Alternate Routing Patents (Class 379/221.01)
  • Patent number: 8593993
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for learning call routing information in a communication system. A switching architecture is presented. The switch may be implemented in a centralized architecture or a distributed architecture. In addition, the switch may be implemented in a variety of networks such as a circuit-switched network or a packet-switched network. The switch includes a policy server and a self-learning application server. The policy server includes routing information for routing calls across the switch. The routes for incoming and outgoing calls are analyzed as they pass through the switch. The self-learning application server uses artificial intelligence techniques and caching algorithms to learn new more-efficient routing paths or initial routing paths based on the incoming and outgoing calls. The self-learning application server then updates the policy server with the new learned routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellecutal Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Christine Yu-sha Clou Clark, Sekar Ganesan, Leticia Garcia Johnson, Richard J Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8594300
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a service session using a call include: initiating a first call between a caller and a callee according to a callee address record; establishing a voice communication session during the call; modifying the caller address record; and initiating a second call between the caller and the callee according to the modified callee address record. A behavior of the second call differs from a behavior of the first call. In one embodiment, the callee address record is modified according to a modification request. In one embodiment, the callee address record includes at least one session initiation entry. The session initiation entry includes a session address attribute with information for establishing the communication session, a session communication method with a protocol used for the communication session, and a session data attribute with data information for sending over the communication session based on the session address attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: TP Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Shin Cheung Simon Chiu
  • Patent number: 8594298
    Abstract: A personal call management system allows a user to specify how incoming telephone calls should be handled. The user can specify various parameters including modes, filters, schedules, and the like. Incoming calls are routed to a specified telephone number, or sent to voicemail, or otherwise disposed of. Users can change modes manually or can specify automatic mode selection based on time of date, day of week, location, and/or other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Klein, Michael Scott Manzo, Tamara Hills Mahmood, Andrew M. Maurer, Michael J. Kolbly, Ronald D. Stelter, Douglas L. Brackbill
  • Publication number: 20130308769
    Abstract: A communications unit is provided that can be coupled to a building's telecommunication wiring to provide an automated mechanism for isolating the building's wiring from a PSTN, while also providing a telecommunications connection to an alternative communications network via, for example, broadband or cellular networks. The communications unit can further be configured to be coupled to an alarm controller unit of a security system, thereby permitting the security system to communicate with a remote server system without loss of alarm data. The communications unit can also be configured to permit the legacy security system to provide normal disconnect functionality of building telephones from an outgoing telecommunications line while an alarm condition is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Alan Wade COHN, Ronald E. BATTLES, David PROFT, Scott William SHUMATE
  • Patent number: 8577013
    Abstract: A system comprises a connection accessible to one or more incoming nodes, a call transfer interface for connecting the connection with the incoming nodes to a call transfer module capable of communicating with the incoming nodes, a distributed network of two or more provider nodes interfacing with the call transfer module through a router, the router connected to the call transfer module and provider nodes connected to the distributed network, said provider nodes connected to the incoming nodes through the router connected to the call transfer module connected to the call transfer interface and routed by the router in accordance with a provider node priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventor: James Lehr Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8576712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a reliable Voice Extensible Markup Language (VXML) over packet networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) network are disclosed. For example, a service provider may utilize a plurality of content servers that can be accessed by at least one telephony browser. The telephony browser can reach the content browsers directly as well as through a shared server that may load balance among the content servers. When a request for a VXML content, e.g., a VXML application, is received, the telephony browser sends the request to the shared server. If the request fails or a response is not received prior to expiration of a predetermined time interval, then the telephony browser sends a second request directly to one of the content servers that is capable of providing the requested content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Ricardo Sabat, Shankarnarayan Sivaprasad
  • Patent number: 8571198
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a network device receives, from a first device, a first call request for a second device. The network device may then send the first call request to a redirect server, which can determine where to send the call. The network device receives a response from the redirect server indicating an address to redirect the call request to. The network device then determines a redirect ID for the redirect. The network device sends a message to the first device with the redirect ID where the message indicates that a redirection occurred to the third device. The network device then receives a second call request from the first device that includes the redirect ID. The network device determines if the call was part of a previous redirect. If so, the second call request is sent to the address associated with the redirect ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parameswaran Kumarasamy, Sandeep Singh Kohli, Kavithadevi Parameswaran, Vinay Pande
