WO2007071007A1

WO2007071007A1 - Method and system for enabling redirection of calls destined for a communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2007071007A1
Application number: PCT/CA2005/001962
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Barry Crago; Leo Wei Seto; Alexander Hoi Wong
Original assignee: Bce Inc.
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2007-06-28

Abstract

A system comprising a detector for detecting presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device and a communication entity communicatively coupled to the detector. The communication entity is operative for receiving from the detector a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied. The communication entity is further operative for releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING REDIRECTION OF CALLS DESTINED FOR A COMMUNICATION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to telephonic communications and, more specifically, to a method and system for enabling redirection of calls destined for a communication device.

BACKGROUND

Various types of communication devices allow users to effect telephonic communications. For example, users may effect telephonic communications using Plain Old Telephony System (POTS) phones (including cordless phones), cellular phones and other mobile communication devices (including telephony-enabled personal digital assistants), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones and soft phones (i.e., computers equipped with telephony software).

Some of these communication devices are wired communication devices and others are wireless communication devices. While utilization of a wired communication device is normally confined to a limited area such as a room, building or other area of limited extent, a wireless communication device may be used over a significantly wider geographical area (e.g., several square kilometers in some cases). Despite the convenience afforded by wireless communication devices, telephonic communications effected using a wireless communication device are usually associated with greater costs and power supply limitations than those associated with telephonic communications effected using a wired communication device. Thus, it is not uncommon for a party to be associated with several communication devices that may each be used to effect telephonic communications. For example, a party may be associated with both (1) a wired communication device to effect telephonic communications when in the limited area in which that wired communication device may be used (e.g., the party's house or office); and (2) a wireless communication device to effect telephonic communications when away from that limited area. Although advantageous in some respects, the use of multiple communication devices may pose certain inconveniences for the party. For instance, when the party is in the limited area in which the wired communication device may be used and the wireless communication device receives an incoming call, the party may incur fees by taking the incoming call. Conversely, when the party is away from the limited area in which the wired communication device may be used and that device receives an incoming call, the party may never become aware of that incoming call despite having access to the wireless communication device.

There is thus a need for an improvement in telephonic communication services directed to cases where several communication devices associated with a given party may each be used to receive incoming calls.

SUMMARY

According to a first broad aspect, the invention provides a system comprising a detector for detecting presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device and a communication entity communicatively coupled to the detector. The communication entity is operative for receiving from the detector a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied. The communication entity is further operative for releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

According to a second broad aspect, the invention provides a method comprising: providing a detector to detect presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device; receiving from the detector a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and - releasing to a network a second signal to activate redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

According to a third broad aspect, the invention provides a communication entity comprising means for receiving, from a detector operative to detect presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device, a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied. The communication entity also comprises means for releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

According to a fourth broad aspect, the invention provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a program element for execution by a communication entity. The communication entity, when executing the program element, is operative for receiving from a detector operative to detect presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device, a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied. The communication entity, when executing the program element, is further operative for releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

According to a fifth broad aspect, the invention provides a redirection control entity. The redirection control entity comprises a first functional unit for receiving over a network a first signal indicative of a request for activation of redirection of calls destined for a first communication device to an alternate destination, the first signal having been produced in response to detection by a detector at a party premises of a detectable element associated with the first communication device being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied. The redirection control entity also comprises a second functional unit for releasing a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

According to a sixth broad aspect, the invention provides a method comprising: receiving over a network a first signal indicative of a request for activation of redirection of calls destined for a first communication device to an alternate destination, the first signal having been produced in response to detection by a detector at a party premises of a detectable element associated with the first communication device being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and releasing a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

According to a seventh broad aspect, the invention provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a program element for execution by a redirection control entity. The redirection control entity, when executing the program element, is operative for receiving over a network a first signal indicative of a request for activation of redirection of calls destined for a first communication device to an alternate destination, the first signal having been produced in response to detection by a detector at a party premises of a detectable element associated with the first communication device being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied. The redirection control entity, when executing the program element, is further operative for releasing a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

These and other aspects and features of the invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows a non-limiting example scenario in which a party is associated with both a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the second communication device is located at a party premises that is provided with a detector and a communication entity, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a non-limiting example of potential contents of a first database in the non- limiting example scenario of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a non-limiting example of potential contents of a second database in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a non-limiting example of potential contents of a third database in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a non-limiting example of an exchange of signals in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, when a wirelessly detectable element is located relative to the detector at the party premises such that a proximity condition is satisfied;

Figure 6 shows a non-limiting example of an exchange of signals in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, when a wirelessly detectable element is located relative to the detector at the party premises such that a remoteness condition is satisfied;

Figure 7 shows a variant of the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1 in which the second communication device is of a different type; Figure 8 shows a non-limiting example of potential contents of a fourth database in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a non-limiting example of an exchange of signals in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 7, when a wirelessly detectable element is located relative to the detector at the party premises such that a proximity condition is satisfied;

Figure 10 shows a non-limiting example of an exchange of signals in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 7, when a wirelessly detectable element is located relative to the detector at the party premises such that a remoteness condition is satisfied;

Figure 11 shows a variant of the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1; and

Figure 12 shows another variant of the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1.

It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration of certain embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a non-limiting example scenario in which a party 10 is associated with both a first communication device 12 and a second communication device 14, each capable of being used to effect telephonic communications such as receiving an incoming call and originating an outgoing call.

In this non-limiting example scenario, the first communication device 12 is a wireless communication device that the party 10 may carry and use over a wide geographical area

(e.g., several square kilometers) to effect telephonic communications. The first communication device 12 may be a cellular phone or any other mobile communication device, including a telephony-enabled personal digital assistant (e.g., BlackBerry®, Palm®, etc.). The first communication device 12 is connected to a wireless network 16 (e.g., via a wireless link in combination with a base station and a network-side wireline link).

For its part, the second communication device 14 is located at a party premises 11 associated with the party 10. In this non-limiting example scenario, the second communication device 14 is connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 22 (e.g., via a telephone line). For example, the second communication device 14 may be a Plain Old Telephony System (POTS) phone (including a cordless phone).

The second communication device 14 is associated with a usage area 15 in which it may be used to effect telephonic communications. The usage area 15 may correspond to the entirety of the party premises 11 or only a portion thereof, such as a room, building or other area of limited extent that is part of the party premises 11. In this non-limiting example, the usage area 15 associated with the second communication device 14 is defined by that communication device's wired connection to a telephone jack and/or other factors (e.g., a handset/base unit communication range of a cordless phone, a ringing volume capability to announce an incoming call, etc.).

In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the party premises 11 is provided with a detector 42 communicatively coupled to a communication entity 44, which is connected to a data network 28 such as the Internet. As will be seen later on, the detector 42 and the communication entity 44 are operative to cooperate together and interact with the data network 28 to enable redirection of calls destined for one of the first and second communication devices 12, 14 to the other of the first and second communication devices 12, 14. As will be seen later on, redirection of calls is based on whether or not a wirelessly detectable element 38 is located sufficiently close to or far from the detector 42. The wirelessly detectable element 38 as well as the detector 42 and the communication entity 44 will be described in further detail below. Continuing with Figure 1, in this non-limiting example, the wireless network 16 to which is connected the first communication device 12 is shown as being provided with three switching entities I8₁...I8₃ communicatively coupled to a database 20. For example, each of the switching entities I81... I8₃ may be part of a mobile switching center in the wireless network 16 and the database 20 may be part of a home location register (HLR) in the wireless network 16.

Each of the switching entities 1 S₁...18₃ is operative to interact with the database 20 in order to effect various switching operations and call control operations when a wireless communication device (such as the first communication device 12) connected to the wireless network 16 is the intended recipient of an incoming call, originates an outgoing call, or is involved in a call in progress. Each of the switching entities 1 S₁...18₃ is also operative to interact with the database 20 to manage various communication services that may be subscribed to by various parties, including the party 10. Non-limiting examples of such communication services include calling line identification (CLID), voice mail, distinctive ringing, long distance call blocking, CLID blocking, etc. In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, one additional communication service which may be subscribed to is a "first call forwarding service", whereby calls destined for a wireless communication device (such as the first communication device 12) serviced by the wireless network 16 may be forwarded (i.e., redirected) to an alternate destination (e.g., another communication device). Each of the switching entities I8₁...I8₃ may be implemented using suitable hardware, firmware, software, control logic, or a combination thereof.

