Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for outputting indications regarding voice-based interactions are described. A first speech-controlled device detects spoken audio corresponding to recipient information. The first device captures the audio and sends audio data corresponding to the captured audio to a server. The server determines a second speech-controlled device of the recipient and sends a signal to the recipient's second speech-controlled device representing a message is forthcoming. The recipient's second speech-controlled device outputs and indication representing a message is forthcoming.

Abstract: Enabling synchronous communications between a message sender and recipient includes receiving a message from the sender via a user interface of a communication application or a service, the message being intended for the recipient; upon receiving the message, determining if the message includes a question and if so, determining if a response to the question is received from the recipient within a predetermined time; if the response is not received within the predetermined time, examining at least one of: a presence status indicator associated with the communication application, an activity indicator, a calendar, an out of office indicator, and a to do list to determine an availability of the sender to engage in a communication with the recipient via the communication application; and enabling display of a notification to the sender based on the determined presence of the sender, the notification including a reminder about the question.

Abstract: When a customer initiates an interaction with an interactive voice response (“IVR”) system, the customer may need to be transferred to a live agent. Apparatus and methods may formulate timing information for integrating a live agent into an interaction controlled by an artificial intelligence (“AI”) engine. The system may integrate machine generated responses into a customer interaction controlled by a live agent. The system may formulate timing information for intercepting the live agent with responses generated by the AI engine. The system may formulate the timing information using interactional analytics and preferences of a specific customer.

Abstract: When a caller initiates an interaction with an interactive voice response (“IVR”) system, the caller may be transferred to a live agent. Apparatus and methods are provided for integrating automated tools into the interaction after the caller been transferred to the agent. The agent may determine which AI responses are appropriate for the caller. AI may be leveraged to suggest responses for both caller and agent while they are interacting with each other. Such human-computer interaction may shorten response time of human agents and improve efficiency of IVR systems.

Abstract: A computer system includes a calendar containing appointments. The system also includes one or more logic modules. Each logic module specifies a condition and a corresponding action. The profile may be applied to context data, such as data representing the current time, to perform the actions specified by the logic modules in response to detecting that the context data satisfies the conditions specified by the logic modules. In particular, the actions specified by the logic modules may be performed in response to detecting that the current time falls within the time period of an appointment on the calendar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes sending an availability-notification a caller-user in response to an occurrence of a trigger event; establishing a call session to enable a media stream comprising media of the caller-user that is of a first type to be received by a callee-user; sending the media of the first media type to the callee-user; re-establishing the call session to enable a media stream comprising media of the callee-user that is of a second media type to be received by the caller-user; and sending the media of the second media type to the caller-user.

Abstract: A method of notifying a user of a message received by a first device of the user is provided. The method includes connecting, by the first device, to a second device of the user through a local communication network, wherein the second device is currently registered by the first device; receiving, by the first device, a message, from an external device of another user; in response to determining the first device is not currently being used when the message is received, determining whether the registered second device is currently being used; and transmitting notification information of the received message to the second device currently being used by the user, wherein a notification regarding the received message is displayed on a display of the second device currently being used by the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining an occurrence of a trigger event; sending a notification to the caller-user; receiving a request from the caller-user to initiate the call session; establishing the call session to enable a media stream of the caller-user to be received by the callee-user; and sending the media stream to the callee-user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for outputting indications regarding voice-based interactions are described. A first speech-controlled device detects spoken audio corresponding to recipient information. The first device captures the audio and sends audio data corresponding to the captured audio to a server. The server determines a second speech-controlled device of the recipient and sends a signal to the recipient's second speech-controlled device representing a message is forthcoming. The recipient's second speech-controlled device outputs and indication representing a message is forthcoming.