  • Patent number: 8571197
    Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, special feature, and cellular connections. Telephone numbers are permanent and fixed for the life of the subscriber. Global call numbers, such as GE's, shrink from 011-44-207-302-6000 to ‘UK-LO-GE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Victor Chartrand
  • Patent number: 8565405
    Abstract: A telephone handset is provided with a user interface which includes a display unit, audio output unit and various user actuable keys. A phone controller implements and responds to instructions from the user interface. Where the instructions from the user interface request the connection of a call, the phone controller connects the handset to a PSTN via one of a plurality of connection means provided. Similarly, in the event of an incoming call connection request received via any one of the connection means, the phone controller enables the connection of the call. The user may choose to accept or reject the connection using the interface. The handling of an incoming or outgoing call is determined by a connection routing engine. The connection routing engine comprises an identification unit, a rules unit, a comparison unit and an enabling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Panaram Limited
    Inventors: Garry Partington, Howard John Simms, Adam John Fleming, Benjamin James Last, Graham Nigel Dean
  • Patent number: 8565220
    Abstract: There is provided a method of signaling status information of an application service. The method is performed by a signaling gateway which interconnects an internet protocol network and a signaling system 7 network. The method comprises collecting application server status information of application servers associated with the application service and generating the status information of the application service from the collected application server status information by use of a given set of rules. The status information is generated for signaling the status information to at least one peer. The at least one peer can be comprised in the internet protocol network or in the signaling system 7 network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Philippe Bouckaert, Anne Rigault, Didier Varroni
  • Patent number: 8565407
    Abstract: An organization conducting transactions with customers may employ a private computer network to enable customers to place a telephone call to customer service agents (CSAs). To maintain high customer service, it may desirable to expand the private computer network's ability to respond to customer calls on-demand. One or more requests for additional telephony resources may be submitted to a telephony resource allocation service in communication with a configurable network service. The telephony resource allocation service may determine telephony resources available for allocation to the private computer network and facilitate communication between the configurable network service and the private computer network. In this manner, additional computer private network extensions executing instances of call distribution services may also be generated and configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Chunyi Chou, Terrence M. Skemer, Jagwinder Singh Brar, Zachary L. Yeager
  • Patent number: 8565399
    Abstract: A system for handling an outbound call from a call originator to a call target including a database storing a plurality of outgoing telephone numbers, each outgoing telephone number having one of two or more area codes; and an information processor controlled by the call originator. The information processor configured to process a trigger comprising at least an area code of a telephone number of the call target; select from the database a telephone number from the plurality of outgoing telephone numbers where the selected telephone number has at least an area code the same as the area code of the telephone number of the call target; set caller identification data of the outbound call to the selected telephone number; and transmit the caller identification data to the call target in connection with the outbound call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: NobelBiz, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 8565394
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to updating routing patterns in an enterprise network. In some implementations, a method for routing sessions includes identifying information associated with call sessions in an enterprise network. The information includes costs to an enterprise for using carrier services during the call sessions. Routing patterns for call sessions are dynamically updated through at least a portion of the enterprise network based, at least in part, on the costs associated with the call sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Service Bureau Intetel S.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Marcelo Lopez
  • Patent number: 8560717
    Abstract: A video interworking gateway device, a system and method for implementing a video phone call service are provided, which processes the service when a call object changes if the call is not disconnected. The system includes a video interworking gateway device, a broadband resource device and a bearer connection device. The video interworking gateway device negotiates with a calling H.324 entity about parameters, and connects the calling H.324 entity to the broadband resource device on obtaining negotiation parameters of the calling H.324 entity; the video interworking gateway device negotiates with a called H.324 entity about parameters, obtains negotiation parameters of the called H.324 entity, exchanges the negotiation parameters of the calling H.324 entity and those of the called H.324 entity between the calling H.324 entity and the called H.324 entity, and disconnects the connection between the calling H.324 entity and the broadband resource device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Gaofeng Yang, Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 8559613
