint information database. In both embodiments, if a called telephone local switch determines that the called telephone is authorized to receive the identity of the caller, the called telephone local switch transmits the identity of the caller to the called telephone.

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: In a multimedia communications system (100) that provides for two-way voice calls, multimedia caller identification data is provided to destinations for calls. A message is generated to set up the interactive communications session between the user terminal (102) and destination (202). The user terminal is a wireless communication device with an over-the-air interface for communicating with the network or the user terminal is a wired device (144, 154) that is coupled to the system. Caller identification data is added to the message (204). The caller identification data includes at least one of audio data and video data. For example, the caller identification data may include a video clip, logo, animation or tune. The caller identification data is alternatively added by the user terminal or a processor in the multimedia communications network. The caller identification data and the message are transmitted to the destination (206). The path for transmission preferably includes a packet-based network.

Abstract: System and method for putting control of incoming telephone calls in the hands of subscribers with the aid of computer software and the Internet. In effect, a very efficient multiplexer is provided that does not require a change in the behavior of the called party or the calling party. This system permits the called party to hear a spoken message by the calling party in real time, and the content of the spoken message permits the called party to decide how to handle the call. The system adaptively learns and captures the rules of the called party for handling calls, and learns which callers the called party always wishes to talk to. The system uses special control software on the called party's computer which is connected to the Internet. The system employs a central server in which all of the required intelligence is resident. Audio signals are exchanged via non-data channels provided by the telephone companies and by the Internet.

Abstract: A telephone device and method for operating the telephone device. The telephone device has one bi-directional line connecting the telephone device to central office switching equipment. A memory in the telephone device contains at least one nontelephony application program. An application in the memory of the telephone device provides a method that determines when the telephone device is in an off-hook condition. The method then determines that at least one nontelephony application program command has been requested. In response to receiving the request, the method executes the at least one nontelephony application program command while the telphone device is in the off-hook condition.

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: 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: The communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention comprises a determination section for checking whether or not a dial key is pressed. If a dial key is pressed, the determination section checks whether the “dial key/browser dual-function” flag in the setting table is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the determination section checks whether the “focus HTML input field” flag is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the determination section determines that the input data of the dial key be subjected to browser input processing. On the other hand, if the “dial key/browser input dual-function” flag is OFF, this determination section determines that the dial key be used for dial input processing.

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: An apparatus, method and computer program product for automatically generating directory entries based on caller-id information are provided. When a call is received from a calling party, the caller-id information is obtained from a caller-id database. Either before, during or after the communication connection is established between the calling party's communication device and the called party's communication device, the called party is given the option to store and/or update the caller-id information as a directory entry in a local directory of the called party's communication device. If the called party elects to have the calling party's caller-id information stored in the called party's directory, the caller-id information is transmitted to the called party's communication device and stored as an entry in the called party's local directory and is used for further processing such as call block and the like.

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: The system and method consistent with the present invention provides improved electronic business cards for a communication device. Electronic business cards may be created using CLID information, transferred among users of a telephone network, and used to initiate a call automatically.

Abstract: A phone application includes a note button. During a call, when the note button is pressed, a note entry screen is presented to a user. The note entry screen is pre-populated with information already known about the phone call (number of caller, number dialed, name of caller, name of person called, etc.). The know information is retrieved from network data, including phone number and caller id for incoming calls, and the number dialed for outgoing calls, each in conjunction with the user's address book. The user completes the note entry screen including any notes the user wishes to make regarding the phone call. Upon completion of the note, if an address book entry has not been made or is incomplete, an address book entry screen is presented to the user to make or complete an entry for the caller/person called. The phone application runs on a PDA having telephone capabilities.

Abstract: In order to realize notification of an incoming call at a client terminal utilizing an existing extension switch system, an exchange of the extension switch system is linked with a server of client terminals such that notification of an incoming call to an extension is made also at a client terminal. Further, whether an incoming call to a client terminal is permitted or not can be changed depending on whether the client terminal is in a log-in state or not. Still further, notification of an incoming call to a client terminal is made by reproducing an audio file or the like to realize a flexible extension call. Further, a response to an incoming call at a client terminal is managed by a timer such that, in case of time out, an ordinary extension rings. Still further, the server is made to have alternative recipient information such that notification of an incoming call is transferred via the server.

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: The unique method for implementing icons in a radio communication device (103) which provides a plurality of radio communication services such as radiotelephone, facsimile and electronic mail services enables a more efficient user interface. The radio communication device preferably comprises a touch screen display (119) for displaying functional icons stored with directory numbers to simplify the retrieval of information and the transmission of messages. In particular, functional icons associated with one of the plurality of communications services can enable easier searching of directories or transmission of messages when stored in connection with directory numbers.