Abstract: Agencies issue multiple devices to personnel for maintaining distinct identities over the course of assigned investigations. To provide flexible capabilities to agencies, a phone is converted for use with multiple attached telephone numbers. Accordingly, a single phone may be used to manage multiple identities over the course of one or more investigations. Using a multiple attached number, a given device can place and receive calls over the network to and from contacts. In addition to providing multiple attached numbers, calls using the multiple attached numbers may be monitored live and recorded to establish evidence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to or selected by another party participating in the call, or may be related to or selected by a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to or selected by another party participating in the call, or may be related to or selected by a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to or selected by another party participating in the call, or may be related to or selected by a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: The system and method to allow a cellular enabled device that lacks two-way satellite communication to receive incoming calls over a satellite network where the mobile terminating call is initially addressed to the cellular mobile phone number. In one embodiment, the system and method allows the cellular device to appear as a device roaming on a satellite network or sub-network. In another embodiment, the system places a call forward request to a satellite enabled device, where the call forward request is transparent to the user.

Abstract: A smart device interface for a vehicle. The smart device interface includes a transmitter/receiver and a controller. The transmitter/receiver is configured to communicate with a first smart device of a driver and a second smart device of a passenger. The controller is configured to permit the passenger to perform tasks on behalf of the driver using the second smart device. The tasks include responding to messages received by the first smart device of the driver, entertainment system operation, and navigation system operation.

Abstract: A telephone number corresponding to an incoming telephone call may be utilized to obtain information associated with the incoming call. If it is determined that the telephone number does not match records stored on the device on which the call is received, a request may be sent from the receiving device to an external device to obtain information associated with the incoming call. The request may be directed to a remote contacts application, another device listed in a data store of the receiving device, or to the calling device itself. When a response is received, the information may be displayed or otherwise utilized by the receiving device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extensible phone application that uses extensions to interact with other applications executing in a mobile communication device. The extensible phone application is operable to handle wireless communication for the mobile communication device. Another application may interact with the extensible phone application by incorporating an extension. The extensible phone application enables the extension to register with the phone application for receiving a notification associated with an event. In response to the event, the extensible phone application sends the notification to the extension.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) is provided between a TDD/TTY user and an entity. The user may use a TDD device to initiate a call with the entity. One or more converters may convert a TDD message from the user's device to IM, which is then provided to a recipient of the call, such as a representative of a company. The converter(s) may also convert IM from the representative into a TDD message that may then be provided to the user on the TDD device.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention screen calls. A first server receives information pertaining to a call to a user from a calling party. The first server then determines whether a real-time call management function is enabled for the user and determines whether a calling party number associated with the calling party is valid when the realtime call management function is not enabled. A call screening function is performed when the calling party number is invalid. The first server provides a notification of the call to a device associated with the user when the real-time call management function is enabled. A second server initiates the call screening function when the user selects a call screening option included in the notification.

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: A system and method for creating and distributing messages including dynamic content is provided. In one form, an entity provides a plurality of content segments for use in building a dynamic message. The entity also provides a listing of end users to receive a message and information associated with the user, such as demographic or prior purchasing information. In an alternate form, the service connects to the user in a communication session and collects information from the user directly. The service then uses this information, whether provided by the entity or the end user, as the basis for selection of various content segments which will make up a dynamic message for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A handsfree device is disclosed that offers additional wireless telephone services to the user of a wireless device in a minimally distracting manner. A call-waiting notification of a second call is presented acoustically via the handsfree device to a user. A responsive action by the user to request caller-ID information yields an audible presentation of caller-ID information related to the second call. The user may then elect to answer the second call.

Abstract: An incoming-call management method of mobile telecommunication devices is provided. The method includes offering options for telephone holder and caller, and controls the procedure according to the telephone holder's setting and caller's decisions.

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: A communication system shares terminal identification information (TII) used for identifying a terminal that sends a spam phone call, with another communication system belonging to another network provider, and includes: a storage section that stores the TII of a terminal that sends a spam phone call; a transmission section that transmits the TII stored in the storage section to the other communication system; a reception section that receives the TII used for identifying the terminal that sends the spam phone call; a registration section that registers the TII received by the reception section in the storage section; and a spam phone call determination section that determines whether there is a match between terminal information indicating information of an outgoing call terminal that sends a connection request, and the TII stored in the storage section, thereby determining whether the outgoing call terminal sends a spam phone call.

