Patent Publication Number: US-10320977-B2

Title: Telephone user interface providing enhanced call blocking

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/922,465, filed Oct. 26, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The subject disclosure relates to a telephone user interface that provides enhanced call blocking to improve customer experience. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A portion of calls received by a user of a telephone network are unsolicited (automated calls or “robocalls”). In order to avoid receiving such calls, a user typically must follow a multi-step process to block the caller from directing future calls to the user&#39;s equipment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for blocking calls, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative embodiment of enhanced call blocking by a telephone user interface; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for blocking calls using the telephone user interface of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an illustrative embodiment of enhanced call blocking using a spoken key phrase; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for blocking calls according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative embodiment of enhanced call blocking using physical movement of a mobile phone; 
         FIGS. 7-8  are connected flowcharts illustrating a procedure for blocking calls according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIGS. 9-10  depict an illustrative embodiment of enhanced call blocking using a television remote control device; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for blocking calls according to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9-10 ; 
         FIGS. 12-13  depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems that provide media services to subscribers, including telephony services; 
         FIG. 14  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal for interacting with the communication systems of  FIGS. 12 and 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for blocking unwanted calls (e.g. unsolicited robocalls) on a network that uses a telephony server. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a telephony application server (TAS) and a method where a customer receiving an unwanted call can take action to command the TAS to block future calls from the calling number. The TAS adds the telephone number to a “call block” list associated with the customer. If the list reaches a maximum size, the TAS automatically deletes the number calling with least frequency to make room for a new number. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device comprising a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations comprise detecting a communication session between a calling device and a called device and receiving a motion signal from the called device; the motion signal is generated at a motion sensor of the called device during or after the communication session. The operations also comprise analyzing the motion signal to determine whether a subsequent call from the calling device is to be blocked. The operations further comprise, responsive to a determination that the subsequent call is to be blocked, updating a list of blocked caller identifiers associated with the called device to add an identifier associated with the calling device. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method comprising receiving, by a device comprising a processor, a motion signal from a called device; the motion signal is generated at a motion sensor of the called device during or after a communication session between the called device and a calling device. The method further comprises analyzing, by the device, the motion signal to determine whether a portion of the motion signal corresponds to a preselected motion of the called device and a subsequent call from the calling device accordingly is to be blocked. The method also comprises, responsive to a determination that the subsequent call is to be blocked, updating a list of blocked caller identifiers associated with the called device to add an identifier associated with the calling device. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations comprise receiving a motion signal from a called device; the motion signal is generated at a motion sensor of the called device during or after a communication session between the called device and a calling device. The operations also comprise analyzing the motion signal to determine whether a portion of the motion signal corresponds to a preselected motion of the called device and a subsequent call from the calling device accordingly is to be blocked; the preselected motion corresponds to a motion of the called device in a predetermined range of distance, angle, speed, acceleration, oscillation frequency, or a combination thereof. The operations further comprise, responsive to a determination that the subsequent call is to be blocked, updating a list of blocked caller identifiers associated with the called device to add an identifier associated with the calling device. 
       FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure  100  for blocking calls, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In step  102 , a user of a device (e.g. a mobile phone coupled to a telephone application server via a network) answers an incoming call. The user determines that the call is an unwanted call, and takes action (step  104 ) to prevent future calls from the calling phone number. The user can take any of a variety of actions, as detailed below. 
