Abstract: A Service Switching Point in an advanced intelligent network includes a trigger associated with a specific digit string and activated by a call to the specific digit string at the SSP. The SSP queries a Service Control Point (SCP) for a forwarding instruction based upon the trigger. In response to the query, the SCP sends the SSP a forward-to telephone number. The SSP then forwards the call to the forward-to telephone number.

Abstract: Method and system for managing incoming telephone calls in which each incoming call is associated with a telephone number. A time constraint, a telephone use status, and a treatment option to associate with a priority code of a selected telephone number are selected. The priority code is assigned to each selected number based on the selected time constraint, telephone use status, and treatment option. If a number associated with an incoming call is a selected number, the priority code assigned to the selected number associated with the incoming call is determined based on the period of time at which the telephone receives the incoming call and based on the telephone use status during the time at which the telephone receives the incoming call. The incoming call is then managed according to the treatment option associated with the priority code assigned to the number associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: A method of routing calls in a communication system. A call is received from an originating network in the communication system. The identity of the originating network is determined, and the call is routed in the communication system based on the identity of the originating network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing operational information regarding a networked system. System configuration information regarding the configuration of the system is obtained. Activity of the system is continuously monitored to obtain system activity information. The system configuration information is combined with the system activity information to obtain real time operational information.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a process for switching telephone conversations that are to be paid for by the recipient. In order to provide a process that is less cost intensive and thus economical while simultaneously largely avoiding errors at the time of switching the conversation, the invention proposes a process in which the telephone number of the call recipient is transmitted to a switching system by the caller, and the telephone number is checked in terms of its validity in a databank adjustment unit, and then, following prior authorization by the call recipient, a telecommunications connection is automatically established between the caller and the call recipient.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for selecting a destination number upon receiving a dialed number from a calling party. The preferred embodiments include a telecommunications system that, after receiving a dialed number from a calling party, selects a particular destination number and routes the call to that number. In one preferred embodiment, information about the calling party's end office, such as an originating point code, is used to select a destination number. In another preferred embodiment, destination numbers are stored in a plurality of database locations in the system, and the zip code of the calling party is used to select the appropriate database to query for the destination number. Since the database location selection is independent of the dialed number, the system—not the number dialed by the calling party—determines the appropriate database location to query.

Abstract: A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include call routing options. In a first call routing option, calls are routed to each phone number in a sequence of phone numbers until a live answer of the call is realized. In a second routing option, the routing of the call is based upon a schedule. Thus, a current time, current day of the week or current date may determine what phone number is called when an incoming call is routed. Routing may also be associated with personal identification numbers (PINs). In such an instance, a caller enters a PIN to identify the caller and the PIN is used to determine what routing profile to apply.

Abstract: A waiting time optimization for a caller of a called party having a number of telephone numbers is obtained by a device and a method for establishing a telecommunication connection from a caller to a called party via at least one telecommunication network, in which the called party can possibly be reached on a number of telephone numbers stored in the telecommunication network. A telecommunication connection between the caller and the called party is set up in each case successively attempted on the stored telephone numbers by dialing in each case one of the stored telephone numbers of the called party until a telecommunication connection to the called party has been successfully set up. When a telecommunication connection has been successfully set up, the telephone number of the called party on which this successful setting-up took place is stored in the telecommunication network.

Abstract: A method for destination control in an intelligent network, where a destination list for a subscriber's telephone number is provided which has entries associating particular connections with the subscriber during predetermined time periods, as a result of which incoming calls for the subscriber's telephone number are transferred to an appropriate connection indicated as destination in the entry. When the subscriber logs on and/or off at a terminal using an access point to the intelligent network, an event message is transmitted which changes the destination list, the event message being evaluated by taking into account conditions, and a corresponding entry in the destination list being ascertained and/or changed on such basis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of communication through web page and the device for the same. A cellular phone with a built-in modem is provided and there is a personal web page stored in the memory of the cellular phone. When a client end dials the telephone number of the cellular phone, the present invention automatically passes the personal web page to the client end if the modem is set on a responsive status, so that the other side is able to understand about the schedule and situation of the phone's owner. If the phone's owner also gets online in the meantime, he/she can further chats or leaves a message to the client end with each other through the personal web page. Thus it can be known that the present invention is able to flexibly fit the communicative requirements of the phone's owner in different periods. It is so convenient that even deaf-mute people also use it normally.

Abstract: A communications network with user presence availability and a capability of locating call forwarded users or other users. Network stations display selection of do-not-disturb (DND) at other stations, e.g., by fluttering corresponding line keys. Network stations also may selectively display call forward locations, numbers for call forwarded stations or other designated user locations that may not normally be related to call forwarding.