A non-limiting example of potential contents of the database 20 is shown in Figure 2. In this non-limiting example, the database 20 stores a plurality of records 30O₁...30O_N each storing an association between a respective party (such as the party 10) and an electronic serial number (ESN) and associated subscriber telephone number of a wireless communication device expected to be used by that party to effect telephonic communications. Each of the records 30O₁...30O_N also includes an indication of a location of the respective wireless communication device associated with that record. For instance, this indication of location may be an indication of the current or most recent servicing switching entity (such as one of the switching entities 18i... l8₃) for the respective wireless communication device. Each of the records 30O₁...30O_N further includes a list of communication services subscribed to by the respective party associated with that record, hi particular, the database 20 stores information on whether a particular party subscribes to the aforementioned first call forwarding service. Subscription to different communication services may be completely independent from one party to another and there is no restriction on a number or combination of services that may be subscribed to by any one party.

For a given party that does subscribe to the first call forwarding service, the record 300_j (j e [1, N]) associated with that party has a field 310 containing an indication of whether call forwarding is "active", i.e., calls destined for the wireless communication device associated with that party are to be redirected to an alternate destination; or "inactive", i.e., calls destined for the wireless communication device associated with that party are not to be redirected to an alternate destination. The record 300_j also has a field 320 containing at least one alternate destination information element each indicative of a respective alternate destination to which calls destined for the wireless communication device associated with that record are to be redirected when call forwarding is active. For example, a given alternate destination information element may be a telephone number or an IP address associated with another communication device to which calls are to be redirected. As another example, a given alternate destination information element may identify a gateway or other non-endpoint network element to which calls are to be redirected. The field 320 also contains information indicative of whether all calls destined for the wireless communication device associated with the record 300_j, or only certain ones of these calls which originate from selected calling parties, are to be redirected to a given alternate destination.

For purposes of this example, it is assumed that the party 10 is associated with the record 300_k (ke [1, N]) which contains an identifier of that party, the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12, and an indication of a location of the first communication device 12 (e.g., an indication that the switching entity 18j is the current or most recent servicing switching entity for the first communication device 12). In addition, for purposes of this example, it is assumed that the party 10 subscribes to the first call forwarding service so that, under certain circumstances, calls destined for the first communication device 12 are to be redirected to the second communication device 14. At any point in time, the field 310 of the record 30O_j indicates whether call forwarding is active or inactive. For its part, the field 320 contains the telephone number associated with the second communication device 14 to which calls destined for the first communication device 12 are to be redirected when call forwarding is active. The field 320 also contains information indicative of whether all calls destined for the first communication device 12, or only certain ones of these calls which originate from selected calling parties, are to be redirected to the second communication device 14.

The configuration of the wireless network 16 shown in Figure 1 is not to be considered limiting in any respect as it will be appreciated that various other switching entities, databases, and/or other network elements may be provided. It will also be appreciated that the wireless network 16 may be configured such that, depending on various factors such as where a call originates from and/or is destined for, one or more of the switching entities 18i ...18₃ and/or one or more other switching entities (not shown) in the wireless network 16 may be involved in routing the call.

With continued reference to Figure 1. in this non-limiting example, the PSTN 22 to which is connected the second communication device 14 is shown as being provided with three switching entities 24₁...24₃. The switching entity 24₁ is communicatively coupled to a database 26. For example, the switching entity 24 and the database 26 may be part of a central office in the PSTN 22 and each of the switching entities 24₁ and 24₂ may also be part of a respective central office in the PSTN 22. Also, although not shown in Figure 1, each of the switching entities 24i and 24₂ may also be communicatively coupled to the database 26 or to one or more other databases in the PSTN 22 that are similar to the database 26.

Each of the switching entities 24^₁...24₃ is operative to effect various switching operations and call control operations when a communication device (such as the second communication device 14) connected to the PSTN 22 is the intended recipient of an incoming call, originates an outgoing call, or is involved in a call in progress. Each of the switching entities 24μ ..24₃ is also operative to interact with the database 26, or a similar database to which it may be communicatively coupled, in order to manage various communication services that may be subscribed to by various parties, including the party 10. Non-limiting examples of such communication services include calling line identification (CLID), voice mail, distinctive ringing, long distance call blocking, CLID blocking, etc. In addition, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, one communication service which may be subscribed to is a "second call forwarding service", whereby calls destined for a communication device (such as the second communication device 14) serviced by the PSTN 22 may be redirected to an alternate destination (e.g., another communication device). Each of the switching entities 2A_\...2A^ may be implemented using suitable hardware, firmware, software, control logic, or a combination thereof.

A non-limiting example of potential contents of the database 26 is shown in Figure 3. In this non-limiting example, the database 26 stores a plurality of records 40O₁...40O_M each storing an association between a respective party (such as the party 10) and a telephone number identifying a telephone line expected to be connected to a communication device (such as the second communication device 14) that may be used by that party to effect telephonic communications. Each of the records 400_!...40O_M also includes a list of communication services subscribed to by the respective party associated with that record. In particular, the database 26 stores information on whether a particular party subscribes to the aforementioned second call forwarding service. Subscription to different communication services may be completely independent from one party to another and there is no restriction on a number or combination of services that may be subscribed to by any one party.

For a given party that does subscribe to the second call forwarding service, the record 40O_j (j e [1, M]) associated with that party has a field 410 containing an indication of whether call forwarding is "active", i.e., calls destined for a communication device connected to the telephone line associated with that party are to be redirected to an alternate destination; or "inactive", i.e., calls destined for a communication device connected to the telephone line associated with that party are not to be redirected to an alternate destination. The record 400_j also has a field 420 containing at least one alternate destination information element each indicative of a respective alternate destination to which calls destined for a communication device connected to the telephone line associated with that record are to be redirected when call forwarding is active. For example, a given alternate destination information element may be a telephone number or an IP address associated with another communication device to which calls are to be redirected. As another example, a given alternate destination information element may identify a gateway or other non-endpoint network element to which calls are to be redirected. The field 420 also contains information indicative of whether all calls destined for a communication device connected to the telephone line associated with the record 40O_j, or only certain ones of these calls which originate from selected calling parties, are to be redirected to a given alternate destination.

For purposes of this example, it is assumed that the party 10 is associated with the record 400_k (ke [1, M]) which contains an identifier of that party and the telephone number identifying the telephone line to which the second communication device 14 is expected to be connected. Furthermore, for purposes of this example, it is assumed that, in addition to subscribing to the aforementioned first call forwarding service, the party 10 also subscribes to the second call forwarding service so that, under certain circumstances, calls destined for the second communication device 14 are to be redirected to the first communication device 12. At any point in time, the field 410 of the record 40O_j indicates whether call forwarding is active or inactive. For its part, the field 420 contains the ESN and/or the associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12 to which calls destined for the second communication device 14 are to be redirected when call forwarding is active. The field 420 also contains information indicative of whether all calls destined for the second communication device 14, or only certain ones of these calls which originate from selected calling parties, are to be redirected to the first communication device 12.

While for purposes of this example it is assumed that the party 10 subscribes to both of the aforementioned first and second call forwarding services, this is not be considered limiting in any respect as the party 10 may subscribe to only the first call forwarding service (i.e., calls destined for the first communication device 12 may be redirected to an alternate destination) or only the second call forwarding service (i.e., calls destined for the second communication device 14 may be redirected to an alternate destination).

The configuration of the PSTN 22 shown in Figure 1 is not to be considered limiting in any respect as it will be appreciated that various other switching entities, databases, and/or other network elements may be provided. It will also be appreciated that the PSTN

22 may be configured such that, depending on various factors such as where a call originates from and/or is destined for, one or more of the switching entities 24^.-24₃ and/or one or more other switching entities (not shown) in the PSTN 22 may be involved in routing the call.

With continued reference to Figure 1, in this non-limiting example, the data network 28 to which the communication entity 44 is connected is shown as being provided with three routing entities 30_!...3O₃. Each of the routing entities 30^.3O₃ is operative to effect various routing operations and control operations to route packets originating from or destined for a device (such as the communication entity 44) connected to the data network 28. For example, each of the routing entities 3 O₁...3 O₃ may be part of a router (e.g., an edge or core router) or a Softswitch in the data network 28. Generally, however, each of the switching entities 24^ .24:3 may be implemented using suitable hardware, firmware, software, control logic, or a combination thereof. In addition, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, the data network 28 is provided with a redirection control entity 60 communicatively coupled to a database 62. These components of the data network 28 will be described in further detail later on.

The configuration of the data network 28 shown in Figure 1 is not to be considered limiting in any respect as it will be appreciated that various other routing entities, databases, and/or other network elements may be provided. It will also be appreciated that the data network 28 may be configured such that, depending on various factors such as where a packet originates from and/or is destined for, one or more of the routing entities 3 O₁...3 O₃ and/or one or more other routing entities (not shown) in the data network 28 may be involved in routing the packet.