     The application server (TAS) records the number (step  106 ), and adds the number to a “Call Block” list maintained at a database in communication with the TAS (step  108 ). If the Call Block list has reached a predetermined maximum size (step  110 ), the TAS can manage the Call Block list (step  111 ) so that it includes the numbers for the most frequent robocalls; this is done by deleting the least frequent number from the list (that is, the number for the least frequently calling unwanted calling party). In step  112 , the user may optionally direct the TAS to share information regarding the blocked number with the user&#39;s social media contacts. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative embodiment  200  of enhanced call blocking; where a user  201  of a mobile phone  210  enters a telephone user interface (TUI) code on the keypad  220  of the mobile phone. The TUI code (for example, *7) is transmitted to the TAS, shown schematically in  FIG. 2  as a server  250  coupled to a storage device with a database  260 . The database includes a list  265  of blocked numbers (Call Block list). The TUI code, when transmitted in association with a call to phone  210 , directs the TAS to add the number of the calling party to the list  265 . (The “calling party” for such calls is often an impersonal entity.) The TAS can then compare the number for a future incoming call to the list of blocked numbers, and block the call from being directed to phone  210  if the number matches any number on the Call Block list. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart depicting an illustrative embodiment of a method  300  for call blocking using a TUI as shown in  FIG. 2 . The user answers an incoming call (step  302 ); the user subsequently terminates the call (step  304 ) and obtains a new dial tone. The user can then enter the code for call blocking at the phone keypad (step  306 ) within a predetermined time period after the call is terminated (e.g. 15 seconds). If the TAS receives the code before expiration of the time period (step  308 ), the TAS records the number associated with the incoming call (step  310 ) and proceeds to add the number to the Call Block list (step  312 ). 
     If the Call Block list has already reached its maximum size (step  314 ), the TAS employs an algorithm to determine the number calling with the least frequency. This number is deleted from the Call Block list to make room for a new number (step  315 ). 
     In an embodiment, the user  201  is presented with an option (step  316 ) to share the blocked number with the user&#39;s social media contacts. If the user selects this option, the TAS can cause messages to be sent to the user&#39;s contacts such as, “I have blocked this phone number—you may wish to do the same” along with the blocked number. In an embodiment, this is done via a social media account the user has set up on the network. 
     In another embodiment, the user can enter the code for call blocking (step  306 ) via the TUI while the unwanted call is in progress. The code is transmitted to the TAS, which can immediately terminate the call. 
     In another embodiment, the user can read a caller ID on a display  211  of the phone, and determine that the incoming call is unwanted (step  303 ). The user then can enter the blocking code (step  306 ) instead of answering the call. In this embodiment, the TAS receives the blocking code and records the incoming call number (step  310 ) without connecting the call. 
       FIG. 4  schematically illustrates call blocking using a spoken key phrase, according to an embodiment  400  of the disclosure. User  201  receives a call on phone  210 ; after determining that the call is unwanted, the user speaks a phrase  420  during the call. The spoken phrase (key phrase) is processed by a voice recognition application at (or accessed by) the TAS. The key phrase triggers a command to the TAS to add the calling number to the Call Block list. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting an illustrative embodiment of a method  500  for call blocking using a spoken key phrase as shown in  FIG. 4 . The user answers an incoming call (step  502 ); the user then speaks the key phrase (step  504 ), such as “Block this call.” A voice recognition application processes the user&#39;s speech (step  506 ) to identify the key phrase as a command to the TAS. The voice recognition application can be configured to interpret several different phrases (e.g. both “Unwanted call” and “Block this call”) as a key phrase. If the key phrase is detected (step  508 ), the TAS records the number associated with the incoming call (step  510 ) and proceeds to add the number to the Call Block list (step  512 ). 
     If the Call Block list has already reached its maximum size (step  514 ), the number calling with the least frequency is deleted from the Call Block list (step  515 ). The user can also be presented with an option (step  516 ) to share the blocked number with the user&#39;s social media contacts. 
     In an embodiment, the voice recognition application compares the detected voice signal with a file of users&#39; voice signatures  507  to identify the user who is speaking, and ensure that the user is making a blocking command. For example, one user may have selected and recorded “Block this call” as the key phrase, while another user may have selected and recorded “Unwanted call.” The voice recognition application can then determine that a blocking command has been made when (and only when) the user&#39;s voice signature matches the phrase previously selected by that user. 
     In another embodiment, the Call Block list can be personalized to different users of the device, according to their distinct voice signatures. For example, the TAS can maintain a first Call Block list based on a key phrase spoken by user  201 , and a second Call Block list based on a key phrase spoken by user  202 . The key phrases of the two users may be different, or may be the same provided that the users&#39; voices can be distinguished from each other. 