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for performing a communication transfer service for an access gateway control function user, comprising: after the AGCF user accesses to a public Switched Telephone Network/Integrated Services Digital Network Emulation Subsystem (PSTN/ISDN Emulation Subsystem (PES)), performing the communication transfer service for the AGCF user, by applying a tight/loose coupling mode between an AGCF and an application server (AS) and by applying an AS main control/end to end control mode between the AS and non-AGCF users. The disclosure also provides a system for performing a communication transfer service for an access gateway control function user, comprising: a communication transfer unit configured to perform the communication transfer service for the user belonging to the AGCF by applying a tight/loose coupling mode between the AGCF and an application server (AS) and by applying an AS main control/end to end control mode between the AS and non-AGCF users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Qiang Yang, Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 8554617
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide options for alternative connections in response to customer requesting for connections to advertisers for real time communications. One embodiment includes: providing an advertisement of a first advertiser for presentation to a customer, the advertisement including a reference to be used to request a connection server to provide a telephonic connection between the first advertiser and the customer; receiving a request made via the reference included in the advertisement for a telephonic connection between the first advertiser and the customer; determining a status of the first advertiser at a time of the request; and presenting an option to make an alternative connection for the customer based on the determined status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ingenio LLC
    Inventors: Ebbe Altberg, Scott Faber, Ron Hirson, Sean Van Der Linden
  • Patent number: 8548151
    Abstract: A method for migrating from an old communication switch to a new communication switch is provided according to the invention. The old communication switch interfaces between a packet telephony network and a circuit switched telephony network. The method includes configuring the old communication switch to signal the new communication switch and swinging one or more logical links from the old communication switch to the new communication switch until all logical links between the circuit switched telephony network and the old communication switch have been swung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Robert B. Dianda
  • Patent number: 8538003
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code is provided for routing a call which includes receiving a call request at a first server, the call request including header data identifying a requesting extension and an invited extension, the invited extension associated with a second server. The header data identifying an invited extension is then replaced with proxy data for the invited extension, and the call request (including header data identifying the requesting extension and the proxy data for the invited extension) is forwarded to a second server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventor: Karl G. Goode
  • Patent number: 8538004
    Abstract: A dual mode user terminal for a calling party can make calls over both a conventional cellular network and a packet data network using VoIP protocols. If the called party is not available to receive a VoIP call over the packet data network, the user terminal for the calling party can request a third party user terminal available on the packet data network to relay the call between the calling party and the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Allen Michael East, Gregory A. Dunko, Leland Scott Bloebaum
  • Patent number: 8532096
    Abstract: The present invention system and method facilitates efficient and accurate maintenance of LERG information. The present system and method periodic implementation of LERG downloads permits network devices to automatically update LERG information. A local exchange routing guide update method includes performing an automated LERG maintenance initialization process; engaging in an automated LERG parsing process; and executing an automated LERG synchronization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Pramod S. Rao
  • Patent number: 8514841
    Abstract: A computer-readable medium for performing IP-based call intercept includes instructions for receiving call initiation data, a first IP packet from the first communications device, and a second IP packet from a second communications device, generating copies of the first IP packet and the second IP packet, and transmitting one of the first IP packets to the second communications device according to the call initiation data, another of the first IP packets to a surveilling agency computer system without encoding a decoding the IP packet, one of the second IP packets to the first communications device according to the call initiation data, and another of the second IP packets to the surveilling agency computer system without encoding or decoding the IP packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: BroadSoft, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephane Bastien
  • Patent number: 8515019
    Abstract: A method of routing a telephone call includes receiving an indication, at a handset device 112, to initiate a telephone call. It is then determined, preferably by the handset device 112, whether the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call. If the telephone call is not an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a proxy server 134. On the other hand, if the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a local gateway 116 without first accessing the proxy server 134.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventors: Steven L Lass, John Kenneth Gallant, John L Truetken
  • Patent number: 8509222
    Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus are provided to route a call from a customer to a destination. A call setup message sent from a customer switch intended to signal a switch to perform a call routing function or request a call routing function be performed is intercepted. A call release message sent from the switch intended to signal the customer switch of network congestion is intercepted. In response to either the call setup message or the call release message being intercepted, a routing engine is queried with the destination of the call for a specific route over which to carry the call. The call setup message is modified to include the specific route. The call release message is responded to with a re-route call message that includes the specific route. The switch is directed with either the modified call setup message or re-route call message to use the specific route to carry the call from the customer to the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: iBasis, Inc.
