Patent Publication Number: US-7912193-B2

Title: Methods and systems for call management with user intervention

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/083,793, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALENDARED COMMUNICATIONS FLOW CONTROL,” filed Feb. 27, 2002; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/083,792, entitled “VOICE MAIL INTEGRATION WITH INSTANT MESSENGER,” filed Feb. 27, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,646; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/083,884, entitled “DEVICE INDEPENDENT CALLER ID,” filed Feb. 27, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,190,773; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/083,822, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A UNIFIED COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT VIA INSTANT MESSAGING,” filed Feb. 27, 2002, all of which claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/272,122, 60/272,167 all filed Feb. 27, 2001, 60/275,667, 60/275,719, 60/275,020, 60/275,031 all filed Mar. 13, 2001, and 60/276,505 filed Mar. 19, 2001, and all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Applicants also claim the right to priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) based on Provisional Patent Application No. 60/428,704, entitled “DIGITAL COMPANION,” filed Nov. 25, 2002; and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/436,018, entitled “DIGITAL COMPANION,” filed Dec. 26, 2002, both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     The present application also relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/084,121, entitled “CALENDAR-BASED CALLING AGENTS,” filed Feb. 27, 2002; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,661, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRAG AND DROP CONFERENCE CALLING,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,859, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONFERENCE CALL BUFFERING,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/721,009, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER ENHANCED CONFERENCE CALLING,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,943, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REMOTE CALL ESTABLISHMENT,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,868, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTORY INFORMATION LOOKUP,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,970, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATICALLY FORWARDING CALLS TO CELL PHONE,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,952, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADAPTIVE MESSAGE AND CALL NOTIFICATION,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,870, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A CALL LOG,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,633, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATIC FORWARDING OF CALLS TO A PREFERRED DEVICE,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,971, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MULTI-LINE INTEGRATED DEVICE OR LINE MANAGEMENT,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,784, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTACT MANAGEMENT,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,920, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR NOTIFICATION OF CALL TO PHONE DEVICE,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,825, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SINGLE NUMBER TEXT MESSAGING,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,944, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MULTI-USER SELECTIVE NOTIFICATION,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,933, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CPN TRIGGERED COLLABORATION,” filed Nov. 24, 2003; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,938, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PREEMPTIVE REJECTION OF CALLS,” filed Nov. 24, 2003, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to data processing systems and, more particularly, to a method and system for managing calls in real-time with user intervention. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A wide variety of means exist for communication between users. For example, a user may conduct phone calls via a home phone, work phone, and mobile phone. In addition, users may also communicate using devices such as PC&#39;s, PDA&#39;s, pagers, etc. using manners of communicating such as email and instant messaging. 
     Unfortunately, managing such a wide variety of communication means can be difficult. In particular, as a user changes location, communication with the user may vary. For example, while on travel, it may only be possible to reach a user by mobile phone. However, the user may best be reached by email while at work. Also, the user may wish to implement various rules for receiving and controlling communications. For example, to be reached at home, the user may want the home phone to ring three times before forwarding the call to a mobile phone. As another example, the user may wish to be paged each time an email is received from a particular person while away from the office. 
     A user may also wish to treat a phone call differently dependent on who is calling the user. For example, if a user receives a call from a caller that the user does not want to speak to at the moment, the user may want to send that call directly to voice mail. Also, if a user receives a call from a number that displays no caller ID information or that the user otherwise does not recognize, the user may wish to somehow specially treat the call because the caller is a potential telemarketer. 
     Current call management systems make it possible for a user to receive notification of a call on a communications device, and then to either take the call or divert it to voice mail to the user&#39;s discretion. Current call management systems also make it possible to automatically intercept and specially treat a call that displays no caller ID information. 
     Current call management systems, however, do not enable a user to perform other functions as a call is being received, such as forwarding a phone call received on one device to another device, manually initiating protection from telemarketers, or otherwise managing a call in real-time. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and system for a method and system for managing calls in real-time with user intervention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Methods and systems consistent with the principles of the invention manage a call. A service center receives information pertaining to a call to a customer from a service control point, the service control point being operable to determine how a call is connected. The service center also sends a notification of the call to a device associated with the customer and receives a response to the notification from the customer. Thereafter, the service center instructs the service control point to connect the call based on the response. 
     Other methods and systems consistent with the principles of the invention also manage a call. A service center receives information pertaining to a call to a customer from a service control point, the service control point being operable to determine how a call is connected. The service center also retrieves data corresponding to the customer using the information pertaining to the call, sends a notification of the call to a device associated with the customer, and receives a response to the notification from the customer. Thereafter, the service center instructs the service control point to connect the call based on the response. 
     Other methods and systems consistent with the principles of the 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. The service center also sends a notification of the call to a first device associated with the user and receives a response to the notification from the user. Thereafter, a service control point forwards the call to a second device based on the response. The user provides a telephone number for the second device. 
     Other methods and systems consistent with the principles of the invention also manage a call in real-time based on input from a user. A service center receives information pertaining to a call to the user. The service center also retrieves data corresponding to the user using the information pertaining to the call and selects a device associated with the user to receive a notification of the call based on the retrieved data corresponding to the user. Additionally, the service center provides the notification to the selected device for display on the selected device and receives a response to the notification from the user. Thereafter, a service control point initiates a call screening process based on the response. 
     Other methods and systems consistent with the principles of the invention also manage a call. A service center receives information pertaining to a call to a customer from a service control point, the service control point being operable to determine how a call is connected. The service center also retrieves data corresponding to the customer using the information pertaining to the call, determines features enabled for the customer based on the information pertaining to the call, selects a device associated with the customer to receive a notification of the call based on the retrieved data, provides the notification to the selected device, and receives a response to the notification from the customer. Thereafter, the service center instructs the service control point to connect the call based on the response. 
     Other methods and systems consistent with the principles of the invention also manage a call. A device associated with a customer receives a notification of a call to the customer, wherein the device is determined based on retrieved data corresponding to the customer and the retrieved data was retrieved using information pertaining to the call. The device also receives input from the customer indicative of a response to the notification and sends response information to a server reflective of the response to the notification. Thereafter, the server instructs a service control point to connect the call based on the response to the notification. 
     Other methods and systems consistent with the principles of the invention also manage a call. A service control point sends information to a service center pertaining to a call to a customer. The service center is operable to retrieve data corresponding to the customer using the information pertaining to the call; send a notification of the call to a device associated with the customer, wherein the device is determined based on the retrieved data, and the device is one of a plurality of devices associated with the customer; and provide response information reflective of a response to the notification from the customer. The service control point receives the response information from the service center and connects the call based on the response information. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary data processing and telecommunications environment in which features and aspects consistent with the principals of the present invention may be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of an exemplary user terminal, consistent with the principals of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a voice network, consistent with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a service center, consistent with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a logical architecture of an exemplary system, consistent with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of an exemplary network access server consistent with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of an exemplary application server consistent with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of an exemplary flowchart of a method for real-time call management in a manner consistent with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  comprise another diagram of an exemplary flowchart of a method for real-time call management in a manner consistent with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of an exemplary user interface including customer-selectable real-time call management options consistent with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of an exemplary user interface that enables a customer to change preferences consistent with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Overview 
     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. The service center also retrieves data corresponding to the user using the information pertaining to the call and sends a notification of the call to a device associated with the user. The device is determined based on the retrieved data. Based on a response to the notification from the user, the service center instructs the service control point to connect the call by providing the service control point with response information reflective of the response. The service control point thereafter receives the response information from the service center and connects the call based on the response information. 