       FIG. 6  schematically illustrates call blocking based on physical movement of the phone, according to an embodiment  600  of the disclosure. User  201  receives a call on phone  210 , so that the TAS detects a communication session between a calling device and a called device (phone  210 ). After determining that the call is unwanted, the user performs a shaking motion  620  (key motion) to indicate that the calling number should be blocked. Motion sensors  215  on phone  210  convert the motion of the phone to a motion signal. The motion signal is processed in a motion recognition procedure performed at (or at a device accessed by) the TAS, to determine whether a portion of the motion signal corresponds to the key motion. Detection of the key motion triggers a command to the TAS to add the calling number to the Call Block list. 
     The motion sensors  215  can include a gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the motion signal for the key motion corresponds to a motion in a predetermined range of distance, angle, speed, acceleration, oscillation frequency, or a combination thereof. In particular, the key motion can correspond to an oscillation having a frequency range, an amplitude range, and a relative direction of the shaking motion (for example, lateral oscillation at 4-8 Hz over 3-6 cm in the plane of the phone display screen, or torsional oscillation at 2-5 Hz over 30°-60° about the short axis of the phone). In another embodiment, the key motion can correspond to any motion that is repeated a specified number of times in a given time period (for example, four downward strokes within three seconds). 
       FIGS. 7-8  are connected flowcharts illustrating a procedure  700  for blocking calls according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . The user answers an incoming call (step  702 ); the user determines that the call is unwanted, and shakes the phone (step  706 ) while the unwanted call is in progress. The motion signal for the phone during the call (in another embodiment, during and after the call) is transmitted to the TAS (step  708 ). A motion recognition procedure is performed (step  710 ) to determine whether a portion of the motion signal corresponds to the key motion. If the key motion is detected (step  712 ), the TAS records the number associated with the incoming call (step  714 ) and proceeds to add the number to the Call Block list (step  716 ). 
     If the Call Block list has already reached its maximum size (step  718 ), the number calling with the least frequency is deleted from the Call Block list (step  719 ). The user can also be presented with an option (step  720 ) to share the blocked number with the user&#39;s social media contacts. 
     In an embodiment, the user terminates the call (step  705 ) and subsequently performs the shaking motion (step  706 ) within a predetermined time period after the call is terminated (e.g. 15 seconds). The motion signal is transmitted to the TAS (step  708 ). For a motion signal received before expiration of the time period (step  709 ), the TAS performs the motion recognition procedure to determine if the user has performed the key motion. In an embodiment, motion signals from the phone generated during and after the call (up until expiration of the time period) are stored in a memory device  711  accessible by the TAS; the TAS thus can determine whether the key motion occurred after termination of the call. 
     In an embodiment, the motion recognition procedure compares the detected motion signal with a file of users&#39; motion signatures  713 , corresponding to key motions selected by different users. For example, one user may have selected a torsional oscillation as the key motion, which a second user finds uncomfortable to execute; the second user may instead select a shaking motion in the plane of the phone display screen. The motion recognition procedure can then determine that a blocking command has been made if either motion is detected. 
     In another embodiment, the Call Block list can be personalized to different users of the device, according to their distinct motion signatures. For example, the TAS can maintain a first Call Block list based on a torsional oscillation executed by user  201 , and a second Call Block list based on a planar oscillation executed by user  202 . 