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 multiline telephone apparatus with caller ID signal detecting function had an expensive modem for demodulating the caller ID in each one of telephone lines. According to the invention of the present application, each line is provided with a signal detecting circuit for detecting a channel seizure signal or carrier signal in the caller ID signal, and the input line to the modem for caller ID demodulation is changed over depending on the detection output of these signal detecting circuits, so that the caller ID signals of a plurality of lines can be demodulated by one modem only. As a result, a simple and inexpensive multiline telephone apparatus with caller ID signal detecting function is realized.

Abstract: A gateway interface device that can be provided with a buffer for temporarily storing a calling party's information which can be sent with the initial signaling message of a calling party on an IP network to establish a communication with a called party on a PSTN network. Subsequent to the receipt of the initial signaling message, and based on the calling party's stored information, the gateway interface can intercept a request for calling party information from the called party or a called party's end office. Once the request for calling party information is received by the gateway interface, the gateway interface can then generate a reply based on the calling party information stored in the buffer. Otherwise, the calling party information stored in the buffer can be removed from the buffer after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incoming communications to a telecommunications device. The system includes a switch and a service control point in communication with each other. The switch is for detecting an incoming communication to the telecommunications device from a calling party, wherein the switch is in communication with the telecommunications device by a first communications link. The service control point is for receiving a first message from the switch regarding detection of the incoming communication and for sending a second message to a data communications device, the second message containing information regarding the calling party, wherein the service control point is in communications with the data communications device by a second communications link.

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: The invention is a method of receiving digital data from a Local Switching Office (LSO) on first party equipment that is communicating, in an off-hook state, via the LSO with second party equipment. The method presumes that the first party equipment has a telephone line interface that interfaces with a telephone line and an acoustic transducer interface with a loudspeaker and a microphone.

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 (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided. A calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information. The announcement may be tailored by changing the language of the announcement, for example, to conform to the majority of calls received by the called party. A special designator may be stored in association with account information when the service is ordered. The designator is read before the announcement is played to the calling party. The audible caller identification information is recorded and played to the called party in a message. The message may be tailored by changing the language or format of the announcement.

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 method and apparatus for conducting a multimedia telephone call. The apparatus carries out the method by establishing a telephone call between first and second customer premises equipment and generating, at the first customer premises equipment, a frequency shift keyed message containing a network resource locator. The FSK message is then transmitted from the first customer premises equipment to the second customer premises equipment during the telephone call and is received at the second customer premises equipment.

Abstract: A communications controller is provided for empowering the user of a communications device, such as a telephone or other device, to assume control over incoming communications. Each caller is identified by unique identification information as information associated with an incoming communication. The user selects one of a plurality of different priority levels for a particular caller. The user also selects block time intervals for each priority to indicate times during which calls will not be passed to user's communications device or other appropriate action is to be taken. When that particular caller places a call to the user, the user's communication controller determines the caller's identification information and recalls the priority and corresponding blocking time interval for that particular caller. The call is accordingly passed to the communication device or blocked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communications system and maintenance system for telephone contact. The present invention is designed to be a stand-alone system used in concert with computers and public telephone switches that are well known in the telephone contact industry. The present invention may, if desired, be integrated into an existing telephone contact system or host program, or, it can be made available as a stand alone product. The communication system enables the telephone service representative to transparently deliver a prerecorded voice file to a party that is consistent in voice tone, quality, energy and pitch. The communication system also provides the telephone service representative with a viewable transcript of the actual voice being transmitted to the party.

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: Customer premises telephone equipment and methods are provided for identifying a calling party's telephone number, household name, and city and/or state location, to a called party. The equipment and method includes one or more directories containing city and state location information corresponding to a complete listing of all area codes an local exchanges throughout a selected calling region or country. A receiver receives an incoming telephone number of an incoming telephone call and a comparator compares the received incoming telephone number with the directory or directories containing the city and state location information to identify a city and state location associated with the incoming telephone number. The equipment includes a display for displaying the incoming telephone call number, the household name, and/or the city and state location associated with the incoming call.

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: Upon detecting an incoming call, a call screening system determines the CALLER ID information associated with the call and compares it to a database of allowable calling parties. If the calling party is to be allowed to ring through, the call screening system routes the incoming call to one or more communication devices associated with the calling party information in the allowable calling party database. In this manner, certain screened calls only ring through to a handset if authorized, while others are authorized to ring through to a fax machine, an answering machine, another handset, or a remote device connected between a remote handset and the local exchange. A single call screening device having several ports thus filters calls to multiple communications devices. Incoming call screening may be selectively different during different times of the day, for different calling parties, or for different communications devices connected to the call screening device.

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.