     Network Environment 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a data processing and telecommunications environment  100 , in which features and aspects consistent with the present invention may be implemented. The number of components in environment  100  is not limited to what is shown and other variations in the number of arrangements of components are possible, consistent with embodiments of the invention. The components of  FIG. 1  may be implemented through hardware, software, and/or firmware. Data processing and telecommunications environment  100  may include a data network  102 , a voice network  104 , and a service center  106 . A user  110  may use a user terminal  112  to interface with data network  102  and may use phones  114 ,  116 , and  118  to interface with voice network  104 . Calling party  120  may use phone  122  to call a user, such as user  110 , at anyone of phones  114 ,  116 , and  118 . 
     Data network  102  provides communications between the various entities depicted in environment  100  of  FIG. 1 , such as user terminal  112  and service center  106 . Data network  102  may be a shared, public, or private network and encompass a wide area or local area. Data network  102  may be implemented through any suitable combination of wired and/or wireless communication networks. By way of example, data network  102  may be implemented through a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), an intranet and/or the Internet. Further, the service center  106  may be connected to multiple data networks  102 , such as, for example, to a wireless carrier network and to the Internet. 
     Voice network  104  may provide telephony services to allow a calling party, such as calling party  120 , to place a telephone call to user  110 . In one embodiment, voice network  104  may be implemented using a network, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”). Alternatively, voice network  104  may be implemented on a voice over broadband network, such as a network using voice-over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) technology. Additionally, in other embodiments, the voice network may be a video over broadband network, such as, for example, a network for providing 2-way video communications. In another example, the voice network may be a wireless broadband network, such as, for example, a network using WiFi (i.e., IEEE 802.11 (b) and/or (g)). In yet another example, the voice network  104  may be a wireless voice network(s), such as, for example, a cellular or third-generation cellular network). In addition, voice network  104  may be implemented using any single or combination of the above-described technologies consistent with the principles of the present invention. Further, service center  106  may be connected to multiple voice networks  104 , such as for example, Verizon&#39;s™ Voice Network, voice networks operated by other carriers, and wireless carrier networks. 
     Service center  106  provides a platform for managing communications over data network  102  and voice network  104 . Service center  106  also provides gateway functions, such as code and protocol conversions, to transfer communications between data network  102  and voice network  104 . Service center  106  may be implemented using a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, service center  106  may be implemented using a plurality of general purpose computers or servers coupled by a network (not shown). Although service center  106  is shown with direct connections to data network  102  and voice network  104 , any number and type of network elements may be interposed between service center  106 , data network  102 , and voice network  104 . 
     User terminal  112  provides user  110  an interface to data network  102 . For example, user terminal  112  may be implemented using any device capable of accessing the Internet, such as a general purpose computer or personal computer equipped with a modem. User terminal  112  may also be implemented in other devices, such as the Blackberry™, and Ergo Audrey™. Furthermore, user terminal  112  may be implemented in wireless devices, such as pagers, mobile phones (with data access functions), and Personal Digital Assistants (“PDA”) with network connections. 
     User terminal  112  also allows user  110  to communicate with service center  106 . For example, user  110  may use instant messaging (“IM”) to communicate with service center  106 . In addition, user terminal  112  may use other aspects of TCP/IP including the hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”); the user datagram protocol (“UDP”); the file transfer protocol (“FTP”); the hypertext markup language (“HTML”); and the extensible markup language (“XML”). 
     Furthermore, user terminal  112  may communicate directly with service center  106 . For example, a client application may be installed on user terminal  112 , which directly communicates with service center  106 . Also, user terminal  112  may communicate with service center  106  via a proxy. 
     Phones  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  122  interface with voice network  104 . Phones  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  122  may be implemented using known devices, including wireline phones and mobile phones. Although phones  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  122  are shown directly connected to voice network  104 , any number of intervening elements, such as a private branch exchange (“PBX”), may be interposed between phones  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  122  and voice network  104 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a user terminal consistent with the present invention. User terminal  112  may include a central processing unit (CPU)  200 , a memory  202 , a storage module  204 , a network interface  206 , an input interface  208 , an output interface  210 , an input device  216 , and an output device  218 . 
     CPU  200  provides control and processing functions for user terminal  112 . Although  FIG. 2  illustrates a single CPU, user terminal  112  may include multiple CPUs. CPU  200  may also include, for example, one or more of the following: a co-processor, memory, registers, and other processing devices and systems as appropriate. CPU  200  may be implemented, for example, using a Pentium™ processor provided from Intel Corporation. 
     Memory  202  provides a primary memory for CPU  200 , such as for program code. Memory  202  may be embodied with a variety of components of subsystems, including a random access memory (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”). When user terminal  112  executes an application installed in storage module  204 , CPU  200  may download at least a portion of the program code from storage module  204  into memory  202 . As CPU  200  executes the program code, CPU  200  may also retrieve additional portions of program code from storage module  204 . 
     Storage module  204  may provide mass storage for user terminal  112 . Storage module  204  may be implemented with a variety of components or subsystems including, for example, a hard drive, an optical drive, CD ROM drive, DVD drive, a general-purpose storage device, a removable storage device, and/or other devices capable of storing information. Further, although storage module  204  is shown within user terminal  112 , storage module  204  may be implemented external to user terminal  112 . 
     Storage module  204  includes program code and information for user terminal  112  to communicate with service center  106 . Storage module  204  may include, for example, program code for a calendar application, such as GroupWise provided by Novell Corporation or Outlook provided by Microsoft Corporation; a client application, such as a Microsoft Network Messenger Service (MSNMS) client or America Online Instant Messenger (AIM) client; and an Operating System (OS), such as the Windows Operation System provided by Microsoft Corporation. In addition, storage module  204  may include other program code and information, such as program code for TCP/IP communications; kernel and device drivers; configuration information, such as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) configuration; a web browser, such as Internet Explorer provided by Microsoft Corporation, or Netscape Communicator provided by Netscape Corporation; and any other software that may be installed on user terminal  112 . 
     Network interface  206  provides a communications interface between user terminal  112  and data network  102 . Network interface  206  may receive and transmit communications for user terminal  112 . For example, network interface  206  may be a modem, or a local area network (“LAN”) port. 
     Input interface  208  receives input from user  110  via input device  212  and provides the input to CPU  200 . Input device  212  may include, for example, a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse. Other types of input devices may also be implemented consistent with the principles of the present invention. 