     In another embodiment, the TAS can cause a message to be displayed at the phone display  211  (step  715 ), requesting user confirmation of a blocked call (for example, “OK to block this caller? Press # for YES”). This message can be displayed in situations where the motion signal does not clearly indicate whether a blocking command was intended. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  depict illustrative embodiments  900 ,  1000  of enhanced call blocking using a television remote control device. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a caller ID  905  for an incoming call is displayed on screen of television  901 , overlaying the content  902  being presented on the screen. The user  201  may answer and then terminate the call with remote control device  910 . After the user answers the call, an option  1005  is displayed on the television screen for blocking future calls (e.g. “Block this caller from now on?”). The customer can then press the “OK” button on the television remote control to command the TAS to add the calling number to the Call Block list. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart depicting an illustrative embodiment of a method  1100  for call blocking using a television remote control as shown in  FIGS. 9-10 . The caller ID for an incoming call is displayed at the television (step  1102 ); the user answers the call (step  1104 ). An additional message is then displayed at the television (step  1106 ), asking whether the user wishes to block the caller. In an embodiment, this message is displayed when the call is answered; the user thus can enter a “block caller” command during the call, using the television remote control  910  (step  1108 ). The “block caller” command is transmitted to the TAS, which records the number for the incoming call. The TAS can terminate the call immediately upon receiving the command from the remote control device  910 . In another embodiment, the message “Block caller from now on?” is displayed after the user terminates the call, and for a predetermined time afterward (e.g. 15 seconds). The user can then enter a “block caller” command while the message is displayed. The TAS proceeds to add the number associated with the incoming call to the Call Block list (step  1112 ). 
     If the Call Block list has already reached its maximum size (step  1114 ), the number calling with the least frequency is deleted from the Call Block list (step  1115 ). The user can also be presented with an option (step  1116 ) to share the blocked number with the user&#39;s social media contacts. In an embodiment, this option can be presented as another display on the television screen, and the user can respond with the remote control device. 
     While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11 , it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein. 
       FIG. 12  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system  1200  for delivering media content. The communication system  1200  can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system  1200  can be overlaid or operably coupled with a telephony system including the telephony application server of  FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10  as another representative embodiment of communication system  1200 . For instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication system  1200  of  FIG. 12  can function as a device comprising a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising detecting a communication session between a calling device and a called device, and receiving a motion signal from the called device; the motion signal is generated at a motion sensor of the called device during or after the communication session. In particular, the device can analyze the motion signal to determine whether a subsequent call from the calling device is to be blocked. The device also can perform, responsive to a determination that the subsequent call is to be blocked, updating of a list of blocked caller identifiers associated with the called device to add an identifier associated with the calling device. 
     The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)  1210  with at least one super headend office server (SHS)  1211  which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server  1211  can forward packets associated with the media content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS)  1214  via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)  1212  according to a multicast communication protocol. 
     The VHS  1214  can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network  1218  to commercial and/or residential buildings  1202  housing a gateway  1204  (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network  1218  can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs  1219  to buildings  1202 . The gateway  1204  can use communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors  1206  such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices  1208  such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller  1207  (such as an infrared or RF remote controller). 
     The gateway  1204 , the media processors  1206 , and media devices  1208  can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other present or next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the media processors  1206  and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services. 
     A satellite broadcast television system  1229  can be used in the media system of  FIG. 12 . The satellite broadcast television system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system  1200 . In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite  1215  that include media content can be received by a satellite dish receiver  1231  coupled to the building  1202 . Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver  1231  can be transferred to the media processors  1206  for demodulating, decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices  1208 . The media processors  1206  can be equipped with a broadband port to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network  1232  to enable interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above. 
     In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system  1233  can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of communication system  1200 . In this embodiment, the cable TV system  1233  can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services. System  1200  enables various types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV, cable and/or satellite. 
     The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services system. 
     Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices  1230 , a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over the ISP network  1232  to wireline media devices  1208  or wireless communication devices  1216 . 
     Communication system  1200  can also provide for all or a portion of the computing devices  1230  to function as an application server (herein referred to as server  1230 ). The server  1230  can use computing and communication technology to manage a telephony system, which can include among other things, implementing the enhanced call blocking methods described in  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 11 . For instance, call blocking facilitated by server  1230  can be similar to the functions described for TAS  250  in accordance with method  100 . The media processors  1206  and wireless communication devices  1216  can be provisioned with software functions to utilize the services of server  1230 . For instance, functions of media processors  1206  and wireless communication devices  1216  can be similar to the functions described for communication devices  210  and  910  in accordance with methods  100 ,  300 ,  500 ,  700  and  1100 . 
     Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices over landline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless access base station  1217  operating according to common wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. 