In the non-limiting example of Figure 1, the wireless network 16, the PSTN 22, and the data network 28 are part of a network architecture which includes various gateways, whose purpose is to provide interfaces that enable communication and interoperability between these networks. More particularly, in the non-limiting example shown, a gateway 48 provides an interface between the data network 28 and the wireless network 16; a gateway 50 provides an interface between the wireless network 16 and the PSTN 22; and a gateway 52 provides an interface between the data network 28 and the PSTN 22. Such gateways are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in further detail. It will also be recognized that, in certain cases, the functionality of one or more of the gateways 48, 50, 52 may be provided by one or more switching entities and/or routing entities (such as the switching entities IS₁... I8₃ and/or 24i...24₃, and/or the routing entities 3O₁...3O₃) in the wireless network 16, the PSTN 22 and/or the data network 28. It will also be appreciated that, although they are shown as distinct elements in the non- limiting example of Figure 1, two or more of the gateways 48, 50, 52 may in some cases be part of a common network element.

Now, in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, it is recalled that the party premises 11 is provided with the detector 42 and the communication entity 44. As mentioned previously, these components are operative to cooperate together and interact with the data network 28 to enable redirection of calls destined for one of the first and second communication devices 12, 14 to the other of the first and second communication devices 12, 14, based on whether or not the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located sufficiently close to or far from the detector 42.

As will be seen below, the detector 42 is operative for detecting presence of the wirelessly detectable element 38 when that element is located sufficiently close to the detector 42. Through interaction with the detector 42, the communication entity 44 releases a first signal to the data network 28 when a so-called "proximity condition", which is described later on, is deemed to be satisfied. This first signal is designed to alter how calls destined for the first communication device 12 are handled by the wireless network 16. More particularly, in this non-limiting example, the first signal is designed to cause activation of the first call forwarding service in the wireless network 16 such that calls destined for the first communication device 12 will be redirected towards the second communication device 14.

Conversely, through interaction with the detector 42, the communication entity 44 releases a second signal to the data network 28 when a so-called "remoteness condition", which is also described later on, is deemed to be satisfied, hi this non-limiting example, this second signal is designed to cause deactivation of the first call forwarding service in the wireless network 16 such that the first communication device 12 will once again receive calls destined for it. Optionally, in one non-limiting example, the second signal may also be designed to alter how calls destined for the second communication device 14 are handled by the PSTN 22. More particularly, in such a non-limiting example, the second signal may be designed to cause activation of the second call forwarding service in the PSTN 22 such that calls destined for the second communication device 14 will be redirected towards the first communication device 12. Also, in such a non-limiting example, the second call forwarding service may be deactivated, for instance, when the so-called proximity condition (defined later on) is once again satisfied, such that the second communication device 14 will once again receive calls destined for it. The detector 42 and the communication entity 44 may also provide other functionality to manage redirection of calls destined for the first communication device 12 or the second communication device 14, as will be seen later on.

The wirelessly detectable element 38 as well as the detector 42 and the communication entity 44 will now be described in further detail.

The wirelessly detectable element 38 is "wirelessly detectable" in the sense that its presence can be detected by the detector 42 without requiring that a wired connection be established between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42.

In the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, the wirelessly detectable element 38 is associated with the first communication device 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, this association is effected by the wirelessly detectable element 38 being integrated, embedded, externally mounted to, or otherwise part of the first communication device 12. In other non-limiting embodiments, this association may be effected by the wirelessly detectable element 38 being separate from the first communication device 12 but expected to be carried by the party 10 who is associated with the first communication device 12. For example, the wirelessly detectable element 38 may be implemented as, part of, or coupled to a belt clip, a card, a badge, a key or key chain, a bracelet, a purse, or any other component which may be expected to be carried by the party 10, or a vehicle (e.g., a car) expected to be used by the party 10 for transportation purposes.

The wirelessly detectable element 38 operates in such a way as to allow its presence and its identity to be detected by the detector 42, which is described below. In a non-limiting example of implementation, it may provide a brief radio frequency (RF) signal detectable by the detector 42 and encoding an identifier (ED) of the wirelessly detectable element 38.

In such a non-limiting example of implementation, the wirelessly detectable element 38 can be active (i.e., it frequently or periodically emits a signal), semi-active (i.e., it emits a signal only in response to receiving another signal), or passive (i.e., it only reflects a received signal). The wirelessly detectable element 38 being active, semi-active or passive may depend on various factors such as the required range, precision, and power consumption / battery lifetime / weight considerations.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the wirelessly detectable element 38 may employ Bluetooth® technology. In another non-limiting embodiment, the wirelessly detectable element 38 may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

The detector 42 is operative to detect a signal provided by the wirelessly detectable element 38 when that element is located sufficiently close to the detector 42. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment in which the wirelessly detectable element 38 utilizes RF technology, and depending on the type of wirelessly detectable element used, the detector 42 may include either a receiver for receiving an RF signal emitted by an active element, or both a transmitter for emitting RF pulses and a receiver for receiving an RF signal emitted (or reflected) by a semi-active (or passive) element in response to one of the emitted RF pulses.

In a non-limiting embodiment in which the wirelessly detectable element 38 employs Bluetooth® technology, the detector 42 also employs such technology, hi another non- limiting embodiment in which the wirelessly detectable element 38 is implemented as an RFID tag, the detector 42 employs complementary RFID detection technology.

While in the above non-limiting examples the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 38 use RF technology, it will be appreciated that other technologies may also be used, such as acoustical, ultrasonic, optical, infrared, etc.

On a basis of one or more signals received from the wirelessly detectable element 38, the detector 42 is adapted to generate a detection signal indicative of a distance between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42. Generation of the detection signal may be based on the intensity of the received signal(s), or on the time interval between a pulse emitted by the detector 42 and an associated response signal received from the wirelessly detectable element 38. It will be appreciated that still other parameters or characteristics of a signal received by the detector 42 may serve as the basis to generate the detection signal.

In addition to being indicative of a distance between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42, the detection signal is also indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38, which is derived from the signal(s) received from the wirelessly detectable element 38.

The detection signal generated by the detector 42 is transmitted to the communication entity 44 via a link 58, which may be a wired link (e.g., a cable), a wireless link (e.g., a WiFi link or a WiMAX link), or a combination thereof. As will be seen later on, the purpose of the detection signal is to enable the communication entity 44 to release a signal to the data network 28 when a "proximity condition" or a "remoteness condition" regarding the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42 is satisfied. The purpose of the signal released to the data network 28 is to activate or deactivate redirection of calls destined for one of the first and second communication devices 12, 14 to the other of the first and second communication devices 12, 14, as described in further detail below.

The definition of the proximity condition and the remoteness condition may vary in accordance with operational requirements. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the proximity condition may be deemed to be satisfied when the distance between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42 is less a threshold distance (e.g. 1 m, 10 m, etc.), continuously, for at least a certain period of time (e.g. 10 seconds, 5 minutes, etc.). A judicious choice of distance and/or the distance-time relationship may ensure release of the signal to the data network 28 to activate or deactivate call redirection only when such call redirection is desired by the party 10 (e.g. when the party 10 arrives at the usage area 15 of the second communication device 14 and intends to stay there for a prolonged period of time). This would avoid triggering undesired call redirection due to transient passage of the party 10 (e.g. when the party 10 simply walks into the usage area 15 of the second communication device 14 with no intention of staying there and leaves a few seconds thereafter).

Similarly, in one non-limiting embodiment, the remoteness condition may be deemed to be satisfied when the distance between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42 is greater than a threshold distance, continuously, for at least a certain period of time. The threshold distance and the period of time associated with the remoteness condition may respectively be the same as, or be different, than those associated with the proximity condition. Of course, it will be appreciated that factors others than distance and time may be used to define the proximity condition and the remoteness condition.

Thus, in one non-limiting embodiment, the detection signal transmitted by the detector 42 to the communication entity 44 may reflect the result of signal processing at the detector 42 by virtue of which it was concluded that the proximity condition or the remoteness condition is satisfied, hi that case, the detection signal acts as a trigger signal to indicate to the communication entity 44 that the proximity condition or the remoteness condition is satisfied. Alternatively, in another non-limiting embodiment, the detection signal transmitted by the detector 42 to the communication entity 44 may contain information permitting the communication entity 44 to determine a distance between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42. hi that case, the detector 42 may continuously or periodically transmit the detection signal to the communication entity 44 which processes it in order to establish if and when the proximity condition or the remoteness condition is satisfied.

In the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, the detector 42 may be located at the party premises 11 in the room, building or other area of limited extent defining the usage area 15 in which the second communication device 14 may be used to effect telephonic communications. Also, while in this non-limiting example the detector 42 is shown to be the only detector provided at the party premises 11, it will be appreciated that, in other non-limiting examples, the party premises 11 may be provided with two or more detectors (similar or identical to the detector 42), each communicatively coupled to the communication entity 44 (or another communication entity at the party premises 11). In such non-limiting examples, one or more of the detectors may be located at the party premises 11 so as to detect when the party 10 arrives at or leaves the usage area 15 associated with the second communication device 14 (e.g., at an entrance or exit point of the usage area 15 such as a room or office door, a garage door, etc.).