     Output interface  210  provides information to user  110  via output device  214 . Output device  214  may include, for example, a display, a printer, and a speaker. Other types of output devices may also be implemented consistent with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of a voice network, consistent with the principles of the present invention. As shown, voice network  104  includes an intelligent service control point (ISCP)  302 , service transfer points (STP)  304  and  306 , service switching points (SSP)  308  and  310 , a line information database (LIDB)  312 , an ISCP Service Provisioning And Creation Environment (SPACE)  314 , a Recent Change Environment  316 , an Intelligent Peripheral (IP)  320 , and a switch access  322 . Although this embodiment of a voice network  104  is described as a PSTN, as discussed above in other embodiments, the voice network  104  may be, for example, a voice or video over broadband network a wireless broadband, a wireless voice network, etc. 
     Voice network  104  may be implemented using the PSTN and SS7 as a signaling protocol. The SS7 protocol allows voice network  104  to provide features, such as call forwarding, caller-ID, three-way calling, wireless services such as roaming and mobile subscriber authentication, local number portability, and toll-free/toll services. The SS7 protocol provides various types of messages to support the features of voice network  104 . For example, these SS7 messages may include Transaction Capabilities Applications Part (“TCAP”) messages to support event “triggers,” and queries and responses between ISCP  302  and SSPs  308  and  310 . 
     ISCP  302  may also be, for example, a standard service control point (SCP), an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) SCP, a soft switch, or any other network call controller. ISCP  302  provides translation and routing services of SS7 messages to support the features of voice network  104 , such as call forwarding. In addition, ISCP  302  may exchange information with the service center  106  using TCP/IP or SS7. ISCP  302  may include service logic used to provide a switch, such as SSP  308  or  310 , with specific call processing instructions. ISCP  302  may also store data related to various features that a user may activate. Such features may include, for example, call intercept and voice mail. ISCP  302  may be implemented using a combination of known hardware and software. ISCP  302  is shown with a direct connection to service center  106  and a connection to ISCP SPACE  314 , however, any number of network elements including routers, switches, hubs, etc., may be used to connect ISCP  302 , ISCP SPACE  314 , and service center  106 . Further, information exchanged between the ISCP  302  and service center  106  may use, for example, the SR-3389 General Data Interface (GDI) for TCP/IP. 
     STPs  304  and  306  relay SS7 messages within voice network  104 . For example, STP  304  may route SS7 messages between SSPs  308  and  310 . STP  304  or  306  may be implemented using known hardware and software from manufacturers such as NORTEL™ and LUCENT Technologies™. 
     SSPs  308  and  310  provide an interface between voice network  104  and phones  114  and  120 , respectively, to setup, manage, and release telephone calls within voice network  104 . SSPs  308  and  310  may be implemented as a voice switch, an SS7 switch, or a computer connected to a switch. SSPs  308  and  310  exchange SS7 signal units to support a telephone call between calling party  120  and user  110 . For example, SSPs  308  and  310  may exchange SS7 messages, such as TCAP messages, within message signal units (“MSU”) to control calls, perform database queries to configuration database  312 , and provide maintenance information. 
     Line Information Database (LIDB)  312  comprises one or more known databases to support the features of voice network  104 . For example, LIDB  312  may include subscriber information, such as a service profile, name and address, and credit card validation information. Although, in this figure, LIDB  312  is illustrated as directly connected to ISCP  302 , LIDB  312  may be connected to ISCP  302  through an STP (e.g.,  304  and  306 ). Additionally, this communication link may use, for example, the GR-2838 General Dynamic Interface (GDI) for SS7. 
     ISCP Service Provisioning and Creation Environment (SPACE)  314  may be included as part of the ISCP  302  or be separate from the ISCP  302 . For example, the Telcordia™ ISCP may include an environment similar to SPACE  314  as part of the product. Further, ISCP SPACE  314  may include one or more servers. ISCP SPACE  314  is the point in the ISCP platform where customer record updates may be made. 
     In one embodiment, customer records may be stored in the ISCP SPACE  314  such that the records may be updated and sent to the ISCP  302 . These records may include information regarding how to handle calls directed to the customer. For example, these customer records may include information regarding whether or not calls for the customer are to be forwarded to a different number, and/or whether or not the call should be directed to an IP, such as a voice mail system, after a certain number of rings. Additionally, one ISCP SPACE  314  may provide updates to one or more ISCPs  302  via an ISCP network (not shown). 
     Additionally, the voice network  104  may include one or more recent change engines  316  such as, for example, an Enterprise Recent Change engine (eRC); an Assignment, Activation, and Inventory System (AAIS); or a multi-services platform (MSP). As an example, the eRC and MIS may be used in voice networks  104  located in the western part of the United States, while an MSP may be used in networks in the eastern part. The recent change engines may be used to update switch and ISCP databases. For example, a recent change engine may deliver database updates to SSPs and to ISCPs, such that when updating databases, these recent change engines emulate human operators. Additionally, if the instructions are to be sent to an ISCP  302 , the recent change engine may first send the instructions to the ISCP SPACE  314 , which then propagates the instructions to the ISCP  302  as discussed above. Further, an MSP or eRC may be used, for example, for providing updates to both the SSPs  308  or  310  and the ISCPs  302 . Or, for example, an eRC may be used for providing updates to the SSPs  308  or  310 , while an AAIS is used for providing updates to the ISCPs  302 . 
     Updates sent to the SSPs  308  or  310  may be sent from the recent change engine  316  via a switch access  322  that may, for example, convert the updates into the appropriate protocol for the SSP  308  or  310 . For example, recent change engine  316  may send updates to the SSPs  308  or  310  via TCP/IP. The switch access  322  may then convert the updates from TCP/IP to X.25. This switch access  322  may be implemented using hardware and/or software. These connections may include any number of elements, such as, for example, switches, routers, hubs, etc. and may be, for example, an internal data network for the voice network  104 . 
     The voice network  104  may also include one or more intelligent peripherals (IP). For example, in  FIG. 3 , an IP  320  is illustrated as being connected to SSP  308 . These IPs may be used for providing functions for interaction between users and the voice network, such as voice mail services, digit collection, customized announcements, voice recognition, etc. Moreover, the communications between the SSP  308  and IP  320  may use the Primary Rate interface (PRi) (e.g., the 1129 protocol) protocol. Additionally, the IP  320  may be capable of sending and receiving information to/from the Service Center  106 . These communications may use, for example, the SR-3511 protocol. Further, although  FIG. 3  illustrates this connection as a direct connection, this connection may include any number of elements including routers, switches, hubs, etc., and may be via, for example, an internal data network for the voice network  104 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a service center, consistent with the principles of the present invention. As shown, service center  106  may include firewalls  402  and  404 , one or more digital companion servers  406 , one or more communication portal servers  408 , one or more network access servers  410 , and a voice portal  412 . The voice portal  412  may include a voice portal application server  414  and a voice recognition server  416 . A network  418  may be used to interconnect the firewalls and servers. Additionally, back end server(s)  420  may be provided between the service center  106  and the voice network  104 . 