    Inventor: Hwanjang Tang
  • Patent number: 8509415
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a telephony application platform including a load balancer that receives application requests, a scalable plurality of telephony resources that includes a communication gateway to at least one application server and a communication gateway to at least one telephony device, and a resource allocation that scales the plurality of telephony resources according to capacity requirements of the application requests. A telephony resource of the plurality of telephony resources processes an application session initiated from an application request of a load balancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Twilio, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lawson, John Wolthuis, Evan Cooke
  • Patent number: 8509416
    Abstract: A system that enables a calling party to communicate with a called party over a communications network comprises: (a) a web page storage device that is operable to send, over the internet, (i) web pages to a calling party device, the web pages including a data entry screen into which a user enters a required telephone number or VoIP user name with which communication is sought and (ii) a call-in number; (b) a conversion device that is operable to receive over the internet, from the calling party device, the telephone number or VoIP user name and can cause the altering of call forwarding settings at a switch, such that a call from the calling party device to a call-in number will be automatically forwarded to a device associated with the telephone number or VoIP user name; (c) a dynamic line assignment module that can dynamically assign the call-in number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Shoo 533 Limited
    Inventors: Jose Luis Merino Gonzalez, Pablo Alberto Sanchez Calvo
  • Patent number: 8503643
    Abstract: A method includes defining multiple recipient candidates for a media session request; identifying a geographic location of a communication device that initiates the media session request; identifying a geographic location of each of the recipient candidates at the time of the media session request; determining the optimal recipient candidate for the media session request based on the geographic location of the communication device that initiates the media session request and the geographic location of each of the recipient candidates; and automatically routing the media session request over a network to the determined optimal recipient candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Martin W McKee, Paul T Schultz, Robert A Sartini
  • Patent number: 8488765
    Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, special feature, and cellular connections. Telephone numbers are permanent and fixed for the life of the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Victor Chartrand
  • Patent number: 8488768
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a single service destination in a telecommunications network is disclosed. In particular, but not exclusively, disclosed embodiments relate to the provision of a single mailbox for multi-service users having access to a plurality of different telephony services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Metaswitch Networks Ltd
    Inventors: Piers Daniel Finlayson, Christopher John Mairs
  • Patent number: 8477927
    Abstract: Efficient telephone number mapping (ENUM) based call routing during area code splits is described. An ENUM domain management component can associate an ENUM domain name with multiple records when a numbering plan area code split links an old area code of a telephone number corresponding to the ENUM domain name with a new area code. An ENUM provisioning component can perform permissive dialing of the old and new area code during ENUM based call routing by utilizing the multiple records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Bernard Ku
  • Patent number: 8477925
    Abstract: A call method, a device, and a communication system for a private branch exchange (PBX) user are provided. User data of the private branch exchange user may be sent to an application server when the private branch exchange user has opened an account but not registered. The application server may continue normal calling by using the user data of the private branch exchange user. The PBX user can make a successful call without independent registration when implementing independent supplementary services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fangui Zeng
  • Patent number: 8477926
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cloud computing call center that may provide a multi-tenanted platform for scalable, dynamic allocation of telephony, PBX, and call center capabilities. Embodiments of the invention include implementations of a software telephony switch in a cloud computing environment that may dynamically allocate software based PBXes, virtual interactive voice responses (IVRs), and other system components to particular calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bolder Thinking Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: John Jasper, James A. Van Vleet, Nicole J. Hushka
  • Patent number: 8462637
    Abstract: In one configuration, the present invention is directed to an enterprise network that includes geographically dislocated first and second network regions communicating with one another through first and second networks and respectively comprising first and second gateways and first and second groupings of trunks. A media server is positioned in the first network region that includes a routing agent. When a WAN outage occurs, the routing agent, using a dial plan, maps the dialed digits to an electronic address addressable over the PSTN and routes the call over the PSTN to the destination second communication device in the second network region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Sheridan Ross P.C.
