Abstract: A connection broker (44), located between lower-level system entities (16, 58, 264) associated with a narrowband-broadband interface (250) and a call server (18) that controls call connection across the narrowband-broadband network, contains a memory (251) that stores connection-related information and protocol converters. The connection broker (44) accesses the protocol converters to interpret control messages received from the call server (18) and, where necessary, transposes messages for the call server into a standardised format for use over a uniform fabric application interface (66). Control messages pertaining to connection paths within the narrowband-broadband network (250) and relayed via the connection broker (44) are appropriately phrased (by the connection-related information and protocol converters) to ensure that meaningful information and instruction is communicated between the call server (18) and the lower-level system entities (16, 58, 264).

Abstract: In a telecommunication system having a network switch capable of independently controlling inbound and outbound call legs, a system for, and method of, redirecting in-band control of signaling pertaining to a call placed by a calling party and a system for providing automatic call completion from the calling party to a called party. The control redirecting system includes: (1) call control circuitry, associated with the network switch, for routing the call from the calling party to another party through the network switch, the call thereby having an inbound leg from the calling party to the network switch and an outbound leg from the network switch to the other party and (2) call control redirection circuitry for treating the outbound leg of the call as a second inbound leg from the other party to the network switch and monitoring in-band control signals received from the other party via the second inbound leg.

Abstract: A call center for routing of a call from a user to one of a plurality of agent stations of an organization, comprises: an interactive graphical display of information relating to the organization, the display for showing status information of at least one agent station; a device for enabling a user to select an agent station from the display; and, a device for effecting a communications link between the caller and the agent station. Further included is a device for receiving information about the organization and updating the graphical display of information.

Abstract: A call scheduling and assignment method and apparatus that schedules each call request on an application processor of a multiple processor system that will process the call request in the smallest amount of time. This method and apparatus then places response time as the important criterion over equal utilization of application processors in a multiple processor system. This method and apparatus recognizes that some application processors are able to respond faster than others, even when operating at the same or higher call load as other processors in the system. For such very common situations, the faster processors can and should be allowed to process a proportionally greater amount of the call processing load. By doing so, the calling customer receives a shorter wait and the system owner receives more call revenue for the same system equipment.

Abstract: An extension-in-use exclusion apparatus is for use in a telephone system. The system has a telephone device, a telephone line, and two telephone extensions connected to the line. The apparatus is connected between one extension and the telephone device. The apparatus has an exclusion controller connecting the line to the telephone device when all extensions other than the extension for the telephone device are on-hook and the telephone device extension is off-hook. The exclusion controller does not connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. A user operable switch can instruct the exclusion controller to connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. The apparatus automatically returns to exclusion mode when the telephone device returns to off-hook. A by-pass allows FSK signals to pass directly through to the telephone device.

Abstract: A switch architecture that permits maintenance of switch signaling interfaces in switches for communication networks. The architecture provides a spare switch signaling interface that is enabled when a regular switch signaling interface is disabled. A switch matrix routes signaling channels from their dedicated position in a trunk to the spare switch signaling interface when the spare is enabled. A control processor updates a memory log associating the signaling channel and the trunks from which they originate with the spare switch signaling interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for designing; providing and managing customer services in a telecommunications network are disclosed. The services are handled in a separate service network, connected to the telecommunications network in a logical service, for example an SCP in an intelligent network. The service network is based on existing and commonly available network resources, for example, the Internet. Also, existing and commonly available terminals, such as personal computers are used for handling the services.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing selective trunk group member termination service in a network of telecommunications switches. Each trunk group at a terminating switch that requires selective trunk member termination is identified by a terminating member trunk group parameter. A data access point (DAP) that is accessible by the switches of the network to provide call routing and number translation services identifies a set of trunk group members selected for selective trunk group member termination by means of a trunk group member range parameter. When a call is received at an originating switch of the network, the originating switch queries the DAP and the DAP returns call routing information. If the call requires selective trunk member termination, the call routing information includes the trunk group member range parameter.

Abstract: A one number, multi-application, intelligent call processing system provides service benefits to a caller, a servicing location and/or a vanity number advertiser during a call, parallel to the call and/or post call in an integrated common architecture. To provide these benefits, the system utilizes Voice Response Unit (VRU) technology in conjunction with the national telecommunications network connected via Computer Telephone Integration (CTI) to a virtual telephone number database containing a nation-wide master list of telephone numbers with thousands of attribute data items associated by Spatial Key linkage to each telephone number. The process of the invention is initiated by a caller dialing a selected telephone number to request information and/or services. Based on the number dialed, a caller or network provided 10 digit telephone number and VRU prompted for and received caller input, the system retrieves the application requested data from the virtual telephone number database.