Turning now to the communication entity 44, in the non-limiting example of Figure 1 , the communication entity 44 is shown to be implemented as a computer located at the party premises 11 and having a connection to the data network 28. Generally, however, the communication entity 44 may be implemented using suitable hardware, firmware, software, control logic, or a combination thereof.

The communication entity 44 is operative to interact with the detector 42 to release a signal to the data network 28 when one of the aforementioned proximity and remoteness conditions is satisfied. The purpose of the signal released to the data network 28 is to activate or deactivate redirection of calls destined for one of the first and second communication devices 12, 14 to the other of the first and second communication devices 12, 14. In that sense, the signal released to the data network 28 may be referred to as a "redirection control signal".

More specifically, as mentioned above, the communication entity 44 is adapted to receive the detection signal generated by the detector 42 and release a redirection control signal to the data network 28 when the detection signal is indicative that the proximity condition or the remoteness condition is satisfied. In a non-limiting embodiment in which the detection signal acts as a trigger signal indicating satisfaction of the proximity condition or the remoteness condition, the communication entity 44 proceeds to release a redirection control signal to the data network 28 in response to receiving the detection signal. In a non-limiting embodiment in which the detection signal contains information permitting a determination of a distance between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42, the communication entity 44 processes the detection signal and proceeds to release a redirection control signal to the data network 28 in response to determining that one of the proximity and remoteness conditions is satisfied.

Each redirection control signal released to the data network 28 by the communication entity 44 is indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38 and that the proximity condition or the remoteness condition is satisfied. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 1, a redirection control signal released to the data network 28 by the communication entity 44 is destined for the redirection control entity 60 provided in the data network 28 and communicatively coupled to the database 62. As will be seen below, the redirection control entity 60 uses the received redirection control signal and interacts with the database 62 to activate or deactivate redirection of calls destined for one of the first and second communication devices 12, 14 to the other of the first and second communication devices 12, 14. The database 62 and the redirection control entity 60 will now be described in further detail.

Figure 4 shows a non-limiting example of potential contents of the database 62. In this non-limiting example, the database 62 stores a plurality of records 60O₁...60O_Q each associated with a respective party (such as the party 10) subscribing to a "call redirection control" service contemplated herein. More particularly, a given record 60O_j (j e [1,Q]) stores an association between a given party (such as the party 10) subscribing to the call redirection control service contemplated herein and an ID of a wirelessly detectable element (such as the wirelessly detectable element 38) associated with a first communication device (such as the first communication device 12). The record 60O_j also includes identification information regarding the first communication device associated with the ID of the wirelessly detectable element stored in that record. For example, this identification information may include an ESN and associated subscriber telephone number if the first communication device is a cellular phone or other mobile communication device connected to the wireless network 16; a telephone number of a telephone line if the first communication device is a POTS phone expected to be connected to the PSTN 22; or an IP address and associated subscriber telephone number if the first communication device is a VoIP phone or a soft phone connected to the data network 28. The record 60O_j also includes identification information regarding a second communication device. This identification information may also include a telephone number, an ESN and associated subscriber telephone number, or an IP address and associated subscriber telephone number, depending on the nature of the second communication device.

For example, in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, it is assumed that the party 10 subscribes to the call redirection control service contemplated herein and is associated with the record 600_k in the database 62. The record 600_k will thus store the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38, the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12, and the telephone number associated with the telephone line in the PSTN 22 to which is connected the second communication device 14.

The configuration and contents of the database 62 shown in Figure 5 are not to be considered limiting in any respect since the database 62 may be configured in various other manners and/or include various other information elements. For example, in addition to, or instead of, storing an ID of a wirelessly detectable element associated with a first communication device expected to be used by a given party, the record 60O_j associated with that party may store an IP address of a communication entity (such as the communication entity 44) associated with that party and from which redirection control signals are expected to be received. As another example, the record 60O_j associated with a given party may specify one or more periods of time during which call redirection control is disabled (i.e., one or more periods of time during which that party does not want call redirection to be activated or deactivated by the redirection control entity 60 even if it receives redirection control signals from the communication entity associated with that party).

Turning now to the redirection control entity 60, in one-non limiting embodiment, the redirection control entity 60 may be implemented as a server residing in the data network

28. hi a particular case, the redirection control entity 60 may be part of one of the routing entities (such as the routing entities 3O₁...3O₃) in the data network 28. Generally, the redirection control entity 60 may comprise one or more functional units that may be implemented using suitable hardware, firmware, software, control logic, or a combination thereof.

The redirection control entity 60 is adapted to receive a redirection control signal transmitted by the communication entity 44. As described in further detail below, based on the received redirection control signal, the redirection control entity 60 is operative to interact with the database 62 in order to activate or deactivate redirection of calls destined for one of the first and second communication devices 12, 14 to the other of the first and second communication devices 12, 14.

In a non-limiting example of implementation, the redirection control entity 60 also enables the party 10 to configure the contents of his or her record in the database 62 so as to manage the manner in which the redirection control entity 60 effects call redirection activities. During this "configuration phase", the party 10 may interact with the communication entity 44 (or via another communication entity (not shown)) connected to the data network 28 in order to supply to the redirection control entity 60 information to be stored in his or her record 600_k in the database 62. For example, in the non-limiting example of Figure 1, this information may include the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38, the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12, and the telephone number associated with the telephone line in the PSTN 22 to which is connected the second communication device 14. To facilitate provision of information to the redirection control entity 60 during the configuration phase, the redirection control entity 60 may implement a site (e.g., a Web site) which the party 10 may access and interact with using the communication entity 44.

Of course, it will be appreciated that the record 600^ of the party 10 may be configured in various other ways without requiring the party 10 to interact with the communication entity 44. For instance, in some non-limiting embodiments, configuration of the record 600k of the party 10 may be effected by a service provider providing the call redirection control service contemplated herein.

Operation of the redirection control entity 60 will now be further described in the context of the non-limiting example scenario shown in Figure 1. Specifically, operation of the redirection control entity 60 will be described for cases where the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located such that the aforementioned proximity condition or the aforementioned remoteness condition is satisfied. For purposes of this example, it is assumed that no forwarding of calls is initially in effect for the party 10. That is, the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 is initially inactive (i.e., calls destined for the first communication device 12 are directed to that first communication device) and the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 is also initially inactive (i.e., calls destined for the second communication device 14 are directed to that second communication device).

Proximity condition satisfied

With reference to Figure 5, it is assumed that the party 10, who is carrying the first communication device 12 and its associated wirelessly detectable element 38, moves towards the room, building or other area of limited extent defining the usage area 15 of the second communication device 14. It is further assumed that, eventually, the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located sufficiently close to the detector 42 that its presence is detected by the detector 42, i.e., a signal provided (e.g., generated or reflected) by the wirelessly detectable element 38 is received at the detector 42. As such, activation of the first call forwarding service may be desirable due to availability of the second communication device 14 at the party premises 11.

Thus, at one point in time, as previously described, due to interaction between the detector 42 and the wirelessly detectable element 38, the communication entity 44 receives from the detector 42 a detection signal 700 indicating that the proximity condition is satisfied and indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38. Based on the signal 700, the communication entity 44 releases to the data network 28 a redirection control signal 702 destined for the redirection control entity 60. As mentioned above, the redirection control signal 702 is indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38 and that the proximity condition is satisfied.

Upon receiving the redirection control signal 702, the redirection control entity 60 processes it in order to extract the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38 and proceeds to consult the database 62 in an attempt to find a record 60O_j containing a matching wirelessly detectable element ID. Since it is assumed here that the party 10 indeed subscribes to the call redirection control service contemplated herein and his or her record in the database 62 has been previously configured, the redirection control entity 60 locates the record 600_k associated with the party 10 and containing the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38.

The redirection control entity 60 proceeds to obtain from the record 600_k the identification information regarding the first communication device 12 (e.g., the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12). Based on this information, the redirection control entity 60 generates a signal 704 that is destined for the wireless network 16 and eventually received at one of the switching entities I8₁...I8₃. The purpose of the signal 704 is to instruct that switching entity to render active the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10. That is, subsequent calls destined for the first communication device 12 are to be redirected by the wireless network 16 to the alternate destination specified in the record 300_k in the database 20 that is associated with the party 10. To that end, in a non-limiting example of implementation, the signal 704 may contain a command to set to "active" the field 310 in the record 300_k associated with the party 10. hi such a non-limiting example of implementation, upon reception of the signal 704 at one of the switching entities I8₁...1S₃, that switching entity interacts with the database 20 in order to set to "active" the field 310 in the record 300_k.

Thus, if and when a subsequent call destined for the first communication device 12 arrives at one of the switching entities 18₁...18₃ in the wireless network 16, by virtue of its interaction with the database 20, that switching entity recognizes that the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 is active and proceeds to redirect the call based on the alternate destination information element contained in the field 320 in the record 300_k. In this case, that alternate destination information element is indicative of the second communication device 14. Accordingly, the call is redirected to the second communication device 14 via one or more of the switching entities 18₁ 18₃ and

24i ...24₃. The party 10 may then use the second communication device 14 to handle the call as desired (e.g., answer the call, not answer the call, let a voice mail service associated with the second communication device 14 take the call, etc.).