    Inventors: Christopher David Baldwin, Neil Ellis Gallensky, Donald E. Gillespie, Michael Gruen, Alan Stuart Mulberg, Luigi Gentile Polese
  • Patent number: 8447026
    Abstract: A call manager uses a call management application in conjunction with a live dial database to control routing of calls for managed devices. To generate the live dial database, the call management application accesses configured route patterns and enters these patterns into the live dial database. Upon identifying an expansion indicator in a configured route pattern, the call management application accesses dial plan data that includes multiple route pattern definitions that each define a pattern using one or more sub-strings and, for each sub-string, an associated tag. The call management application then enters patterns defined by the route pattern definitions into the live dial database based on various other criteria established for the configured route pattern having the expansion indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Pearce
  • Patent number: 8437336
    Abstract: A telephone device may selectively communicate via a public telephone network and an IP telephone network. The device may be configured to identify, when a start operation is performed after a preparing operation being performed while the request notice is being executed, whether a destination of the preparing operation is public network destination or an IP network destination. Additionally, the device may identify whether the call request is a public network request or an IP network request. The device may be configured to send a call request to the public network destination when the call preparing operation destination is a public network destination and the call request is identified as an IP network call request. The device may be configured to send a call request to the IP network destination when the destination corresponding to the call preparing operation is identified as a destination in the IP network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Izaki
  • Patent number: 8416771
    Abstract: A telephone apparatus that can be connected to both an IP network and a public switched telephone network, the telephone apparatus includes: a microphone unit, a speaker unit, an operation unit that is operated by a user and a call control unit. The call control unit includes a call processing unit and a relay unit. The relay unit includes a call request transmission section; a conversion section; an analog voice data transmission section; and a digital voice data transmission section. Another telephone apparatus that can be connected to the IP network can perform a voice data communication with a public line telephone apparatus connected to the public switched telephone network, via the above-described telephone apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kan Ishimoto
  • Patent number: 8411836
    Abstract: A forwarding apparatus includes: a transmission source acquisition part for acquiring a first telephone number of a telephone corresponding to a transmission source of digital information; a call destination receiving part for receiving, from the telephone server, a second telephone number of a telephone called through the telephone number acquired by the transmission source acquisition part; a forwarding destination identifying part for identifying a forwarding destination corresponding to a telephone having the second telephone number received by the call destination receiving part; and a forwarding part for forwarding the digital information to the forwarding destination identified by the forwarding destination identifying part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Motoshi Sumioka, Masahiko Murakami
  • Patent number: 8411825
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are used to contact an intended customer. In one embodiment, one or more notification details associated with an intended customer are received. The notification details may include at least a phone number and a name of the intended customer. Subsequently, a phone call to the intended customer is originated. One or more audio messages are played to a recipient of the phone call. Subsequently, one or more inputs from the recipient are received. Whether the recipient is the intended customer is determined based on the inputs provided. In one embodiment, the phone call is routed to an agent or an automated system if the recipient is the intended customer. In another embodiment, if the recipient is not the intended customer, the recipient may be prompted to provide availability information of the intended customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Siddhartha Dutta, John Bowen
  • Patent number: 8401167
    Abstract: A customized routing service platform for routing international communications includes a receiver that receives, from an international gateway via a network node, international communication origination data for an international communication to a customer's communication address. A database server receives customer routing instructions from the customer via a web server. The database server stores the received customer routing instructions. The database server also retrieves stored customer routing instructions, and determines a destination communication address based on the international communication origination data and the retrieved customer routing instructions. A forwarder forwards the destination communication address to the network node for routing the international communication to the destination communication address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: William H. Allen, Susanne Marie Crockett, Robert B. Lasken
  • Patent number: 8401166
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating phantom call traffic in a communication system are disclosed. A call may be received at a communications exchange. A jurisdiction of the call may be determined in real-time, and egress signaling information and a route of the call to a terminating local exchange may be determined based on the jurisdiction. At least a portion of the egress signaling information may be provided to the terminating exchange in call signaling and/or in call detail billing records so that the terminating exchange is enabled to correctly charge for call termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Peerless Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Kell, James E. Brewer, Anthony J. Hiller
  • Patent number: 8385531
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for routing an outgoing communication in real time is presented. A communication is received from a caller to an intended receiving wireless telecommunication device. In response to the communication failing to connect to the intended receiving wireless telecommunication device, scan of other alternate telecommunication devices is initiated to determine if other communication devices are available for receiving a re-route of the original communication. If an alternate telecommunication device is available to receive the communication, then the communication is rerouted to the preferred alternate telecommunication device based on the alternate telecommunication device being a mutual contact of the contact list of the caller telecommunication device and the mapping profile of the intended receiving telecommunication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Chavez, Jacob D. Eisinger, Michael C. Hollinger, Jennifer E. King, Christina K. Lauridsen, Fabian F. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8385915