     Firewalls  402  and  404  provide security services for communications between service center  106 , data network  102 , and voice network  104 , respectively. For example, firewalls  402  and  404  may restrict communications between user terminal  112  and one or more servers within service center  106 . Any appropriate security policy may be implemented in firewalls  402  and  404  consistent with the principles of the present invention. Firewalls  402  and  404  may be implemented using a combination of known hardware and software, such as the Raptor Firewall provided by the Axent Corporation. Further, firewalls  402  and  404  may be implemented as separate machines within service center  106 , or implemented on one or more machines external to service center  106 . 
     Network  418  may be any type of network, such as an Ethernet or FDDI network. Additionally, network  418  may also include switches and routers as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, additional firewalls may be present in the network  418 , for example, to place one or more of servers  406 ,  408 ,  410 , or voice portal  412  behind additional firewalls. 
     Each server ( 406 ,  408 ,  410 ,  414 ,  416 ,  420 ) may be any appropriate type of server or computer, such as a Unix or DOS-based server or computer. The servers may implement various logical functions, such as those described below. In  FIG. 4 , a different server is illustrated as being used for each logical function. In other embodiments, the logical functions may be split across multiple servers, multiple servers may be used to implement a single function, all functions may be performed by a single server, etc. 
     In general, a digital companion server  406  may provide the software and hardware for providing specific services of the service center. Exemplary services include, for example, permitting a customer to add contacts to their address book from a history of calls made or received by the customer, permitting a customer to make calls directly from their address book, scheduling a call to be placed at a specific time, or permitting the customer to look at the name and/or address associated with a phone number. Additionally, these services may include permitting the customer to listen to their voice mail on-line, forwarding their calls based on a scheduler and/or the calling parties number, setting up conference calls on-line, real-time call management, etc. In one embodiment, real-time call management enables a user to perform several functions as a call is being received, such as sending a call to voice mail, sending a call received on one device to another device, manually initiating protection from telemarketers, playing an announcement for the caller, scheduling a call back, bridging a caller onto a current call, etc. 
     A communication portal server  408  may provide the hardware and software for managing a customer&#39;s account and interfacing with customer account information stored by the provider of customer&#39;s voice network  104 . The network access servers  410  may provide the hardware and software for sending and receiving information to the voice network  104  in processing the applications provided by the service center. For example, the network access servers  410  may be used for transmitting and/or receiving information from/to an ISCP  302  or an SSP  308  or  310  of the voice network  104 . 
     The voice portal  412  includes software and hardware for receiving and processing instructions from a customer via voice. For example, a customer may dial a specific number for the voice portal  412 . Then the customer using speech may instruct the service center  105  to modify the services to which the customer subscribes. The voice portal  412  may include, for example, a voice recognition function  416  and an application function  414 . The voice recognition function  416  may receive and interpret dictation, or recognize spoken commands. The application function  414  may take, for example, the output from the voice recognition function  416 , convert it to a format suitable for the service center  106  and forward the information to one or more servers ( 406 ,  408 ,  410 ) in the service center  106 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a logical architecture of an exemplary system, consistent with the present invention. As illustrated, the logical architecture may be split into four planes: client side  502 , application service  504 , network access  506 , and the voice network  508 . 
     Client side  502  includes user terminals  112 _A and  112 _B that a user may use to send and/or receive information to/from the service center  106 . Additionally, client side  502  includes the user&#39;s phone(s)  114 . As discussed above, user terminals  112  may be any type of device a user may use for communicating with Service Center  106 . For example, user terminal  112 _A may be a PDA running a program for communicating with the Service Center  106 , while user terminal  112 _B may be a desktop type computer running a web browser for communicating with the Service Center  106  via the Internet. Additionally, the user may have one or more phones  114 , such as, for example, one or more standard landline telephones and/or wireless phones. 
     The application service plane  504  includes the digital companion server(s)  406 , communication portal server(s)  408 , and the voice portal  412 . These entities may communicate between one another using, for example, web services or any other suitable protocols. Web services are a standardized way of integrating Web-based applications using the Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Web Services Description Language (WSDL) and Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) open standards over an Internet protocol (IP) backbone. 
     As illustrated, a digital companion server  406  may provide the following functions: a client proxy  512 , a web server  514 , an application server function  516 , a calendar server function  518 , a notification server function  520 , and a database function  522 . Each of these functions may be performed in hardware, software, and/or firmware. Further, these functions may each be executed by a separate server, split across multiple servers, included on the same server functions, or any other manner. 
     The client proxy function  512  provides a proxy function for the digital companion that may be used for security purposes. This client proxy function  512  may be included in a separate server such that all communications sent from the other digital companion functions/servers to a user terminal  112  via the data network  102  go through the client proxy  512 . Also, if the client proxy  512  is included on a separate server, for example, an additional firewall may be provided between the client proxy  512  and the other digital companion servers to provide additional security. 
     Web server  514  provides functionality for receiving traffic over the data network  102  from a customer. For example, web server  514  may be a standard web server that a customer may access using a web browser program, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator. 
     Application server function  516  encompasses the general functions performed by the digital companion server(s)  406 . For example, these functions may include interfacing with the various other digital companion functions to perform specific services provided by the service center. These services may include, for example, interfacing with other function(s), software, and/or hardware to provide a customer with the capability of managing their calls online. For example, permitting a customer to add contacts to their address book from a history of calls made or received by the customer, permitting a customer to make calls directly from their address book, scheduling a call to be placed at a specific time, or permitting the customer to look at the name and/or address associated with a phone number. Additionally, these services may include permitting the customer to listen to their voice mail on-line, forwarding their calls based on a scheduler and/or the calling parties number, setting up conference calls on-line, enabling call management with user intervention in real-time, etc. 
     Additionally, the application server function  516  may interface with one or more external devices, such as an external web server, for retrieving or sending information. For example, the application server function  516  may interface with a voice network&#39;s data center  556  (e.g., verizon.com) to determine the services to which the customer subscribes (e.g., call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, etc.). 
     Calendar server function  518  may provide the capability of scheduling events, logging when certain events occurred, triggering the application-functions to perform a function at a particular time, etc. 
     Notification server function  520  provides the capability to send information from the service center  106  to a user terminal  112 . For example, the notification server function  520  at the direction of the application server function  516  may send a notification to the user terminal  112  that the user is presently receiving a phone call at the user&#39;s phone  114 . This notification may be, for example, an instant message pop-up window that provides an identification of the caller as well as the number being called. The notification may also have a number of user-selectable buttons or items associated with it that enable the user to manage a call in real-time. 
     Database function  522  provides the storage of information useable by the various applications executed by the digital companion servers. These databases may be included in, for example, one or more external storage devices connected to the digital companion servers. Alternatively, the databases may be included in storage devices within the digital companion servers themselves. The storage devices providing the database function  522  may be any type of storage device, such as for example, CD-ROMs, DVD&#39;s, disk drives, magnetic tape, etc. 