Abstract: A method for transfer of incoming calls received by an attendant comprising the steps of obtaining the caller identification of the incoming call, initiating a search on a database using the caller identification, retrieving a list of previous call transfer destinations from the database corresponding to the caller identification, displaying the list on an attendant console contemporaneous with the incoming call, and selecting a desired transfer destination from the list on the console thereby transferring the incoming call to the desired transfer destination.

Abstract: There is disclosed a network telephone system which registers subscriber information necessary to monitor a call upon a request for call transfer by a first subscriber who has made dial-up connection, notifies the first subscriber that there is an incoming call from a second subscriber, and makes a call setup for voice in accordance with an instruction from the first subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service node capable of coordinating call processing for incoming calls intended for any one of multiple telephony devices of a given entity, such as a business or individual user. Switching devices, such as traditional telephony switches or internetworked gateways controlling call routing, are configured to interact with a service node to determine how to handle incoming calls to the telephony devices that they serve. As such, call processing rules, which are established by the entity, are applied to an incoming call to any of the entity's telephony devices to effectively route calls to other ones of the telephone devices, route the call to a desired voicemail system, provide call screening or blocking, and any other desired call control activity. Based on the call processing rules for the given entity, the service node will instruct the corresponding telephony switches to handle the incoming call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service node capable of coordinating call processing for incoming calls intended for any one of multiple telephony devices of a given entity, such as a business or individual user. Switching devices, such as traditional telephony switches or internetworked gateways controlling call routing, are configured to interact with the service node to determine how to handle incoming calls to the telephony devices that they serve. Through a variety of techniques, the entity can dynamically instruct the service node how to route incoming calls, and preferably, upon putting those instructions into effect, the service node will send an alert to the entity. The instructions are used by the service node to create call processing rules for the switching devices to apply to an incoming call intended for any of the entity's telephony devices.

Abstract: An emergency call load handling system in a call network has an interactive voice response (IVR) unit associated with a switching apparatus to which calls may be diverted in special conditions, such as during emergencies or disasters when calls to certain destinations may suddenly increase dramatically. Calls are diverted depending on call destination and/or pre-programmed triggers, such as a call load threshold experienced by the switching apparatus or for a specific destination. The IVR unit in some cases negotiates with callers for priority to further route calls, and may play pre-recorded messages. Low priority calls are typically disposed of to for fire stations, hospitals, government emergency handling centers and the like. In some cases rules may be amended in real time by use of data network connections between call centers and the SCPs involved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forwarding signals directed to a first telecommunications terminal to a second telecommunications terminal only when such forwarding is authorized are disclosed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment employs an authorization table associated with the first telecommunications terminal and an authorization table associated with the second telecommunications terminal and forwards signals directed to the first terminal to the second terminal only when the authorization tables indicate that such forwarding is permitted.

Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone network is arranged such that calls are routed to a selected member of a group of handsets associated with a single number. The handset to which the call is routed is selected according to the current locations of the handsets, preference being given to handsets currently located within a predetermined cell or group of cells. This allows calls to be automatically routed to whichever handset is currently located in a cell where call tariffs are most favorable. Diversion arrangements can be made to allow calls to be re-routed when none of the handsets is detected within the specified group of cells.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for processing a telephone call to an on-line subscriber, when the subscriber telephone line is busy as a result of the on-line connection. The subscriber sets an on-line state, the state being available-for-incoming-calls or not-available-for-incoming-calls. Once the subscriber sets the on-line state, telephone calls to the subscriber telephone number while the subscriber is on-line are processed according to the on-line state. As examples, if the state is available-for-incoming-calls, the subscriber is notified of the incoming call and the call is processed according to the subscriber's instructions. If the state is not-available-for-incoming-calls, the caller may be informed and the call is forwarded to another number or sent to messaging according to the subscriber's preset instructions.