    Abstract: A disclosed method for providing service provider information to a user communication device includes determining a telecommunications service provider associated with a targeted node such as a called party telephone number. An indicator of the telecommunications service provider is provided to and displayed by the user communication device. Communication services available to the communication device are then determined based at least in part on the identity of the telecommunications service provider. Indications of the available communication services may be presented to the communication device by audible or visual signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Anthony Paul Petronelli
  • Patent number: 8380210
    Abstract: An approach is provided for using on-network communication services for wireless calls. Dialed digits associated with a call originated from a wireless network are received. It is then determined whether the dialed digits include either a steering digit or a pre-determined prefix. The call is routed according to an abbreviated dialing plan if the steering digit or the pre-determined prefix is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon New Jersey Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Freeman
  • Patent number: 8374330
    Abstract: A method of call control in which a first communications network, detecting calls directed to a destination in the first network; redirects at least some of the calls to a destination in a second network (e.g. on no answer from the destination in the first network). The first network then operates in two phases. In a first phase, for a group of calls redirected to the second network, the time delay before the call is answered in the second network is recorded. When a number of time delays have been recorded, a delay period is set to a value less than the maximum value of the recorded time delays. In a second phase, for a second group of calls redirected to the second network subsequent to the calls of the first group, when a call of the second group is not answered in the second network within the delay period, the call is redirected to a message service associated with the first network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: British Telecommunications plc
    Inventors: Philip L Eardley, Simon P A Ringland, Matthew D Walker
  • Patent number: 8370497
    Abstract: A method for transferring time-synchronous data, particularly voice and video data, over a network, particularly the Internet, between at least two terminals, where between the terminals a connection is established using a SIP server and where the SIP protocol is used for establishing the connection, is—with respect to high Quality of Service for transferring time-synchronous data and with a technically simple and cost effective design—developed in a way that the SIP server analyzes the connection and/or the terminals or the like and that based on the analysis it determines an ideal bandwidth for optimizing the transfer of time-synchronous data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Jürgen Quittek, Cristian Cadar
  • Patent number: 8369508
    Abstract: The disclosed technology described herein provides devices and methods for disconnecting only the duplicate legs of a call which may have been twice or more received on a telecommunications switch for the same phone call. In embodiments of the disclosed technology, the duplicate legs indicate a twice (or more) rejected call from a called party indicating that the call should not be returned to the called party, where the called party is defined as the intended recipient of the phone call. A remaining leg or legs are kept open upon duplicate leg detection on a switch, and the call is then handled with a premium feature, such as forwarding to voicemail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tel-Tech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Meir S Cohen, Eli Finkelman
  • Patent number: 8363815
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling efficient telephone number mapping (ENUM) based call routing during area code splits are presented herein. An ENUM domain management component can associate an ENUM domain name with multiple records when a numbering plan area code split links an old area code of a telephone number corresponding to the ENUM domain name with a new area code. An ENUM provisioning component can perform permissive dialing of the old and new area code during ENUM based call routing by utilizing the multiple records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Bernard Ku
  • Patent number: 8315370
    Abstract: A system for scheduling resources and rules for routing includes a server connected to a network, a scheduling application executable from the server, and at least one programmable software agent for scheduling routing rules. The scheduling application receives statistics about forecast arrival rates for incoming interactions and current resource availability data and schedules resources and routing rules according to the forecast requirements the software agent propagating the portion of scheduling relative to the routing rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan McCord
  • Patent number: 8300634
    Abstract: A variety of methods, systems, devices and arrangements are implemented for communications using a mobile communications device. In connection with various embodiments, one such method relates to routing calls specifying an endpoint device, from a mobile communications device to the endpoint device, using a call forwarding/routing service provider that establishes a connection with the endpoint device. The established connection may include, for example, a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) connection. In some implementations, the authentication server is contacted (e.g., via the Internet) to authenticate the call to be made via the call forwarding/routing service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: 8x8, Inc., MobileMax, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramprakash Narayanaswamy, Bryan R. Martin, Raanan Cohen, Gaddi Menahem
  • Patent number: 8295167
    Abstract: An edge device for controlling provisioning of data streams to a network includes a primary channel for receiving a primary stream and a secondary channel for receiving a secondary stream. A scheduler selects between the primary stream and the secondary stream. Timers quantify an elapsed time between a triggering event and a previous switch by the scheduler from the secondary stream to the primary stream and quantify a wait time. When the primary stream does not meet the predetermined criteria and the secondary stream does meet the predetermined criteria, the scheduler switches to the secondary stream. The scheduler and switches back to the primary stream after an exponentially increasing wait time has elapsed and the primary stream meets the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Mazen Khaddam
  • Patent number: 8290137
    Abstract: In a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system for completing telephone calls over the Internet, the system uses a general routing table and client exception routing tables to instruct originating gateways about how to complete calls. When a call request for a particular client is received, the system first looks to that client's exception routing table to see if routing information for the call is available. If so, the system will use the routing information in the client's exception routing table to complete the call. The routing information in the client's exception routing table could include information about preferred destination gateways and/or preferred Internet Service Providers. If the client's exception routing table does not contain information that could be used to route the call, then the system simply uses the routing information in the general routing table. In some situations, the system could utilize multiple general routing tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ibasis, Inc.
    Inventors: Vitaliy G. Yurchenko, Lizhong Zhang