     As discussed above, the communication portal server(s)  408  provide the hardware and software for managing a customer&#39;s account and interfacing with customer account information stored by the provider of customer&#39;s voice network  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a communication portal server  408  may provide the following functions: a web server function  526 , an application server function  528 , a contacts database function  530 , and/or a customer profile function  532 . Each of these functions may be performed by a separate server, split across multiple servers, included on the same server functions, or any other manner. 
     Web server function  526 , as with web server function  514  of the digital companion servers, provides functionality for receiving traffic over the data network  102  from a customer. For example, the web server may be a standard web server that a customer may access using a web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator. 
     The application server function  528  encompasses the general functions performed by the communication portal servers  408 . For example, these functions may include interfacing with the voice network to retrieve and/or modify customer profile information, and creating and editing an address book for the user. Additionally, the application server function  528  may include the functionality of sending and/or receiving information to/from external servers and/or devices. For example, the communication portal servers  408  may be connected to a network, such as, the Internet. The application server function  528  may then provide connectivity over the Internet to external servers  552  that provide web services, such as the Superpages web page. The application server function  528  could then contact these external services  552  to retrieve information, such as an address for a person in the user&#39;s address book. 
     In another example, the application server function  528  of the communication portal  408  may interface a single sign on (SSO) server  554 . SSO  554  may be used to allow users to access all services to which the user subscribes, on the basis of a single authentication that is performed when they initially access the network. 
     Moreover, the application server function  528 , similar to application server  516 , may provide functionality to facilitate services performed by the service center. These services may include, for example, interfacing with other function(s), software, and/or hardware to provide a customer with the capability of managing their calls online. For example, permitting a customer to add contacts to their address book from a history of calls made or received by the customer, permitting a customer to make calls directly from their address book, scheduling a call to be placed at a specific time, or permitting the customer to look at the name and/or address associated with a phone number. Additionally, these services may include permitting the customer to listen to their voice mail on-line, forwarding their calls based on a scheduler and/or the calling parties number, setting up conference calls on-line, enabling call management with user intervention in real-time, etc. 
     The contacts database  530  includes storage devices for storing an address book for the user. This address book may be any appropriate type of address book. For example, the user&#39;s address book may include the names, phone numbers, and addresses of people and/or organizations. These storage devices may be internal or external to the communication portal servers  406  or some combination in between. In addition, these storage devices may be any type of storage device, such as magnetic storage, memory storage, etc. 
     The customer profile database  532  includes storage devices for storing customer profile information for the user. These storage devices may be the same or separate storage devices used for the contacts database. The customer profile may include information regarding the user&#39;s account for their voice network. For example, this information may include the user&#39;s name, billing address, and other account information. Additionally, the customer profile may include information regarding voice services to which the user subscribes, such as, for example, call waiting, voice mail, etc. 
     The application services plane  504  of the architecture may also include a voice portal  412 . As discussed above, the voice portal  412  may include, for example, a voice recognition function  416  and an application server function  414 , and be used for receiving and processing instructions from a customer via voice. The voice recognition function may be implemented using hardware and/or software capable of providing voice recognition capabilities. This hardware and/or software may be a commercially available product, such as the Voice Application platform available from Tellme Networks, Incorporated. The application server function  414  of the voice portal  412  may include hardware and/or software for exchanging information between the digital companion servers  406  and the voice recognition function  416 . Additionally, the application server function  414  may be included on a separate server, included in the hardware and software providing the voice recognition function  416 , included in the digital companion servers  406 , etc. 
     The Network Access plane  506  of the architecture includes the functions for providing connectivity between the application service plane  502  and the voice network  104 . For example, this plane may include the recent change engines  316 , network access servers  410 , and/or back end servers  420 . 
     As discussed above, recent change engines  316  may be used to update switches and ISCP databases included in the voice network  104 . In one embodiment, the recent change engines  316  may include an AAIS  544 , an eRC  546 , and/or an MSP  548 . Additionally, a proxy  542  may be used between the digital companion servers  406  and the recent change engines  542  for security purposes. 
     The network access servers  410  may be included in the service center  106  and may provide the hardware and software for sending and receiving information to the voice network  410  in processing the applications provided by the service center. For example, the network access servers  410  may include a Caller ID (CID) functionality for retrieving caller ID information from the voice network  104 , a click to dial (CTD) functionality for instructing an intelligent peripheral (IP) in the voice network to place a call via an SSP, and/or a real time call management (RTCM) functionality for interfacing with an ISCP of the voice network. 
     Network Access plane  506  may also include one or more back end server(s)  420 . These back end server(s)  420  may include hardware and/or software for interfacing the service center  106  and the voice network  104 . The back end server(s)  420  may be connected to the service center  106  by a network, by a direct connection, or in any other suitable manner. Further, the back end server(s)  420  may connect to one or more devices in the voice network  104  by a network, a direct connection, or in any other suitable manner. 
     The back end server(s)  420  may include, for example, a server providing a voice mail retrieval and notification function. This voice mail retrieval and notification function may include the capability to receive notifications when a user receives a voice mail, physically call a user&#39;s voice mail system, enter the appropriate codes to retrieve the voice mail, retrieve the voice mail, convert the voice mail to a digital file, and send it to the digital companion servers  406 . 
     Additionally, these back end server(s)  420  may also include, for example, a directory assistance server. This directory assistance server may interface the service center  106  with a Reverse Directory Assistance Gateway (RDA Gateway) of the voice network  104 . An RDA Gateway is a device for issuing requests to a Data Operations Center (DOC) of the voice network  104  for name and/or address information associated with a phone number and receiving the name and/or phone number in response to this request. 
     In another example, the back end server(s)  420  may include a wireless internet gateway that is used for interfacing with a mobile switching center (MSC) of a wireless voice network. As with the above-described back end server(s)  420 , this wireless internet gateway may be used for converting requests and information between the formats used by the service center  106  and those used by the wireless voice network. 
     In yet another example, the back end server(s)  420  may include a conference blasting server for instructing a conference bridge in the voice network  106  to dial out via an SSP to the participants of a voice conference. Alternatively, for example, the back end server(s) may include a server for instructing an IP of the voice network to place a call between two parties by dialing out to each of the parties. The back end server(s) may also include the capability to instruct the bridge or IP device to call an audio digitizing device that can listen to the conference, convert the audio signals to digital format, and forward the digitized signals to a user device via, for example, an audio streaming server. The audio streaming server may, for example, allow a user to connect to it via, for example, the Internet. Additionally, the audio streaming device may buffer or record the signals to permit the user to pause, rewind, and/or fast-forward thru the conference. 
     In yet another example, the back end server(s)  420  may include a Single Number Short Message Service (SN SMS) server for interfacing the service center  106  with a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway in the voice network  104 . This may be used to permit the customer to have SMS messages addressed to their home phone number directed to an SMS capable device of the users choosing. 