It will thus be appreciated that the party 10 does not have to interact with the first communication device 12 (e.g., dial a number and enter a call forwarding activation command) in order for the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 to be activated. Rather, by simply carrying the wirelessly detectable element 38 associated with the first communication device 12, the party 10 may effectively cause activation of the first call forwarding service that he or she subscribes to, owing to the interaction between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42 cooperating with the communication entity 44. hi some cases, this "automatic" activation of the first call forwarding service may allow the party 10 to avoid incurring fees which may have otherwise been incurred to receive and handle an incoming call using the first communication device 12, while the second communication device 14 was in fact available to receive that call.

Remoteness condition satisfied

Referring now to Figure 6, the party 10 may eventually start to move away from the room, building or other area of limited extent defining the usage area 15 of the second communication device 14, while carrying with him or her the first communication device 12 and its associated wirelessly detectable element 38. As such, deactivation of the first call forwarding service may be desirable since the party 10 may soon no longer be in a position to use the second communication device 14 to effect telephonic communications. Activation of the second call forwarding service may also be desirable due to availability of the first communication device 12 that is carried by the party 10.

At one point in time, as previously described, due to interaction between the detector 42 and the wirelessly detectable element 38, the communication entity 44 receives from the detector 42 a detection signal 706 indicating that the remoteness condition is satisfied and indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38. Based on the signal 706, the communication entity 44 releases to the data network 28 a redirection control signal 708 destined for the redirection control entity 60. In this case, and as mentioned above, the redirection control signal 708 is indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element

38 and that the remoteness condition is satisfied.

Upon receiving the redirection control signal 708, the redirection control entity 60 processes it in order to extract the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38 and proceeds to consult the database 62 in an attempt to find a record 60O_j containing a matching wirelessly detectable element ID. Since it is assumed here that the party 10 indeed subscribes to the call redirection control service contemplated herein and his or her record in the database 62 has been previously configured, the redirection control entity 60 locates the record 600^ associated with the party 10 and containing the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38.

The redirection control entity 60 proceeds to obtain from the record 600_k the identification information regarding the first communication device 12 (e.g., the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12). Based on this information, the redirection control entity 60 generates a signal 710 that is destined for the wireless network 16 and eventually received at one of the switching entities I8₁...I8₃. The purpose of the signal 710 is to instruct that switching entity to render inactive the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 (which was previously activated by the redirection control entity 60). That is, subsequent calls destined for the first communication device 12 are no longer to be redirected by the wireless network 16 to the alternate destination specified in the record 300_k in the database 20 that is associated with the party 10, i.e., they are to be directed to the first communication device 12. To that end, in a non-limiting example of implementation, the signal 710 may contain a command to set to "inactive" the field 310 in the record 300_k associated with the party 10. In such a non-limiting example of implementation, upon reception of the signal 710 at one of the switching entities 18 _\ ...18₃ , that switching entity interacts with the database 20 in order to set to "inactive" the field 310 in the record 300_k.

Thus, if and when a subsequent call destined for the first communication device 12 arrives at one of the switching entities 18 \ ...18₃ in the wireless network 16, by virtue of its interaction with the database 20, that switching entity recognizes that the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 is inactive and proceeds to direct the call to its intended destination (i.e., the first communication device 12).

It will therefore be appreciated that the party 10 does not have to interact with the first communication device 12 (e.g., dial a number and enter a call forwarding deactivation command) in order for the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 to be deactivated. Rather, by simply carrying the wirelessly detectable element 38 associated* with the first communication device 12, the party 10 may effectively cause deactivation of the first call forwarding service that he or she subscribes to, owing to the interaction between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42 cooperating with the communication entity 44. In some cases, this "automatic" deactivation of the first call forwarding service may result in the party 10 avoiding to miss an incoming call originally destined for the first communication device 12 which may have otherwise been forwarded to the second communication device 14 (if the first call forwarding service had remained active), despite the fact that the party 10 may no longer be in a position to use the second communication device 14 to receive that call.

It will also be recalled that, for purposes of this non-limiting example, it is assumed that the party 10, in addition to subscribing to the aforementioned first call forwarding service (i.e., forwarding of calls destined for the first communication device 12 to the second communication device 14), the party 10 also subscribes to the aforementioned second call forwarding service (i.e., forwarding of calls destined for the second communication device 14 to the first communication device 12). Accordingly, in accordance with a non- limiting example of implementation, the call redirection control service subscribed to by the party 10 may optionally cause activation of the aforementioned second call forwarding service when the remoteness condition is satisfied.

For instance, in a non-limiting embodiment, and as shown in Figure 6, upon receiving the redirection control signal 708 from the communication entity 44 and locating in the database 62 the record 600k associated with the party 10, the redirection control entity 60 proceeds to obtain from that record the identification information regarding the second communication device 12 (e.g., the telephone number associated with the telephone line to which the second communication device is expected to be connected). Based on this information, the redirection control entity 60 generates a signal 712 that is destined for the PSTN 22 and eventually received at the switching entity 24j. The purpose of the signal 712 is to instruct that switching entity to render active the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10. That is, subsequent calls destined for the second communication device 14 are to be redirected by the PSTN 22 to the alternate destination specified in the record 400_k in the database 26 that is associated with the party 10. To that end, in a non-limiting example of implementation, the signal 712 may contain a command to set to "active" the field 410 in the record 400_k associated with the party 10. In such a non-limiting example of implementation, upon reception of the signal 712 at the switching entity 24_ls that switching entity interacts with the database 26 in order to set to "active" the field 410 in the record 400_k.

Thus, if and when a subsequent call destined for the second communication device 14 arrives at the switching entity 24₁ in the PSTN 22, by virtue of its interaction with the database 26, that switching entity recognizes that the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 is active and proceeds to redirect the call based on the alternate destination information element contained in the field 420 in the record 400_k- In this case, that alternate destination information element is indicative of the first communication device 12. Accordingly, the call is redirected to the first communication device 12 via one or more of the switching entities 241...24₃ and 18 j ...18₃. The party 10 may then use the first communication device 12 to handle the call as desired (e.g., answer the call, not answer the call, let a voice mail service associated with the first communication device 12 take the call, etc.).

It will thus be appreciated that, through this optional feature, the party 10 does not have to interact with the second communication device 14 (e.g., dial a number and enter a call forwarding activation command) in order for the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 to be activated. Rather, by simply carrying the wirelessly detectable element 38 associated with the first communication device 12, the party 10 may effectively cause activation of the second call forwarding service that he or she subscribes to, owing to the interaction between the wirelessly detectable element 38 and the detector 42 cooperating with the communication entity 44. In some cases, this "automatic" activation of the second call forwarding service may allow the party 10 to avoid missing an incoming call destined for the second communication device 14 (which may have otherwise not been forwarded to the first communication device 12 due, for instance, to an omission of the party 10 to activate the second call forwarding service), while the first communication device 12 was in fact available to receive that call.

Also, through this optional feature, the second call forwarding service may be deactivated, for instance, based on interaction between the detector 42 and the communication entity 44 when the proximity condition is once again satisfied, such that the second communication device 14 will once again receive calls destined for it.

It will be recognized that various enhancements to and variants of the non-limiting embodiments described above are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Non-limiting examples of such possible enhancements and variants will now be described.

As a first non-limiting example of a possible enhancement, the party 10 may sometimes wish to temporarily disable the transmission of redirection control signals by the communication entity 44 to the data network 28 even if the proximity condition or the remoteness condition is satisfied. To that end, the party 10 may temporarily disable the wirelessly detectable element 38, the detector 42, and/or the communication entity 44 or a component thereof (e.g., a hardware or software component), for instance, by pressing a button on or entering a command at the wirelessly detectable element 38, the detector 42, and/or the communication entity 44. The result of this disabling by the party 10 is such that, even in the event that the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located relative to the detector 44 such that the proximity condition or the remoteness condition would normally be satisfied, no redirection control signal is transmitted to the data network 28 by the communication entity 44.

As another non-limiting example of a possible enhancement, in addition to allowing detection of the presence and the identity of the wirelessly detectable element 38, a signal provided (e.g., generated) by the wirelessly detectable element 38 and detected by the detector 42 may contain information derived from commands or other user input provided by the party 10 via interaction with the wirelessly detectable element 38 (e.g., by pressing one or more buttons on the wirelessly detectable element 38 or the first communication device 12 in a case where the wirelessly detectable element 38 is part of that communication device). For instance, in a non-limiting case where several telephone lines are available at the party premises 11 and are each connected to a respective communication device (such as the second communication device 14), such commands or other information may indicate to which one of these telephone lines calls destined for the first communication device 12 are to be redirected when the aforementioned proximity condition is satisfied.