Abstract: A telecommunications protocol development environment which enables a user to define a separate finite state machine for each port or channel provided by a programmable telecommunications switch. Protocols for various telecommunications applications and software layers may be developed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing customized treatment for incoming calls from a calling party to a called party. A database is queried with a calling party identifier and a called party identifier of the calling party to obtain a call treatment parameter. When the call treatment parameter indicates the call requires treatment before being connected, treating the call without connecting the call to the called party, based on the call treatment parameter.

Abstract: A state machine space for concurrent state machines is provided for use in a telecommunications system. Processing of the state machines (and their functions/actions) utilizes specialized data structures and processes to normalize and control data and events dynamically in the telecommunications system. A Universal Data Structure (UDS) provides data uniformity and represents an event in the telecommunications system. A typical UDS includes four fields which are defined by the UDS definition. Three of these fields include event, component types, and data, while an embedded fourth field includes enums. Each UDS represents an event occurring in the telecommunications system and activates one or more state machines contained within a sub-space.

Abstract: A method for providing a graphical shelf navigator user interface which provides a combination of graphical displays and menus which enable users to easily and conveniently perform functions on a telecommunications switching system. The graphical shelf navigator displays on a computer a first display which has menus and/or graphics that contain different image portions. The different image portions can be selected by the user, and correspond to the portions of the telecommunications switching system which the user can select to perform functions on. The first display also has menus and/or graphics containing additional image portions which can be selected by the user, and which correspond to the functions that can be performed on the selected portions of the telecommunications switching system.

Abstract: A partitioned communication system includes a shared switch network system, an Intelligent Network Processor (INP) located within the management and control of the shared switch network system, and a terminating communication system located outside the management and control of the shared switch network. The terminating communication system further includes an Intelligent Communication Device (ICD), and a portable hardware/software device in communication with the ICD for implementing partitioned communications services.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.

Abstract: A system and method for suppressing redundant database queries between two switching points in a telecommunications system, where the switching points are unable to utilize the ISUP communications protocol. The system and method are implemented by using a parameter of the communications protocol to indicate whether a database query has been performed. When the receiving switch receives the information, the switch is suppressed from performing a redundant database query by the parameter of the communications protocol.

Abstract: A telecommunication system is described which comprises at least a first and a second end station. The first end station enables intruding on the second end station if the latter is in a busy mode by sending an intrude message to the second end station. The second end station is configured for reproducing the intrude message. This makes it possible to intrude without disturbing the call being held by the second end station.

Abstract: A communication system includes at least two private branch exchanges which are each connected to a higher-level communication network and which are connected to one another through a hot-line link. A team-function controller in one private branch exchange performs a team function with respect to team terminals connected directly to that private branch exchange and with respect to team terminals, connected directly to the other private branch exchange, which are integrated into the team function in the form of remote subscribers through the hot-line link. Incoming calls to the team can reach the team controller through the network interface of the first communication system and through the network interface of the second communication system and a call diversion to the first communication system.

Abstract: A method of processing transaction capabilities application part information in an intelligent network includes transmitting transaction capabilities application information from a first node in the intelligent network to a second node in the intelligent network and providing a transaction capabilities application part message definition having a plurality of messages and parameters defining a parameter structure for transaction capabilities application part communication. The method also includes accessing the transaction capabilities application part message definition to determine the parameter structure for the provided transaction capabilities application part information and, in response to the content of the transaction capabilities application part information and the parameter structure, executing an executable algorithm operable to process transaction capabilities application part messages having the parameter structure defined by the transaction capabilities application part definition.

Abstract: A telecommunication system coordinates telecommunication services rendered from an intelligent network and a human operator. An operator assistance call center includes one or more human operators each of which has a telephone and an operator workstation. The intelligent network includes a service switching element and a service control element. A party placing a call requests a service having one or more features. The intelligent network receives the call, processes the service request, and integrates one or more service features provided by one of the human operators from the operator assistance call center in rendering the requested service. The operator assistance call center includes a call center server communicating with the plural operator workstations and interfacing with the service control element of the intelligent network. The integration between automated IN services with operator-assisted services broadens the service portfolio that a service provider may offer to subscribers.