Abstract:
A communication and information resource (CIR) manager provides methods and systems for managing the communication and information resources of a user. Through its management, the CIR manager provides the user with improved tools related to communications. The CIR manager receives a request to view a message center (164). The CIR manager obtains the information for inclusion in the display of the message center, though the use of queries (ie, to the telecommunications manager or other interface) (166). The CIR manager receives the responses to the queries (168). The CIR manager uses the data from the responses to cause the message center to display message information relating to the communications of the user (168).
Abstract:
Methods and systems for using a communication to execute a transaction with respect to an account. A communication is received on a calling line associated with a calling line number. An account number and a transaction amount are obtained from the communication. The account number corresponds to an account with respect to which a transaction is to be conducted. The transaction amount may be a number of units, a dollar amount, etc. A validation may be carried out to determine whether the caller or calling line number is authorized with respect to the conduct of the transaction. In an exemplary embodiment, a billing message is created to include the account number, the transaction amount, and the calling line number. The account number and the transaction amount from the billing message are used to execute the transaction with respect to the account corresponding to the account number. The transaction may be executed by crediting the account by the transaction amount such as by at least the number of units or by at least the dollar amount and by debiting the calling line number account by at least the number of units or by at least the dollar amount. The communication may be provided with an announcement regarding the execution of the transaction.
Abstract:
Methods for providing contextual information about communication devices and/or services. Profile information (102) indicating a user's communication devices and/or services stored. When profile information or a message log is displayed, the user may identify a communication device and/or service. A query inquires whether the user would like contextual information. The contextual information may be obtained from a gateway in a data network or a telecommunications manager in a telecommunication network. The contextual information is displayed. Profile information about a user' communicating partner may be stores. When the user makes an effort to communicate with the partner, a check may be made of the partner's profile information for a preferred communication device and/or service. If the user does not have a communication device and/or service corresponding to that of the communicating partner, a query may inquire whether the user would like contextual information. If so, the contextual information is presented.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for managing the communications and information resources of a user. A manager (10) interfaces with communications systems such as a telecommunications and/or data network (16). The manager allows a user to participate in, keep track of, log, monitor, and engage or direct activities relating to communications. The manager may receive and display data on a user's communications. The manager may respond to communications with a standard or selected response, and/or based on the user's instructions. The manager may make information related to the data or the received communications available. The manager may include a message log (18) with entries on communications of the user including instant or chat room messages, and unanswered calls.
Abstract:
Information correlated to a particular communication is provided. A communications manager (10) may provide a message log (50) including an entry with data for the particular communication. A feature of the data is provided in a request for retrieval of the correlated information (126). The feature may be used to retrieve the correlated information or the types of correlated information may relate to the feature (128). The types of data may be displayed (130), and a type of data may be selected (132). The substanceof the selected type is retrieved (136) and displayed (138). The types of data available and the substance of the selected type may be obtained by the communications manager from a telecommunications and/or data network. An indication of an action to be taken relating to the selected type of correlated information may be received, and the action may be carried out using the telecommunication and/or data network.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for providing information about a user's communications. The inventions allow a user (102) to obtain information correlated or corresponding to a communication. In addition, the inventions allow a user (102) to take action based on the information about a communication or the correlated or corresponding information. An exemplary system includes a telecommunications (telecom) manager (40) connected to a telecommunications network; a gateway (114) connected to a data network; and a communications manager that may communicate with the telecom manager (40) and the gateway (114). In addition, the communications manager may store information about a user's communication preferences. The preferences may include a preference for presentation of information correlated or corresponding to a communication. The communications manager obtains information correlated or corresponding to a communication from its own resources, from the telecom manager (40), or from the gateway (114). The communications manager allows the user to act on the correlated or corresponding information.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for providing contextual information regarding communication devices and/or services. Profile information (102) relating to a user is stored by a communication manager (1-6). Data about a communication for the user may be received from a telecommunications manager (132) in a telecommunications network (130) or from a gateway (114) in a data network (112). A comparison is made between the profile information and the data about the communication. Based on the comparison, contextual information relating to the communication is presented. The contextual information may be presented while the user participates in the communication. The contextual information may relate to a communication device and/or service used in the communication. The contextual information may relate to a discrepancy between the profile information relating to the user and the originating communication device and/or service. Further, the contextual information may be obtained from a telecom manager in a telecommunications network or from a gateway in a data network.