     The voice network plane  508  includes the hardware and software included in the voice network  104 , as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 3 . For example, the voice network plane  508  may include the ISCP SPACE  314 , the ISCP  302 , the intelligent peripherals  320 , and the SSP  308 . Additionally, the voice network plane  508  may also include the hardware and software included in a wireless carrier&#39;s network, such as, for example, the mobile switching center, etc. 
       FIG. 6  shows an exemplary network access server  410  consistent with the present invention. As noted above in conjunction with  FIGS. 4 and 5 , network access server  410  may include functionality that enables real-time call management. Real-time call management (RTCM) server  602  may be used to perform this functionality. For example, RTCM server  602  may facilitate call management by receiving information indicative of an incoming call from an ISCP  302 , forwarding a request related to that information to digital companion server  406 , receiving a response to the request, and causing the ISCP  302  to connect the call based on the response. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other functionality may also be included in a network access server  410  in addition to RTCM server  602 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an exemplary application server  516  consistent with the present invention. As noted above in conjunction with  FIG. 5 , application server  516  may include functionality that facilitates real-time call management. RTCM application  702  may be used to perform this functionality. For example, RTCM application  702  may facilitate call management by receiving a request corresponding to an incoming call, looking up customer-specific information, and providing information to a notification server that may notify a customer of an incoming call and present the customer with several options on handling the call. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other functionality may also be included in an application server  516  in addition to RTCM application  702 . One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that RTCM application  702  may be located in application server  528  instead of or in addition to application  516 . 
     Real-Time Call Management 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of an exemplary flowchart of a method for real-time call management in a manner consistent with the present invention. Although the steps of the flowchart are described in a particular order, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these steps may be performed in a modified or different order. Further, one or more of the steps in  FIG. 8  may be performed concurrently or in parallel. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a calling party first initiates a call to a digital companion customer (step  802 ). For example, calling party  120  may use a phone, such as phone  122 , to call a digital companion customer, such as user  110 . In response to the initiation of a call, service center  106  may send a notification of the incoming call to the customer at a communications device (step  804 ). The notification may present a number of customer-selectable options associated with it that enable the customer to manage a call in real-time. For example, the notification may present different options that permit a customer to send a call to voice mail, send a call received on one device to another device, perform a call screening operation, accept a call, play an announcement, place a call on hold, schedule a call back operation, perform an automatic call back operation, or bridge the caller onto the current call. Once the customer selects one of the call management options (e.g., by pressing an appropriate button on a touch-sensitive display), service center  106  causes the call to be connected based on the customer&#39;s response to the notification (step  806 ). 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  comprise an expanded diagram of an exemplary flowchart of a method for real-time call management in a manner consistent with the present invention. Although the steps of the flowchart are described in a particular order, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these steps may be performed in a modified or different order. Further, one or more of the steps in  FIG. 9  may be performed concurrently or in parallel. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a calling party first initiates a call to a digital companion customer (step  902 ). For example, calling party  120  may use a phone, such as phone  122 , to call a digital companion customer, such as user  110 . In one embodiment, the call may be routed from a phone to a voice network, such as voice network  104 , where an SSP  308  or  310  may intercept the call (step  904 ). The SSP  308  or  310  may intercept the call because it encountered a trigger, such as a terminating attempt trigger or a specific digit string trigger, associated with the call. For example, a trigger may be set at SSP  308  or  310  on each of the lines corresponding to a digital companion customer. In this manner, a trigger is set to detect calls received at the SSP that are directed to telephone numbers of digital companion customers. In addition, triggers may be set on lines corresponding to digital companion customers that have the real-time call management feature enabled. As such, calls to telephone numbers associated with digital companion customers having real-time call management are detected by the triggers. For the purposes of this description, it is those calls that the SSP intercepts. In an alternative environment, such as a soft switch environment, functionality similar to a trigger may be utilized to intercept calls. 
     After intercepting the call, SSP  308  or  310  sends a query to ISCP  302  requesting further instructions. In response, ISCP  302  sends call information to a network access server  410  (step  906 ). More particularly, ISCP  302  may send call information to RTCM server  602 . In one embodiment, the call information may be sent to network access server  410  via a Generic Data Interface (GDI), using a message structure associated with GDI (e.g., GetData, SendData, or InvokeApp). The call information sent to RTCM server  602  may also be sent in an encrypted form. 
     The call information may include, for example, call state data, a call intercept parameter, a voice mail parameter, time zone data, user ID, called number data, calling name data, calling number data, and calling party number (CPN) presentation information. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional information may be included with the call information, or that some of the previously noted information may be omitted from the call information. 
     Call state data may provide the current call state based on processing (e.g., AIN processing) that has already occurred for the call. For example, some possible values for call state data may be indicative of a call being authorized for termination, a call being to a call intercept (CI) service node or IP, a call being from a CI service node or IP, a call being a priority call from the CI service node or IP, a call having a CI error encountered on a call to a CI service node or IP, or a call being on the first leg of a click-to-dial call. 
     The call intercept parameter identifies when a customer has call intercept. In one embodiment, a call intercept feature allows a customer to stop invalid numbers that typically appear as “unavailable,” “private,” “anonymous,” or “out of area” on a caller ID display. The feature may tell callers that unidentified calls are not accepted and ask them to record a name. If an unidentified caller does not record a name or enter an override code, the called party&#39;s phone will not ring, thus eliminating interruptions from unidentified callers. 
     The voice mail parameter identifies when a subscriber has voice mail capability. Time zone data refers to the customer&#39;s time zone. Called number data refers to the number of a called device associated with the subscriber. User ID refers to a parameter that may have one of two values. If a distinctive ring feature is present, then user ID is set to a primary number value. If no such feature is present, then user ID is set to the same value as the called number. Distinctive ring, for example, may provide a customer with additional telephone numbers on a single line, with their own unique ringing pattern. A customer&#39;s primary number is the main number associated with the line. 
     Calling number data refers to the number of the caller. This parameter may contain such a number when it is available. In addition, the parameter may contain a calling party address when the information is made available by a previously executed AIN service. Otherwise, the calling number parameter may include some arbitrary string of digits or characters (e.g., ten zeros) when the caller ID information does or does not match a particular format. 
     Calling name data refers to the name of the calling party. This parameter may be retrieved, for example, by ISCP  302  from a database such as LIDB  312 . It may be typically possible to retrieve the calling name when the database was populated with this data by a previously executed AIN service. If the calling name is not successfully retrieved, then the calling name parameter may include, for example, an arbitrary string of digits or characters (e.g., zeros) indicative of situations where there was no response from LIDB  312 , there was an erroneous response from LIDB  312 , there was no name returned from LIDB  312 , the format of the caller ID is not in conformance, or the caller ID presentation is restricted. 
     ISCP  302  also sends an announcement to an SSP where the call is being handled. The announcement can be some kind of recording that is played for the calling party. This announcement has the effects of preventing a call timer in the SSP from expiring and giving the calling party an indication that the call is progressing. The ISCP  302  may continue to cause the announcement to be played while waiting for a response from the RTCM server  602 . 