Abstract: A technique for processing telephone calls from a plurality of telephone sources in a vehicle audio system suitably includes providing a first call using a first one of the telephone sources to a user via the vehicle audio system, notifying the user of a second call received via a second one of the telephone sources while the first call is active, and processing an instruction from the user to either suspend the first call and accept the second call or to continue providing the first call. The technique may be implemented in a vehicle audio system that includes an onboard telephone, and may be adapted to work with wireless or other portable telephones carried by drivers and passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: A profile management system is provided for accessing and maintaining profile data associated with a telecommunications service subscribed to by a user. The profile data is stored on a telecommunications network which executes the telecommunications service subscribed to by the user in accordance with the profile data. The profile management system includes a client and a server. The client hosts a user interface allowing the user to view and update the profile data. The server processes user requests from the client to view and update the profile data by obtaining the profile data from the telecommunications network and forwarding the profile data to the client. The server also processes user requests from the client to update the profile data by forwarding user updates of the profile data from the client to the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate communications among team members or subscribers using a virtual assistant and a derived points of contact (POC) list to initiate contacts. The virtual assistant automates the task of reaching a party to be contacted through trying a variety of POC options until a connection is established or the options are exhausted. The system takes advantage of the POC provided by a person to be contacted, reducing the burden of maintaining a complete personal contact list by each team member or subscriber. The virtual assistant uses the derived POC list to establish a preferred method for contacting a team member or subscriber.

Abstract: A method and telecommunications device is provided for accessing a telecommunications device feature. The method includes detecting an incoming call from a calling party, providing information identifying the calling party, and configuring the telecommunications device feature in response to the information identifying the calling party. The telecommunications device includes a means for receiving an incoming call from a calling party, a caller identification system capable of providing information identifying the calling party, and a control logic capable of configuring the telecommunications device feature in response to the information identifying the calling party.

Abstract: Method for forwarding at least one call which arrives at a connection (A), in which case, when the at least one call arrives during an active call connection to a second connection (B), the connection to the second connection (B) and the incoming call are held and a call is set up between the connection (A) and a further connection (D), with the call being passed to the further connection (D) and the call connection to the second connection (B) being resumed.

Abstract: A method of screening incoming telephone calls and programming screening options and apparatus that allows incoming calls to be screened according to various criteria programmed by a subscriber.

Abstract: A method of universal communication, comprising: (1) assigning user phone numbers each representing a user; (2) providing user verification and user digital signature service; (3) providing a handheld personal communication device for user verification and digital signature; (4) dynamic binding of a user phone number to a physical phone number by a database. A universal communication system comprises a handheld personal communication device as the controller for each user, a database system as the intelligent center, and communication adaptors. As a result of the separation of the user phone number from the physical phone number and the related verification and digital signature service, a common interface is provided for various physical communication systems. This allows the various physical communication systems to develop independently and at the same time work together to meet the ever increasing communication demand.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing priority call processing based upon the status of electronic mail items between a called party and a calling party receives a request to set up a call between the calling party and the called party and determines if the called party has priority call processing activated or enabled. If so, the system determines if there is a priority electronic mail item between the called party and the calling party. If so, the system provides special processing of the call.

Abstract: A call screening system and method. The method can include receiving an inbound telephone call destined for a called party. Associated caller identification data can be identified from the inbound telephone call. The associated caller identification data can be compared to a filter list of caller identification data. Finally, based upon the comparison, call management rules can be applied to the inbound call to manage the inbound call by either deferring the inbound call to voice mail, or automatically answering the inbound call without requiring pro-active intervention by the called party. Significantly, each of the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps is performed in a telephone tranceiving device. Alternatively, the receiving, identifying, comparing and applying steps can be performed centrally in a call processing switch.

Abstract: A method and system for treating telephone calls at a services node prior to completing the telephone call. The services node may provide a variety of services to treat the telephone call such as a Personal Access Service or playing a pre-recorded message. After treatment at the services node, the system recognizes that the telephone call has already been treated at a services node and the call is completed.