Furthermore, as a first non-limiting example of a possible variant, although they are shown and described as distinct elements in the non-limiting embodiments presented above, it will be appreciated that, in other non-limiting embodiments, the detector 42 and the communication entity 44 may be respective functional units that are part of a common device having a connection to the data network 28 (e.g., a dedicated device directly connected to a digital communications link such as Ethernet, a DSL link or coaxial cable, which is available at the party premises 11).

As yet another non-limiting example of a possible variant, in addition to effecting redirection of calls destined for the first communication device 12 to the second communication device 14 when the proximity condition is satisfied, it will be appreciated that, in some non-limiting embodiments, such calls may also still be directed to their original destination (i.e., the first communication device 12). That is, in such non-limiting embodiments, calls destined for the first communication device 12 are both directed to the first communication device 12 and redirected to the second communication device 14 (e.g., a three-way call feature in which both the first communication device 12 and the second communication device 14 receive calls destined for the first communication device 12). This may allow the party 10 to still use the first communication device 12 to take an incoming call while at the party premises 11, despite availability of the second communication device 14 (e.g., to avoid blocking the telephone line associated with the second communication device 14). Of course, a similar approach may be used for calls destined for the second communication device 14 when the remoteness condition is satisfied, i.e., calls destined for the second communication device 14 are both directed to the second communication device 14 and redirected to the first communication device 12. For instance, this may allow the party 10 who may be away from the party premises 11 to not answer an incoming call received at the first communication device 12, and rather let that call be answered via the second communication device 14 by someone at the party premises 11 or by an answering machine or voice mail system associated with the second communication device 14.

As a further non-limiting example of a possible variant, instead of being connected to the PSTN 22 as shown in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1, in other non- limiting example scenarios, the second communication device 14 located at the party premises 11 may be connected to the data network 28. Such a non-limiting example scenario is shown in Figure 7. In this non-limiting example, the second communication device 14 is shown to be a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone (or a POTS phone equipped with an analog terminal adapter (ATA)). In another non-limiting example, the second communication device 14 may be a soft phone, i.e., a computer equipped with telephony software (which, in a non-limiting example, may be the same computer implementing the communication entity 44). The second communication device 14 is connected to the data network 28 (e.g., via a digital communications link such as Ethernet, a DSL link, coaxial cable, etc.). While in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 7, the communication entity 44 and the second communication device 14 are shown as being connected to the data network 28 via respective links, it is to be understood that these links may be different logical links but implemented on a common physical link.

In this non-limiting example, packets routed by each of the routing entities 3O₁...3O₃ may sometimes be associated with an incoming call destined for, an outgoing call originating from, or a call in progress at, the second communication device 14. In the non-limiting example shown, the routing entity 3O₁ is also operative to interact with a database 32 to manage various communication services that may be subscribed to by various parties, including the party 10. Non-limiting examples of such communication services include calling line identification (CLID), voice mail, distinctive ringing, long distance call blocking, CLID blocking, etc. In addition, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, one communication service which may be subscribed to is a "third call forwarding service", whereby calls destined for a communication device (such as the second communication device 14) connected to the data network 28 may be forwarded (i.e., redirected) to an alternate destination (e.g., another communication device).

In a non-limiting embodiment, the database 32 and the routing entity 3O₁ may be part of a router (e.g., an edge or core router) or a Softswitch in the data network 28, or may be part of different entities in the data network 28. Also, although not shown in Figure 7, each of the routing entities 3O₂ and 3O₃ may also be communicatively coupled to the database 32 or to one or more other databases in the data network 28 that are similar to the database 32. Furthermore, while shown as distinct elements in Figure 7, it will be recognized that, in some non-limiting embodiments, the database 32 and the database 62 may be part of a common database.

A non-limiting example of potential contents of the database 32 is shown in Figure 8. In this non-limiting example, the database 32 stores a plurality of records 50O₁...500_P each storing an association between a respective party (such as the party 10) and an IP address and associated subscriber telephone number of a communication device (such as the second communication device 14) expected to be used by that party to effect telephonic communications. Each of the records 50O₁...500p also includes a list of communication services subscribed to by the respective party associated with that record. In particular, the database 32 stores information on whether a particular party subscribes to the aforementioned third call forwarding service. Subscription to different communication services may be completely independent from one party to another and there is no restriction on a number or combination of services that may be subscribed to by any one party.

For a given party that does subscribe to the third call forwarding service, the record 500_j (j e [I₃P]) associated with that party has a field 510 containing an indication of whether call forwarding is "active", i.e., calls destined for a communication device identified by the IP address and subscriber telephone number in that record are to be redirected to an alternate destination; or "inactive", i.e., calls destined for a communication device identified by the IP address and subscriber telephone number in that record are not to be redirected to an alternate destination. The record 500j also has a field 520 containing at least one alternate destination information element each indicative of a respective alternate destination to which calls destined for a communication device identified by the IP address and subscriber telephone number in that record are to be redirected when call forwarding is active. For example, a given alternate destination information element may be a telephone number or an IP address associated with another communication device to which calls are to be redirected. As another example, a given alternate destination information element may identify a gateway or other non-endpoint network element to which calls are to be redirected. The field 520 also contains information indicative of whether all calls destined for a communication device identified by the IP address and subscriber telephone number of the record 40O_j, or only certain ones of these calls which originate from selected calling parties, are to be redirected to a given alternate destination.

For purposes of this example, it is assumed that the party 10 is associated with the record 500k (ke [I₃P]) which contains an identifier of that party and an IP address associated with the second communication device 14. Furthermore, for purposes of this example, it is assumed that, in addition to subscribing to the aforementioned first call forwarding service, the party 10 also subscribes to the third call forwarding service so that, under certain circumstances, calls destined for the second communication device 14 are to be redirected to the first communication device 12. In other words, the third call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 7 achieves a function similar to that of the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 1. At any point in time, the field 510 of the record 500_k indicates whether call forwarding is active or inactive. For its part, the field 520 contains the ESN and/or the associated subscriber telephone number of the .first communication device 12 to which calls destined for the second communication device 14 are to be redirected when call forwarding is active. The field 520 also contains information indicative of whether all calls destined for the second communication device 14, or only certain ones of these calls which originate from selected calling parties, are to be redirected to the first communication device 12.

In addition, in the non-limiting example scenario of Figure 7, the record 600_k in the database 62 that is associated with the party 10 will store the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38, the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12, and the IP address and associated subscriber telephone number associated with the second communication device 14.

As shown respectively in Figures 9 and 10, in this non-limiting example scenario, the detector 42, the communication entity 44 and the redirection control entity 60 operate in a manner substantially identical to that described above in connection with Figures 5 and 6 when the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located such that the aforementioned proximity condition is satisfied (Figure 9) or the aforementioned remoteness condition is satisfied (Figure 10). One distinction is that, upon satisfaction of the remoteness condition, the optional signal 712 in Figure 6, which was transmitted to the PSTN 22 to cause activation of the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10, is replaced in Figure 10 by the optional signal 812. The optional signal 812 is transmitted to the routing entity 3O₁ to cause activation of the third call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 (i.e., forwarding of calls destined for the second communication device 14 to the first communication device 12).

As yet another example of a possible variant, part or all of the contents of the record 600_k in the database 62 that is associated with the party 10 may be stored locally in a memory (not shown) of the communication entity 44. In such a non-limiting example, the record 600_k and possibly the entire database 62 may be omitted. Also, in such a non-limiting example, local storage at the communication entity 44 of part or all of the contents of the record 600_k is such that part or all of the functionality of the redirection control entity 60 may be implemented at the communication entity 44. This may allow the redirection control entity 60 to be omitted from the data network 28.

Figure 11 illustrates a non-limiting example of a manner in which call redirection control may be effected in such a non-limiting example when the proximity condition is satisfied. Specifically, at one point in time, as previously described, due to interaction between the detector 42 and the wirelessly detectable element 38, the communication entity 44 receives from the detector 42 a detection signal 800 indicating that the proximity condition is satisfied and indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38. Based on the signal 800, the communication entity 44 releases to the data network 28 a redirection control signal 802. The redirection control signal 802 is destined for the wireless network 16 and designed to render active the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10. To that end, in a non-limiting example of implementation, the redirection control signal 802 is indicative of the identification information regarding the first communication device 12 (e.g., the ESN and/or the associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12) which is stored locally at the communication entity 44. The redirection control signal 802 also contains a command to set to "active" the field 310 in the record 300_k associated with the party 10. In such a non- limiting example of implementation, the signal 802 is routed through the data network 28 towards the wireless network 16. Upon reception of the signal 802 at one of the switching entities 1 Si ...18₃, that switching entity interacts with the database 20 in order to set to "active" the field 310 in the record 300_k. Thus, if and when a subsequent call destined for the first communication device 12 arrives at one of the switching entities 18₁...18₃ in the wireless network 16, by virtue of its interaction with the database 20, that switching entity recognizes that the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 is active and proceeds to redirect the call towards the second communication device 14.