Abstract: A fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audiovisual call identifier including image and sound for a mobile communication device. The call identifier is shown on the display and audibly reproduced through the loudspeaker when a call is received by the communication device.

Abstract: A method of responding to an incoming call includes receiving the incoming call from a caller. The incoming call includes caller ID information having image data associated with the caller included therein. The image data is displayed on a video telephony device display while audibly announcing receipt of the incoming call. A communication session is established with the caller by presenting a pre-recorded announcement to the caller. In response to the pre-recorded announcement, a message from the caller is received and recorded. The message is rendered while it is being recorded only if a user-selectable mute setting option has not been activated.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.

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: A system and method (300) are disclosed for selective call-waiting in a communication system. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device (102) having a controller (206) that manages operations of a transceiver (202) for exchanging messages in a communication system, and a user interface (UI) (204) for exchanging messages with an end user of the communication device. The controller can be programmed to establish (302) voice communications with a first party, receive (308) a caller ID associated with a call from a second party while voice communications are taking place with the first party, compare (314) the caller ID with a phonebook, and if an entry in the phonebook matches the caller ID, submit (316, 320) a notification to the end user of the communication device that identifies the call from the second party. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for delivering a priority call waiting alert service to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party while the telephone line is already engaged in a first communication between the subscriber and a third party, the calling party is solicited to supply a priority code. If the priority code is recognized by a service control point, a call waiting tone or a priority alert signal associated with the priority code is played to alert the subscriber that a priority call has been received.

Abstract: An auxiliary call control component is coupled to a computing system alerts the computing system of an incoming call in instances where the computing system is not capable of processing the incoming call. When the auxiliary call control component receives an incoming call, the auxiliary call control component determines whether the coupled computing system is in a proper state suitable for processing (e.g., “picking up”) the incoming call. If the computing system is not in the proper state, the auxiliary call control component accepts the incoming call, signals the computing system to enter the proper state, and informs the computing system of the incoming call. When placed in the proper state, the computing system may retrieve the incoming call to allow the user to receive to the incoming call at the computing system.

Abstract: A fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: A method for providing communication service includes determining that a call was not answered by an intended recipient of the call and determining a due date associated with the call. The method also includes communicating the due date to the intended recipient.

Abstract: In the invention, an audiovisual call identifier including image and sound is formed for a mobile communication device. The call identifier is repeated on the display and in the loudspeaker of the communication device when a call comes in, i.e. it functions in the same way as an ordinary ring tone when it is used. The first step in the method is to take a shot including moving image and sound by a video camera. The shot taken is saved in the memory of the communication device as a video clip and set as a call identifier of the communication device. The video clip can be taken either by a video camera belonging to the communication device or by a separate device. The call identifier can be set as a general notification sign or it can be associated with a certain phone number or numbers in the phone memo of the communication device, in which case the video clip is repeated on the display and in the loud-speaker of the communication device when a call comes from the phone number(s) in question.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extensible phone application that uses extensions to interact with other applications executing in a mobile communication device. The extensible phone application is operable to handle wireless communication for the mobile communication device. Another application may interact with the extensible phone application by incorporating an extension. The extensible phone application enables the extension to register with the phone application for receiving a notification associated with an event. In response to the event, the extensible phone application sends the notification to the extension.

Abstract: A telephone caller identification system where potential callers can be assigned to call-in groups, each call-in group having a particular ring. When a member of a particular call-in group calls, the telephone presents the ring associated with that call-in group. A caller not assigned to any call-in group causes the telephone to present a default ring. The telephone can also present particular transfer rings when transferred indicating that the call being transferred is from a caller belonging to a particular call-in group, or provide unique voice mail rings when a member of a call-in group leaves voice mail.