       FIG. 13  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system  1300  employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system  1300  can be overlaid or operably coupled with a telephony system including the telephony application server of  FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10  as another representative embodiment of communication system  1200 . A device in the system that comprises a processor (e.g. a telephony application server) can perform a method comprising receiving a motion signal from a called device; the motion signal is generated at a motion sensor of the called device during or after a communication session between the called device and a calling device. The method can further comprise analyzing the motion signal to determine whether a portion of the motion signal corresponds to a preselected motion of the called device and whether a subsequent call from the calling device accordingly is to be blocked. The method can further comprise, responsive to a determination that the subsequent call is to be blocked, updating a list of blocked caller identifiers associated with the called device to add an identifier associated with the calling device. 
     Communication system  1300  can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)  1340 , a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server  1330 , and other network elements of an IMS network  1350 . The IMS network  1350  can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs)  1301 ,  1302 , Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs  1303 ,  1305 , and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)  1320  coupled to a PSTN network  1360 . The MGCF  1320  need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF  1320 . 
     IMS CDs  1301 ,  1302  can register with the IMS network  1350  by contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS  1340 . To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD  1301  can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF  1304  which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF  1306 . The originating S-CSCF  1306  can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or more application servers (ASs)  1317  that can provide a variety of services to IMS subscribers. 
     For example, the application servers  1317  can be used to perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling party number received by the originating S-CSCF  1306  in the SIP INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include determining whether the calling party number has international calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature services. 
     Additionally, the originating S-CSCF  1306  can submit queries to the ENUM system  1330  to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)  1307  to submit a query to the HSS  1340  to identify a terminating S-CSCF  1314  associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference  1302 . Once identified, the I-CSCF  1307  can submit the SIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF  1314 . The terminating S-CSCF  1314  can then identify a terminating P-CSCF  1316  associated with the terminating CD  1302 . The P-CSCF  1316  may then signal the CD  1302  to establish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc. 
     In some instances the aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” in  FIG. 13  may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communication system  1300  can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition, communication system  1300  can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs  1301 ,  1302  with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system  1200  of  FIG. 12 . 
     If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD  1303  or CD  1305  (in instances where the cellular phone only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system  1330  can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF  1306  to forward the call to the MGCF  1320  via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF)  1319 . The MGCF  1320  can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network  1360  to enable the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. 
     It is further appreciated that the CDs of  FIG. 13  can operate as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of  FIG. 13  can be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station  1321 , a femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establish communications with the IMS network  1350  of  FIG. 13 . The cellular access base station  1321  can operate according to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can be used by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the CDs of  FIG. 13 . 
     Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular base station  1321  may communicate directly with the IMS network  1350  as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station  1321  and the P-CSCF  1316 . 
     Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective function, server, or computer. 
     The server  1230  of  FIG. 12  can be operably coupled to communication system  1300  for purposes similar to those described above. Server  1230  can perform speech recognition, motion recognition and Call Block list management functions and thereby provide enhanced call blocking services to the CDs  1301 ,  1302 ,  1303  and  1305  of  FIG. 13 , similar to the functions described for server  250  of  FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10  in accordance with methods  100 ,  300 ,  500 ,  700  and  1100  of  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7-8 and 9-10 . Server  1230  can be an integral part of the application server(s)  1317  performing enhanced call blocking functions and can be adapted to the operations of the IMS network  1350 . 
     For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3 rd  Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and promulgated by 3GPP. 
       FIG. 14  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal  1402  of a communication system  1400 . Communication system  1400  can be overlaid or operably coupled with TAS servers shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10 , communication system  1200 , and/or communication system  1300  as another representative embodiment of communication system  1200 , and/or communication system  1300 . The web portal  1402  can be used for managing services of systems shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10 , and communication systems  1200 - 1300 . A web page of the web portal  1402  can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication device such as those described in  FIGS. 2 and/or 9  and  FIGS. 12-13 . The web portal  1402  can be configured, for example, to access a media processor  1206  and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor  1206 . The web portal  1402  can also be used for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on. 