Abstract: A method for forwarding a call in a telecommunications network, where subscriber A's call is transferred using the call forwarding service from subscriber B's first terminal equipment to his/her second terminal equipment, the said second terminal equipment giving an indication of an incoming call. To provide a more user-friendly and less costly service for the user, the system monitors, when forwarding the call, whether the user performs a pre-defined action while the mobile telephone is ringing, and if such an action is detected, the call is re-routed back to the first terminal equipment. The method is particularly suitable for users who have both a fixed-wire telephone line and a mobile telephone.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for processing a telephone call to an on-line subscriber, when the subscriber telephone line is busy as a result of the on-line connection. The incoming call is forwarded to a server, where the calling station is given an option to leave a recorded message and particulars of the call (date and time) and calling station (telephone number and caller identification) are stored in a call-back list server. The system sends an alerting message to the data terminal of the on-line subscriber, where an icon, representing calls stored in the call-back list, is displayed to the subscriber. The subscriber may review particulars of calls stored in the call-back list and may return calls while remaining on-line using Internet telephony, or by other means, such as a TAPI interface. The subscriber may also review or retrieve stored messages in the voice-mail server while remaining on-line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement and a method for handling answers at a telephone. The arrangement comprises: a connection device (8); an identification device identifying an A number belonging to a caller; and a processing device arranged to create at least two answering alternatives, where each answering alternative comprises a respective point of time when a called party at said telephone intends to call back. The answering alternatives are displayed on a display (2) together with an indication of said A number. An input device (4, 5, 6) is utilized to select one of the at least two answering alternatives, whereby the processing device is arranged to transmit the selected answering alternative to the A number. The selected answering alternative and indication of the A number is displayed on said display as a reminder for the called party.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing call forwarding services using AIN techniques and next event list messages are described. Methods of notifying a subscriber of a call forwarded using AIN techniques are also described. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, a subscriber is allowed to set the number of rings which are allowed to occur prior to a call being forwarded. The number of rings, e.g., the ring count, is stored as part of a customer's call processing record (CPR) which is used by a service control point (SCP) to implement the call forwarding service. The ring count information may be updated via the Internet or via a dial-up telephone connection. Call forwarding customers are provided with a distinctive ring, e.g., a ring shorter than an ordinary telephone ring, to notify them when a call is being forwarded. Distinctive rings may be used to distinguish between different forwarding services.

Abstract: An automatic messaging system for a telecommunications network is disclosed. A call processing entity such as a switch or central control point recognizes a call-processing event and responsively generates and sends an informational message to a specified destination. The informational message may be a text description of the event, such as an indication that “calling party just placed a call to called party” or may take other forms, such as a video message, an audio message or a fax message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automatically retrieving and displaying supplemental information about a called party on the CPE of a calling party. When a caller places a call, the number called is used to look up and return to the caller the Universal Resource Locator (URL) of the called party. Application software resident in the caller's CPE uses the URL to retrieve the home page of the called party from the Internet.

Abstract: Each of ISDN extension terminals which are connected in a point-multipoint connection mode transmits call initiation information while identification information thereof is contained in the call initiation information when a call is initiated: a private branch exchange includes a main memory for storing a table representing the corresponding relationship between the extension number and service class information, and a central processing equipment for searching the service class information corresponding to the extension number contained in call initiation information from the table when the call initiation information is received from an extension, and performing call processing in accordance with the service class information thus searched, whereby even when a plurality of extension terminals are connected to an exchange in the point-multipoint connection mode, the service class management can be performed for every extension terminal.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems configured to distribute a telephone call, communication systems, communication methods and methods of routing a telephone call to a customer service representative. In one embodiment of the invention, a system configured to distribute a telephone call within a network includes a distributor adapted to connect with a telephone system, the distributor being configured to connect a telephone call using the telephone system and output the telephone call and associated data of the telephone call; and a plurality of customer service representative terminals connected with the distributor and a selected customer service representative terminal being configured to receive the telephone call and the associated data, the distributor and the selected customer service representative terminal being configured to synchronize, application of the telephone call and associated data from the distributor to the selected customer service representative terminal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for protecting call privacy across telecommunication networks allow a calling party of a first telecommunication network to control the privacy of a telephone call to a called party of a second telecommunication network. This is achieved by selecting among a group of privacy options that represent varying degrees of privacy, assigning each of the selected privacy options to the call, and enforcing the selected privacy options within the second telecommunication network, thereby eliminating the need for external enforcement. The privacy options selected for the call limit the ability of a called party to manipulate the call. For example, the privacy options may prevent the called party from forwarding the call, transferring the call, conferencing the call, and/or listening to the call via a hands-free speaker phone.

Abstract: A system and method for routing an incoming call to a subscriber-selected destination number in accordance with dynamic data concerning the subscriber provided by an address book, a calendar and a presence server. A routing system routes the incoming call in accordance with a subscriber-defined routing rule associated with the originating number of the incoming call, as determined from the address book. The routing rule may specify that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with the current date and time, as indicated by the calendar. The routing rule may specify, alternatively or in addition thereto, that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with a presence-enabled service on which the subscriber is currently active. The subscriber or caller may also be alternatively notified of the routing of the incoming call.

Abstract: A method of processing a telephone call using a terminating switch node connected to a processing node, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a call from a calling party via an originating switch node and determining if a called party is available; if said called party is unavailable, passing said call to said processing node; said processing node sending a remote request for said call completion service; and said terminating switch node transmitting said remote request to said originating switch node.