Abstract: An efficient and effective method and system for providing to a customer an audible call notification of a current call and a subsequently received call waiting call. The present embodiments notify the customer that a current call is waiting in an effective manner that reduces confusion. Confusion is reduced by the combination of audible call waiting indicators and audible caller identification information associated with the calling telephone station. Additionally, both the indicator and the representation of the information can be provided automatically without significant delay. The indication is provided even when standard caller identification information is not available by prompting the caller to provide spoken caller identification information. The spoken caller identification information is provided to the called party along with call disposition options, such as options to accept or reject the call, route the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for emergency message delivery from an emergency center by receiving an incoming call from the emergency center for a first telecommunication terminal that is engaged in a telecommunication call with a second telecommunication terminal; identifying the emergency center; receiving an emergency message from the emergency center; recording an audio portion of the emergency message; alerting a user of the first telecommunication terminal of the recorded audio portion of the emergency message during the telecommunication call; detecting a signal from the first telecommunication terminal indicating that the user wants to hear the recorded audio portion of the emergency message; and transmitting the recorded audio portion of the emergency message to the first telecommunication terminal during the telecommunication call upon detection of the signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a call in real-time are disclosed. Methods and systems consistent with the present invention manage a call in real-time based on input from a user. A service center receives information pertaining to a call to the user from a service control point and sends a notification of the call to a device associated with the user. The service center receives a response to the notification from the user. Thereafter, the service center instructs the service control point to connect the call based on the response.

Abstract: A fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing the transmission of DTMF signals by a telephone over a telephone line. If the telephone is operating in a mode wherein another party may hear any DTMF tone generated by the telephone, such as over the loudspeaker of a speakerphone or as part of a conference call, the telephone prevents generation of an audible signal which predictably corresponds to the actual DTMF value of any button pushed by the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for alerting of a call. A message is received that notifies of a call to a called number having an established connection to a data network. A customer-selected style and a customer-selected location of a control is retrieved that responds to the customer's action. The message and the control are processed to alert of the call to the called number.

Abstract: A privacy screening service allows a subscriber to send a call screening request during a telephone call. The call screening request may comprise a Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency key (e.g., “Touch Tones”) on a telephone keypad, a softkey entry on a communications device, and/or a data message from an Internet Protocol phone or client application. The call screening request may store incoming line identification (ICLID) information of the connected communications signal in a database, add the ICLID information to a Do Not Call list, update a subscriber's profile with the ICLID information, and/or storing the ICLID information in a subscriber's blocked communications list. The Do Not Call list, the subscriber's profile, and/or the subscriber's blocked communications list may include communications instructions for the called number as well as include communications instructions for other registered communications addresses (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.

Abstract: The present invention enables users of packet-switched network services, e.g., VoIP network services, to hear a very gentle whispering tone that quietly conveys the identity of the calling party when they are engaged in conversation and to receive a call-waiting signal. The tone is audible only to the called party but does not mute the ongoing conversation path. This enables subscribed users to hear their ongoing conversation while receiving the whispering tone.

Abstract: The communication terminal device includes a handset, a central controller, a telephone network adaptor unit for converting analog signals transmitted/received between telecommunication network and the communication terminal device into digital signals, an interface unit physically isolating the central controller from the telephone network adaptor unit, and transmitting/receiving the converted digital signals between the central controller and the telephone network adaptor unit, and a telephone circuit unit which transmits the voice signals generated by processing the digital signals received from the telephone network adaptor unit to a handset through the interface unit and transmits the digital signals generated by processing the voice signals received from the handset to the telephone network adaptor unit through the interface unit.

Abstract: A method of providing telecommunication service includes receiving a call for a called party from a calling party. The method also includes determining a presence status of the called party and communicating a greeting for the calling party, wherein the greeting identifies the presence status of the called party.