A method of providing a caller with a directory assistance dialog. The dialog is configurable, at any level of the dialog, from an automated speech recognition (ASR) dialog to an operator-assisted (OP) dialog. The dialog is handed off to an operator if any level of the speech recognition dialog fails. Also, a configuration switch may be set to cause the dialog to be handed off to an operator even if a response at some level of the ASR dialog is successfully recognized.

The cellular call redirection system enables a subscriber to redirect all incoming calls directed to the subscriber's cellular telephone to an automated message system for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the calling party is connected to a voice announcement system which plays a message to the calling party to inform the calling party that the call has been redirected and provides information regarding the time remaining before the call redirection feature is automatically deactivat...

In one aspect of the invention, a system for call forwarding includes a telephone subsystem operable to communicate with a telephonic device. The system also includes a wireless subsystem operable to communicate with a mobile station. The mobile station is associated with the telephonic device. The system further includes a packet subsystem coupled to the telephone subsystem and the wireless subsystem. The packet subsystem is operable to instruct the telephone subsystem to forward a telephone ca...

A method for managing telephone calls including the steps of obtaining from a subscriber of a telephone line an authorization to activate a quiet time period, receiving an incoming call for a telephone number associated with the telephone line, determining whether the quiet time period has expired, terminating the call if the quiet time period has expired, and providing an alternative call treatment during the quiet time period. The quiet time period can include a default amount of time. Alterna...

Methods and apparatus for implementing call forwarding services using AIN techniques and next event list messages are described. Methods of notifying a subscriber of a call forwarded using AIN techniques are also described. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, a subscriber is allowed to set the number of rings which are allowed to occur prior to a call being forwarded. The number of rings, e.g., the ring count, is stored as part of a customer's call processing record (CPR) wh...

A method and apparatus for managing incoming and outgoing calls at an endpoint placed on hold are disclosed. A first call that includes an outbound media stream is established on a network between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The first endpoint detects that the first call was placed on hold by the second endpoint and a second call between the first endpoint and a third endpoint after detecting that the first call was placed on hold. The first endpoint communicates the outbound media s...

A system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as "a recording device" for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session...

A system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as "a recording device" for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session...

The monitor is for monitoring the status of a first client telephone, and for sending this status information via a central server to an authorized second client telephone. The central server stores a database of registered client telephones and corresponding client telephones that the client may monitor. A user of a registered client telephone monitors in real time the telephone status of registered friends, family, or co-workers that have agreed to be monitored by the user.

The present invention relates to a method and a system for simple implementation of requirements of telecommunications subscribers for services which can be provided by a communications network. According to the invention, the method includes abstracting and classifying the requirements into a corresponding number of classes, subdividing the individual classes into one or more subclasses, and uniquely associating a subclass with one or more technical functional units which can be coupled to one ...