Abstract: A method of providing a user the option to accept an incoming call, play a prerecorded message to the incoming party, ignore the incoming call or forward the incoming call to a separate telephone number is disclosed for use when the user is connected, via the same telephone line, to the Internet. The disclosed invention reduces the number of times the incoming call is transferred which reduces the number of reserves used in processing the incoming call. This reduction frees up system resources and allows overall system resources to be used more efficiently.

Abstract: A method for redirecting an active call to a messaging system (126) enables a calling party (108 or 110) placed on hold to leave a message with a called party (108 or 110), thereby obviating the need for the called party to remain on hold. Upon redirecting the call, attributes of the call (e.g., billing rates, assigned resources, etc.) may be revised. Optionally, if the calling party desires to remain on hold, the calling party may cause one or more reminder signals to be sent to the called party such that the called party is reminded that the calling party is on hold.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a dynamic call forwarding service for a subscriber in an IP telephone network is disclosed. When a predetermined telephone number is called from a telephone other than the subscriber's home telephone, the subscriber enters a code for location registration. The directory number of the telephone the subscriber is using is determined for location registration. A call for the subscriber's home telephone is then routed to the telephone the subscriber used for location registration.

Abstract: A telecommunications system is disclosed for a destination or “target” party to indicate his or her “presence” or availability to receive communications. The presence indication may include various states such as “available”, “unavailable”, “on vacation”, etc. Each time an initiating party attempts to navigate to a target party, the communications system informs the initiating party of a target party's presence status. The initiating party can then decide which menu path to choose: to continue to a covering party for the target party or the target party's coverage path, such as voicemail. In this manner, user frustration is alleviated, fewer telecommunications resources are consumed and both the initiating and target parties can communicate more effectively.

Abstract: A telephone calling way based upon an association system is disclosed. The association system, as a database system recording the relation between a subscriber's personal number and his/her current-in-use telephone number(s), has widely-distributed workstations and runs outside a telephone telecommunication system (TTS). It is not only able to assist a TTS to convert a personal number to its relevant telephone number locally, but also able to make a subscriber to input his/her current-in-use phone number locally even after he/she has relocated. And a subscriber's personal number, given by the database system, is designed totally without any telephone telecommunication routing information in order to make the subscriber, even after having changed his/her telephone telecommunication provider, be still reachable by his/her friends based on his/her personal number for his/her all lifetime. The telephone calling way is a cheaper way both to TTS' and a customer.

Abstract: A method of routing incoming telephone calls and programming routing options and apparatus that allows incoming calls to be routed according to various criteria programmed by a subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for limiting the number of simultaneous call forwarding attempts for a mobile unit. A call is made for a mobile unit. The call request is sent to the MSC associated with the mobile unit. When the mobile unit is not currently active at the MSC, the MSC sends a location request to an SCP. The SCP responds with a return message that includes a temporary location directory number (TLDN) and an indicator. The MSC checks the current number of simultaneous call forwarding attempts being made for the mobile unit. If the current number of simultaneous call forwarding attempts exceeds a threshold, the MSC does not forward the call. If the number of simultaneous attempts does not exceed a threshold, the MSC forwards the call to the mobile unit by sending it to the TLDN.

Abstract: Methods for managing and routing multiple telephone calls through a wireless network provide efficient and cost-effective ways in which a subscriber to the network can take advantage of the multiple services being offered. When the subscriber has only one line in the network, or when the subscriber often uses more than one line, multiple telephone calls may attempt transmission to the subscriber and so the subscriber may miss the call. The inventive methods determine what type of incoming call is attempting to contact the subscriber and routes the call to another location, such as the subscriber's voice mail, if the subscriber is otherwise occupying his or her line or lines in the network. The methods are particular useful for storing and forwarding facsimile messages to subscriber.

Abstract: A calling telephone number information substitution mechanism employs an automated calling number substitution template to selectively modify ‘calling’ party number information that is transmitted to the called party. This serves to associate the calling party who has placed a call that cannot be directly dialed from an outside phone with a valid telephone number identified with the premises originating the call. As a result, the called party, such as a 911 emergency facility, is able to correctly locate and place a return call to a valid telephone number at the premises from which the call has been placed.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for routing calls based on a location of a calling party. The communications system includes a processor that determines routing of a call placed by a calling party using one of a plurality of call origination devices. The call origination devices are operatively connected to a switching device that is operatively connected to the processor. The call is placed to a destination corresponding to a service having a service area. The switching device services calls placed from call origination devices located within the service area and calls placed from call origination devices located outside the service area. The processor determines whether the calling party is within the service area, and the processor instructs the switching device to route the call to the destination based upon the processor determining that the calling party is within the service area.