     Upon receiving the call information from the ISCP  302 , the RTCM server  602  may decrypt the information, if necessary, and forward the received information to application server  516  (step  908 ). For example, the RTCM server  602  may dispatch the received call information to RTCM application  702 . The RTCM application  702  may then determine whether the customer associated with the triggered phone number (e.g., destination/dialed phone number) is logged into the digital companion system (step  910 ). RTCM application  702  makes this determination, for example, by performing a lookup in a database, such as database  522 , using the called number as an index. Based on the called number, RTCM application  702  can determine a digital companion customer ID. This digital companion customer ID may have a number of access points (e.g., user terminals  112 ) associated with it. RTCM application  702  may lookup entries in database  522  that correspond to the digital companion customer ID to determine whether the customer is currently logged onto the system using any access points. For example, whenever a customer is logged onto the system using an access point, an indication of such is stored in database  522 . If RTCM application  702  finds such an indication in database  522 , then it knows that the customer is logged on, and it knows which access point the customer is using. 
     If the customer is not logged on anywhere, then there is no way for service center  106  to communicate with the customer using digital companion operations. Instead, service center  106  logs the call (step  912 ). When the customer logs in at a later time, the customer is provided with an indication that the customer was called. Calls may be logged, for example, in database  522  or in other storage on digital companion server  406  or communication portal server  408 . The call may be subsequently routed without digital companion processing (e.g., call may be completed as dialed, if possible) (step  914 ). 
     If the customer is logged on, then RTCM application  702  retrieves call preference information from a database (step  920 ). In one embodiment, the database storing this call preference information may be database  522 , customer profile database  532 , or another database used to stored customer-related data. The call preference information may include, for example, call block lists, lists of forwarding devices or telephone numbers, voice mail preferences, lists of recordings that the customer can set as pre-recorded messages, etc. 
     RTCM application  702  may also proceed to determine whether the call intercept feature and/or voice mail features are enabled for the called party by examining the call information received from the RTCM server  602  (step  922 ). RTCM application  702  makes this determination so that it knows which options should be made available to a called party using RTCM. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the RTCM application  702  may also check for any other feature that can be enabled and disabled (e.g., call screening). RTCM application  702  also determines the CPN presentation value associated with the call by examining the call information received from the RTCM server  602  (step  924 ). The CPN presentation value is determined so that the calling party&#39;s CPN information can either be displayed or not displayed for the customer. 
     Thereafter, RTCM application  702  may provide the collected information (e.g., call information, call preference information, and access point information) to notification server  520  and instruct notification server  520  to send an RTCM notification to the customer associated with the called number (e.g., by providing an indication of the access point that the customer is using to the notification server  520 ). Notification server  520  has open connections to all devices (e.g., user terminals  112 ) that are logged on. When notification server  520  receives information from RTCM application  702 , it uses the information to route an RTCM notification to the customer at the appropriate access point (step  926 ). In one embodiment, the RTCM notification may be sent using a protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), Java, or a similar protocol. 
     As noted above with reference to  FIG. 8 , the RTCM notification may be a notification of the incoming call to the customer. The notification may include a display having a number of customer-selectable buttons associated with it that enable the customer to manage a call in real-time. For example, the notification may have different buttons that permit a customer to send a call to voice mail, send a call received on one device to another device, perform a call screening operation, accept a call, play an announcement, place a call on hold, schedule a call back operation, perform an automatic call back operation, perform a call block operation, or bridge a caller onto the current call (e.g., initiate a conference call). 
     The notification may provide the customer with different options dependent on the features for which the customer is authorized and has enabled. For example, if the customer does not have call intercept enabled, then the RTCM notification will not include a user-selectable area corresponding to the telemarketer zap operation. If the customer does not have voice mail enabled, then the RTCM notification will not include a user-selectable area corresponding to voice mail. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any feature that can be enabled and disabled may be used as a basis for altering the RTCM notification (e.g., call screening, conference call, etc.). 
     Once it has received the RTCM notification, the customer&#39;s selected device displays the RTCM notification, including the customer-selectable buttons associated with it. The device does not yet ring. Even though the device is not yet ringing, the caller may hear on the calling device (e.g., the phone or other device used to place the call) a ringing tone or an announcement indicating that the call is proceeding. RTCM server  602  then waits for a response from the customer (step  928 ). Response information may include, for example, call disposition information, forwarding number information, nature of forwarding number information, carrier access code, announcement type, and ring cadence. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional data may be included with the response data, or that some of the previously noted data may be omitted from the response data. 
     Call disposition information may provide an indication of the customer&#39;s choice for how the call should be handled. For example, call disposition information may include an indication of sending a call to voice mail, sending a call received on one device to another device (e.g., call forwarding), performing a call screening operation, accepting a call, playing an announcement, placing a call on hold, scheduling a call back operation, performing an automatic call back operation, performing a call block operation, or bridging a caller onto the current call. 
     When a call forwarding operation is invoked, forwarding number information includes a number to which the call should be forwarded. Nature of forwarding number information identifies the nature of the call forwarding number. For example, a number may be a national number or an international number. 
     Carrier access code may be a sequence of digits indicative of a specific carrier when a call should be routed using the specific carrier. 
     Announcement type identifies an announcement that should be played to the caller. This parameter, for example, may be used when the customer selects the play announcement option. 
     Ring cadence may be indicative of the ring cadence value that should be applied for the call. For example, different values may be used to designate normal cadence; short, short cadence; and short, short, long cadence; or any other possible cadences. 
     If, after a predetermined period of time, the notification server  520  has not received a response, then the call is accepted for the device receiving the RTCM notification (step  930 ). For example, after the period of time, the RTCM notification may disappear from the device&#39;s display and the device may start ringing. The customer may answer the call if he or she is available and chooses to do so. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other default actions may occur instead of allowing the call to go through. For example, a busy signal may be played, the call may be sent to voice mail, the call may be forwarded to a preferred forwarding number, an announcement may be played, etc. 
     If the customer responds by selecting one of the RTCM options, then the RTCM notification disappears from the display, and the RTCM server  602  receives the response and encrypts it, if necessary (step  932 ). RTCM server  602  proceeds to instruct ISCP  302  to route the incoming call based on the response from the customer (step  934 ). In one embodiment, RTCM server  602  instructs ISCP  302  by sending ISCP  302  the response information via a connection such as a GDI link. The ISCP  302  may decrypt the response data, if necessary, and route the call based on the response. For example, the service logic associated with ISCP  302  may take different actions based on the call disposition information and other information included in the response. Exemplary call routing options include place call on hold (step  936 ), forward call to another device (step  938 ), screen call (step  940 ), voice mail (step  942 ), accept call (step  944 ), play announcement (step  946 ), schedule call back (step  948 ), auto call back (step  950 ), conference call (step  952 ), and block call (step  954 ). 
     Selecting the place call on hold option (step  936 ) temporarily causes the call to be delayed until the customer is ready to speak or otherwise deal with the call. For example, when the caller is placed on hold, an announcement may be played for the caller (e.g., “The party you are trying to reach is currently on a call, but wishes to talk with you. Please stay on the line.”) The popup may remain on the screen in this case and display the time elapsed since placing the caller on hold. 