     The web portal  1402  can further be utilized to manage and provision software applications and to adapt these applications as may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of the telephony system of  FIGS. 2, 4, 6 , and/or  9 - 10 , and communication systems  1200 - 1300 . For instance, users of the services provided by server  250  or server  1230  can log into their on-line accounts and provision the server  250  or server  1230  with contact information to enable it to communicate with devices described in  FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10 , and so on. Service providers can log onto an administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain the system of TAS  250 - 260  or server  1230 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device  1500 . Communication device  1500  can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in  FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 9-10 and 12-13 , and can be configured to perform portions of [methods  100 ,  300 ,  500 ,  700  and  1100  of  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7-8 and 11 . 
     Communication device  1500  can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver  1502  (herein transceiver  1502 ), a user interface (UI)  1504 , a power supply  1514 , a location receiver  1516 , a motion sensor  1518 , an orientation sensor  1520 , and a controller  1506  for managing operations thereof. The transceiver  1502  can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver  1502  can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof. 
     The UI  1504  can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad  1508  with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device  1500 . The keypad  1508  can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device  1500  or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad  1508  can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI  1504  can further include a display  1510  such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device  1500 . In an embodiment where the display  1510  is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad  1508  can be presented by way of the display  1510  with navigation features. 
     The display  1510  can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device  1500  can be adapted to present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display  1510  can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a user&#39;s finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display  1510  can be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device  1500  or an independent device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface. 
     The UI  1504  can also include an audio system  1512  that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system  1512  can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system  1512  can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI  1504  can further include an image sensor  1513  such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images. 
     The power supply  1514  can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device  1500  to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies. 
     The location receiver  1516  can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device  1500  based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor  1518  can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device  1500  in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor  1520  can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device  1500  (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics). 
     The communication device  1500  can use the transceiver  1502  to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller  1506  can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device  1500 . 
     Other components not shown in  FIG. 15  can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device  1500  can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller  1506  of the communication device  1500 . In yet another embodiment, the communication device  1500  can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device  1500  to force the communication device  1500  to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The communication device  1500  can also include a slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth. 
     The communication device  1500  as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in  FIG. 15 . These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. 
     The communication device  1500  can be adapted to perform the functions of the media processor  1206 , the media devices  1208 , or the portable communication devices  1216  of  FIG. 12 , as well as the IMS CDs  1301 - 1302  and PSTN CDs  1303 - 1305  of  FIG. 13 . It will be appreciated that the communication device  1500  can also represent other devices that can operate in communication systems  1200 - 1300  of  FIGS. 12-13  such as a gaming console and a media player. In addition, the controller  1506  can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the enhanced call blocking functions described above. 
     Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure. 
     It should be understood that devices described in the exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth, which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a router). 
       FIG. 16  depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system  1600  within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the server  1230 , the telephony application server  250 , and other devices of  FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10 . In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network  1626 ) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. 
     The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. 
     The computer system  1600  may include a processor (or controller)  1602  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory  1604  and a static memory  1606 , which communicate with each other via a bus  1608 . The computer system  1600  may further include a display unit  1610  (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system  1600  may include an input device  1612  (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device  1614  (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit  1616 , a signal generation device  1618  (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device  1620 . In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units  1610  controlled by two or more computer systems  1600 . In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units  1610 , while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units  1610 . 
     The disk drive unit  1616  may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium  1622  on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software  1624 ) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions  1624  may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  1604 , the static memory  1606 , and/or within the processor  1602  during execution thereof by the computer system  1600 . The main memory  1604  and the processor  1602  also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media. 
     Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 
     In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs or instructions running on or executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logic components in an application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computing device. 
     While the tangible computer-readable storage medium  1622  is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitory computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se. 
     The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored. 
     Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), and long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by computer system  1600 . 
     The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the features described with respect to an embodiment can also be utilized. 
     Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can include less than every step needed to perform the function or can include all of the steps needed to perform the function. 
     In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controller or circuit) has been described that performs various functions. It should be understood that the processor can be multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a state machine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this can include the processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or component to perform the operations. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.