It will be appreciated that call redirection control may be affected in a similar manner when the remoteness condition is satisfied such that the first call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 may be automatically deactivated and the second call forwarding service subscribed to by the party 10 may optionally be activated.

From the foregoing, it will be recognized that part or all of the functionality of the redirection control entity 60 may be implemented elsewhere than in the data network 28, such as in the communication entity 44. In other non-limiting embodiments, part or all of the functionality of the redirection control entity 60 may also be implemented, for instance, in one or both of the gateways 48 and 52 or in another element of the network architecture of which are part the wireless network 16, the PSTN 22, and the data network 28.

In addition, while in the above-described non-limiting embodiments activation/deactivation of redirection of calls is effected via selective activation and/or deactivation of call forwarding services, this is not to be considered limiting in any respect as activation/deactivation of redirection of calls may be effected in various other ways. For instance, Figure 12 illustrates a non-limiting example of a possible variant of the non- limiting example scenario of Figure 1 in which activation/deactivation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device 12 to the second communication device 14 is effected by enabling the gateway 48 to take control of calls destined for the first communication device 12. hi this non-limiting example, it is assumed that, at one point in time, the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located relative to the detector 42 such that the aforementioned proximity condition is satisfied. Thus, at that point, the communication entity 44 receives from the detector 42 a detection signal 900 indicating that the proximity condition is satisfied and indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38. Based on the signal 900, the communication entity 44 releases to the data network 28 a redirection control signal 902 destined for the redirection control entity 60. As mentioned above, the redirection control signal 902 is indicative of the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38 and that the proximity condition is satisfied.

Upon receiving the redirection control signal 902, the redirection control entity 60 processes it in order to extract the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38 and proceeds to consult the database 62 in an attempt to find a record 60O_j containing a matching wirelessly detectable element ID. Since it is assumed here that the party 10 indeed subscribes to the call redirection control service contemplated herein and his or her record in the database 62 has been previously configured, the redirection control entity 60 locates the record 600^ associated with the party 10 and containing the ID of the wirelessly detectable element 38.

The redirection control entity 60 proceeds to obtain from the record 600_k the identification information regarding the first communication device 12 (e.g., the ESN and associated subscriber telephone number of the first communication device 12). Based on this information, the redirection control entity 60 generates a signal 904 that is destined for the gateway 48. As will be seen below, the purpose of the signal 904 is to instruct the gateway 48 to take control of calls destined for the first communication device 12. To that end, in a non-limiting example of implementation, the gateway 48 may implement a signaling gateway (e.g., an OSA/Parlay gateway) operative to exchange call set up and routing information with the data network 28 (e.g., with routing entities such as the routing entities 30] • • -3O₃) and the wireless network 16 (e.g., with switching entities such as the switching entities IS₁ I8₃). This signaling gateway may also be operative to interact with the gateway 52 in order to enable exchange of call set up and routing information with the PSTN 22 (e.g., with switching entities such as the switching entities 24j...24₃) using a signaling protocol such as Signaling System #7 (SS7), as well as to provide media gateway functionality to enable exchange of voice content of a call with the PSTN 22.

Thus, upon receiving the signal 904, the gateway 48 recognizes that it is to take control of calls destined for the first communication device 12. The gateway 48 then proceeds to transmit a signal 906 to the wireless network 16, which, upon reception at one of the switching entities 1 S₁...18₃, causes that switching entity to modify the record 300_k in the database 20 that is associated with the first communication device 12 in order to designate the gateway 48 as being the servicing switching entity for the first communication device 12.

If and when a subsequent call destined for the first communication device 12 arrives at one of the switching entities 18χ...I8₃ in the wireless network 16, by virtue of its interaction with the database 20, that switching entity recognizes that the gateway 48 is designated as being the servicing switching entity for the first communication device 12. Control of the call is thus passed to the gateway 48 via transmission of a control signal 908 to the gateway 48.

Upon receiving the control signal 908, the gateway 48 recognizes that a call destined for the first communication device 12 has arrived in the wireless network 16 and proceeds to release a signal 910 to the redirection control entity 60 to determine where the call is to be redirected. In response to receiving the signal 910, the redirection control entity 60 interacts with the database 62 so as to retrieve the identification information regarding the second communication device 14 that is stored in the record 600_k associated with the party 10 (e.g., the telephone number associated with the telephone line in the PSTN 22 to which is connected the second communication device 14). Based on this information the redirection control entity 60 transmits a control signal 912 back to the gateway 48 to inform that gateway that the call is to be redirected to the second communication device 14.

Upon receiving the control signal 912, the gateway 48 proceeds to exchange call set up and routing information with the wireless network 16 (e.g., with switching entities such as the switching entities 18₁...18₃) in order to cause redirection of the call to the second communication device 14. When the call is received at the second communication device 14, the party 10 may then use that communication device to handle the call as desired (e.g., answer the call, not answer the call, let a voice mail service associated with the second communication device 14 take the call, etc.).

It will be appreciated that, in this non-limiting example, the redirection control entity 60 and the gateway 48 may cooperate in a similar manner to effectively deactivate redirection of calls when the communication entity 44 receives from the detector 42 a detection signal indicative that the wirelessly detectable element 38 is located relative to the detector 42 such that the aforementioned remoteness condition is satisfied. In this case, the redirection control entity 60 and the gateway 48 cooperate such that the gateway 48 interacts with the wireless network 16 in order to release control of calls destined for the first communication device 12 back to the wireless network 16. That is, the gateway 48 ceases to be designated in the record 300_k in the database 20 as being the servicing switching entity for the first communication device 12, and the originally-designated servicing switching entity (e.g., one of the switching entities 1 S₁...18₃) is replaced in the record 300k.

In addition, although in the non-limiting example scenarios considered herein the party

10 is associated with one wireless communication device and one wired communication device, this is not to be considered limiting in any respect. It will be appreciated that, generally, a given party may be associated with any number of communication devices, with any particular one of these devices being either a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

Also, while in the non-limiting embodiments considered above the data network 28 and the wireless network 16 are shown as being distinct from one another, it is contemplated that, in some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the wireless network 16 may be part of the data network 28 (e.g., the wireless network 16 may provide access points enabling wireless communication devices to wirelessly exchange packets with a wired part of the data network 28). For instance, in such non-limiting embodiments, each of the first communication device 12 and the second communication device 14 may be a wireless VoIP communication device (e.g., a wireless VoIP phone).

Furthermore, while in the non-limiting embodiments considered above the proximity or remoteness of the wirelessly detectable element 38 to the detector 42 is established on a basis of wireless techniques and is used by the detector 42 and the communication entity 44 to effect transmission of redirection control signals to the data network 28, this is not to be considered limiting in any respect. For instance, in other non-limiting embodiments, instead of using wirelessly techniques, a detector (not shown) may be provided at the party premises 11 and communicatively coupled to the communication entity 44 to detect a detectable element (not shown) when that detectable element is brought into contact with the detector (e.g., via a wired connection established between that detectable element and the detector). In a non-limiting example of implementation, the detectable element may be integrated, embedded, externally mounted to, or otherwise part of the first communication device 12 (e.g., a charging port or a body of the first communication device 12) and the detector may be a component adapted to receive the first communication device 12 (e.g., a docking or charging station). In such non-limiting embodiments, the proximity condition may be deemed to be satisfied, for instance, when the detectable element is in contact with the detector, continuously, for at least a given period of time. Conversely, the remoteness condition may be deemed to be satisfied, for instance, when the detectable element has not been in contact with the detector, continuously, for at least a certain period of time after contact was lost. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, certain portions of the detector 42, the communication entity 44, the redirection control entity 60, the gateway 48 and/or the gateway 52 may be implemented as pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other embodiments, certain portions of the detector 42, the communication entity 44, the redirection control entity 60, the gateway 48 and/or the gateway 52 may be implemented as an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) having access to a code memory (not shown) which stores program instructions for the operation of the ALU. The program instructions may be stored on a medium which is fixed, tangible and readable directly by these certain portions (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, USB key or fixed disk). Alternatively, the program instructions may be stored remotely but transmittable to these certain portions via a modem or other interface device (e.g., a communications adapter) connected to a network over a transmission medium. The transmission medium may be either a tangible medium (e.g., optical or analog communications lines) or a medium implemented using wireless techniques (e.g., microwave, infrared or other transmission schemes).

Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the attached claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: a detector for detecting presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device; and a communication entity communicatively coupled to said detector, said communication entity being operative for: receiving from said detector a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to said detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detectable element is a wirelessly detectable element and said detector is operative for wirelessly detecting presence of the wirelessly detectable element.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wirelessly detectable element and said detector employ Bluetooth® technology.

4. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wirelessly detectable element is a radio frequency identification tag and said detector is operative for detecting presence of the radio frequency identification tag.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detector is operative for detecting presence of the detectable element via physical contact between said detector and the detectable element.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first signal is a trigger signal and wherein said communication entity is operative for releasing the second signal to the network in response to receiving the trigger signal.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication entity is further operative for processing the first signal to determine that the detectable element is located relative to said detector such that the proximity condition is satisfied.

8. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when a distance between said detector and the wirelessly detectable element is less than a threshold distance for at least a certain period of time.

9. A system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when the detectable element remains in contact with said detector for at least a certain period of time.

10. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the network is a data network and said communication entity is operative for communicating with the data network.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the data network is the Internet.

12. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said communication entity is operative for releasing the second signal towards a redirection control entity in the data network, the second signal being instrumental in causing the redirection control entity to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

13. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication entity is operative for releasing to the network the second signal so as to cause activation of a call forwarding service operative to redirect calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

14. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication entity is operative for releasing to the network the second signal so as to cause a network entity to take control of calls destined for the first communication device so as to redirect them to the alternate destination.

15. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination is such that these calls are both redirected to the alternate destination and directed to the first communication device.

16. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alternate destination is a second communication device associated with a usage area at a party premises, and wherein said detector and said communication entity are for location at the party premises.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said detector and said communication entity are integrated in a common device.

18. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said communication entity comprises a program element for execution by a computer located at the party premises.

19. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detector is communicatively coupled to said communication entity via a link including a wireless portion.

20. A system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the wireless portion is a WiFi link.

21. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication entity is further operative for: receiving from said detector a third signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to said detector such that a remoteness condition is satisfied; and releasing to the network a fourth signal to cause deactivation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the detectable element is a wirelessly detectable element and said detector is operative for wirelessly detecting presence of the wirelessly detectable element, and wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when a distance between said detector and the wirelessly detectable element is less than a first threshold distance for at least a first period of time and the remoteness condition is satisfied when a distance between said detector and the detectable element is greater than a second threshold distance for at least a second period of time.

23. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said detector is operative for detecting presence of the detectable element via physical contact between said detector and the detectable element, and wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when the detectable element remains in contact with said detector for at least a first period of time and the remoteness condition is satisfied when the detectable element has not been in contact with said detector for at least a second period of time after contact is lost.

24. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first communication device is a wireless communication device, wherein the alternate destination is a second communication device associated with a usage area at a party premises, and wherein said communication entity is further operative for releasing the fourth signal so as to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the second communication device to the wireless communication device.

25. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first communication device is a wireless communication device and the wirelessly detectable element is part of the wireless communication device.

26. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first communication device is a wireless communication device, and wherein the wirelessly detectable element is separate from the wireless communication device and adapted to be carried by a party associated with the wireless communication device.

27. A method comprising: providing a detector to detect presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device; receiving from the detector a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and releasing to a network a second signal to activate redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the detectable element is a wirelessly detectable element and the detector is operative to wirelessly detect presence of the wirelessly detectable element.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the wirelessly detectable element and the detector employ Bluetooth® technology.

30. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the wirelessly detectable element is a radio frequency identification tag and the detector is operative to detect presence of the radio frequency identification tag.

31. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the detector is operative to detect presence of the detectable element via physical contact between the detector and the detectable element.

32. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first signal is a trigger signal and wherein said releasing the second signal to the network is performed in response to receiving the trigger signal.

33. A method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising processing the first signal to determine that the detectable element is located relative to the detector such that the proximity condition is satisfied.

34. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when a distance between the detector and the wirelessly detectable element is less than a threshold distance for at least a certain period of time.

35. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when the detectable element remains in contact with the detector for at least a certain period of time.

36. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the network is a data network.

37. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the data network is the Internet.

38. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the second signal is released towards a redirection control entity in the data network, the second signal being instrumental in causing the redirection control entity to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

39. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second signal is released to cause activation of a call forwarding service operative to redirect calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

40. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second signal is released to cause a network entity to take control of calls destined for the first communication device so as to redirect them to the alternate destination.

41. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination is such that these calls are both redirected to the alternate destination and directed to the first communication device.

42. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the alternate destination is a second communication device associated with a usage area at a party premises and wherein the detector is located at the party premises.

43. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said receiving the first signal and releasing the second signal are performed by a communication entity communicatively coupled to the detector.

44. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the detector and the communication entity are integrated in a common device.

45. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the communication entity comprises a program element for execution by a computer located at the party premises.

46. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the detector is communicatively coupled to the communication entity via a link including a wireless portion.

47. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein the wireless portion is a WiFi link.

48. A method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising: receiving from the detector a third signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a remoteness condition is satisfied; and releasing to the network a fourth signal to cause deactivation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

49. A method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the detectable element is a wirelessly detectable element and the detector is operative to wirelessly detect presence of the wirelessly detectable element, and wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when a distance between the detector and the wirelessly detectable element is less than a first threshold distance for at least a first period of time and the remoteness condition is satisfied when a distance between the detector and the detectable element is greater than a second threshold distance for at least a second period of time.

50. A method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the detector is operative to detect presence of the detectable element via physical contact between the detector and the detectable element, and wherein the proximity condition is satisfied when the detectable element remains in contact with the detector for at least a first period of time and the remoteness condition is satisfied when the detectable element has not been in contact with the detector for at least a second period of time after contact is lost.

51. A method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the first communication device is a wireless communication device, wherein the alternate destination is a second communication device associated with a usage area at a party premises, and wherein the fourth signal is released so as to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the second communication device to the wireless communication device.

52. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first communication device is a wireless communication device and the wirelessly detectable element is part of the wireless communication device.

53. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first communication device is a wireless communication device, and wherein the wirelessly detectable element is separate from the wireless communication device and adapted to be carried by a party associated with the wireless communication device.

54. A communication entity comprising: - means for receiving, from a detector operative to detect presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device, a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and means for releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

55. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a program element for execution by a communication entity, the communication entity, when executing said program element, being operative for: receiving from a detector operative to detect presence of a detectable element associated with a first communication device, a first signal indicative of the detectable element being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and - releasing to a network a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to an alternate destination.

56. A redirection control entity comprising: - a first functional unit for receiving over a network a first signal indicative of a request for activation of redirection of calls destined for a first communication device to an alternate destination, the first signal having been produced in response to detection by a detector at a party premises of a detectable element associated with the first communication device being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and a second functional unit for releasing a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

57. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 56, wherein said second functional unit being operative for releasing the second signal comprises said second functional unit being operative for processing the first signal to identify the alternate destination to which calls destined for the first communication device are to be redirected.

58. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 57, wherein said second functional unit being operative for processing the first signal to identify the alternate destination comprises said second functional unit being operative for extracting an information element from the first signal and consulting a database on a basis of the extracted information element to identify the alternate destination.

59. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 56, wherein said second functional unit is operative for releasing the second signal so as to cause activation of a call forwarding service provided by a network entity and operative to redirect calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

60. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 56, wherein said second functional unit is operative for releasing the second signal so as to cause a network entity to take control of calls destined for the first communication device so as to redirect them to the alternate destination.

61. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 56, wherein the activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination is such that these calls are both redirected to the alternate destination and directed to the first communication device.

62. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 56, wherein the network is a data network.

63. A redirection control entity as claimed in claim 62, wherein the data network is the Internet.

64. A method comprising: - receiving over a network a first signal indicative of a request for activation of redirection of calls destined for a first communication device to an alternate destination, the first signal having been produced in response to detection by a detector at a party premises of a detectable element associated with the first communication device being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and releasing a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

65. A method as claimed in claim 64, wherein said releasing the second signal comprises processing the first signal to identify the alternate destination to which calls destined for the first communication device are to be redirected.

66. A method as claimed in claim 65, wherein said processing the first signal to identify the alternate destination comprises extracting an information element from the first signal and consulting a database on a basis of the extracted information element to identify the alternate destination.

67. A method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the second signal is released so as to cause activation of a call forwarding service provided by a network entity and operative to redirect calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.

68. A method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the second signal is released so as to cause a network entity to take control of calls destined for the first communication device so as to redirect them to the alternate destination.

69. A method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination is such that these calls are both redirected to the alternate destination and directed to the first communication device.

70. A method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the network is a data network.

71. A method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the data network is the Internet.

72. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a program element for execution by a redirection control entity, the redirection control entity, when executing said program element, being operative for: receiving over a network a first signal indicative of a request for activation of redirection of calls destined for a first communication device to an alternate destination, the first signal having been produced in response to detection by a detector at a party premises of a detectable element associated with the first communication device being located relative to the detector such that a proximity condition is satisfied; and releasing a second signal to cause activation of redirection of calls destined for the first communication device to the alternate destination.