     If a customer decides to forward the call to another device (step  938 ), then RTCM server  602  instructs ISCP  302  to route the call to a device other than the one on which the RTCM notification was received. In one embodiment, the customer may preset the phone number of the device to which the call should be forwarded. This device may be one of a plurality of devices that are normally associated with the customer (e.g., part of a list of devices stored in a digital companion database). The device may also be a device that is not one of the customer&#39;s normal potential preferred devices, but the customer has some reason that he or she wants to receive calls on the device (e.g., the device is physically close to the customer&#39;s temporary location, etc.). 
     In an alternative embodiment, upon selecting the forward call option, the customer may be presented with a query asking what number the call should be forwarded to. The customer may respond to the query by entering a phone number or selecting a number from a list of predetermined numbers. 
     When the call screening option (step  940 ) is selected, the RTCM server  602  causes a series of steps to occur for screening potential telemarketers or other unwanted callers. For example, when the RTCM notification indicates that the call is from a blocked, unavailable, or otherwise undesirable number, the customer may select the call screening option. The calling party may then be presented with an announcement requesting the calling party to leave a spoken name, a PIN (personal identification number), or a voice message. In one embodiment, the announcement may be accompanied by a Special Instruction Tone (SIT) cadence. 
     If the calling party leaves a name, the customer&#39;s device may then ring. The ring may be accompanied by a notification that gives the customer the option of taking the call, diverting the call to voice mail, deny the call, etc. The customer&#39;s device that rings may be preset or manually provided by the customer in response to a query. The device may also be whatever device originally received the RTCM notification. The call is routed according to the customer&#39;s selection. If the calling party enters a valid PIN, the calling party&#39;s call may be connected to the customer right away. The call screening option is more fully explained in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/720,938, which has already been incorporated by reference. 
     When the voice mail option is selected (step  942 ), the RTCM server  602  may instruct ISCP  302  to route the call to the customer&#39;s current preferred voice mail number. The preferred voice mail number may be preset or manually provided by the customer in response to a query. For example, when the customer selects the send to voice mail option, the popup (e.g., RTCM notification) goes away and the incoming call is sent to either a present voice mail box or a voice mail box provided by the customer in response to a query given to the customer after the popup went away. 
     When the accept call option is selected (step  944 ), the RTCM server  602  may instruct ISCP  302  to route the call to the device on which the customer received the RTCM notification. If the customer is connected to the Internet via dial-up access on the same phone line that the call is to be routed, the customer&#39;s Internet session may be immediately disconnected so that the call may be answered. 
     In cases where the play announcement option (step  946 ) is selected, the RTCM server  602  may instruct ISCP  302  to cause a predetermined recorded announcement to be played for the calling party. For example, the customer may wish to tell particular callers that he or she is not available, without giving them the option of leaving a voice message. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other announcements may be played. 
     When the schedule call back option is selected (step  948 ), the RTCM server  602  may instruct ISCP  302  to cause an announcement to be played for the calling party. For example, the announcement could be “the party you are trying to reach is currently on a call but will call you back later.” The RTCM server may also cause a prompt to be presented to the customer asking for the customer to set up a callback event in the digital companion calendar. This callback event may, with the customer&#39;s approval, send an e-mail or other message to the caller showing the intended date and time of the callback, if the caller is also a digital companion customer or has an e-mail address or other device indicator (e.g., phone number of a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages) in a contacts list associated with the called customer. When the time and date of the callback occur, a call may be automatically placed from the called customer to the calling party. 
     When the auto call back option is selected (step  950 ), the RTCM server  602  may instruct ISCP  302  to cause an announcement to be played for the calling party. For example, the announcement could be “the party you are trying to reach is currently on a call but will call you back as soon as that call is finished.” When the customer&#39;s line is free (e.g., the customer is done with the previous call), a call may be automatically placed from the customer to the calling party. 
     When the conference call option is selected (step  952 ), the RTCM server may instruct ISCP  302  to cause the calling party to be bridged onto the current call. For example, the called customer may be on a telephone call with a first party when a second party calls the customer. If the customer selects the conference call option, the a RTCM server  602  instructs ISCP  302  to create a conference call between the customer, the first party, and the second party. For example, in response to a request from RTCM server  602 , ISCP  302  may instruct a switch handling the existing call between the customer and the first party to bridge the incoming call from the second party with the existing call. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the calling party can be bridged onto a conference call between the customer and multiple other parties instead of bridged onto a normal call between the customer and one other party. 
     When the block call option is selected (step  954 ), the RTCM server  602  may instruct ISCP  302  to cause a predetermined recorded announcement to be played for the calling party. For example, the announcement could be “the party you are trying to reach does not wish to speak to you.” The calling party&#39;s number may also optionally be added to a call block list of numbers with which the customer does not wish to speak. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram of an exemplary user interface  1000  including customer-selectable real-time call management options. User interface  1000  may be a display on a customer device, such as user terminal  112  or phone  114 , that is currently showing an RTCM notification. The RTCM notification includes an area  1002  indicating that the customer has an incoming call. Area  1002  also provides an identification of the caller as well as the number being called. The number being called may belong to the device displaying the RTCM notification or another device. The RTCM has a number of user-selectable areas  1004 - 1022  associated with it, allowing the customer to decide how an incoming call is routed. In one embodiment, the customer may select one of these user-selectable areas through any suitable input methods. For example, the customer may click on the desired option using a mouse, touch an appropriate area of a touchscreen, enter input on a keypad, etc., in order to choose the manner in which the incoming call is routed. 
     Selecting area  1004  enables the customer to answer the call on the device that received the RTCM notification (e.g., the device the includes user interface  1000 ). Selecting area  1006  forwards the call the voice mail as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1008  initiates a call screening feature as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1010  places the call on hold as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1012  forwards the call to another device of the customer&#39;s choosing as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1014  plays an announcement for the calling party as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1016  enables a customer to schedule a call back event on a calendar as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1018  enables a customer to cause the calling party to be automatically called back after the current call as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1020  bridges call party onto the current call as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Selecting area  1022  cause a recording to be played indicating that the customer does not wish to speak to the calling party and optionally cause the calling party&#39;s telephone number to be added to a call block list, as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of an exemplary user interface  1100  that enables a customer to change preferences consistent with the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a customer may have the ability to enable or disable real-time call management for a given device. The customer also may select particular devices to handle different actions. For example, a customer may set specific phone numbers to handle features such as answer calls, send to voice mail, forward call, and/or telemarketer zap (e.g., call screening). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other features may also have phone numbers set for them. The customer also has the option of viewing various other settings associated with the customer, such as a list of numbers that are call blocked, call back settings, etc. 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, many modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that all or part of the systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be stored on or read from computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROM; received from a network such as the Internet; or other forms of ROM or RAM. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above described embodiments and examples, but instead is defined by the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.