Centralized Switching System Patents (Class 379/242)
  • Patent number: 7463729
    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: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20080292089
    Abstract: A device (1200) for concentration of unused subscriber lines in a telecommunications or data network comprising a first distribution matrix (104) connected to a crossover matrix (108) and a second distribution matrix (106) connected to said crossover matrix (108), wherein the crossover matrix (108) is adapted to be connected to a distribution cable (1212, 1214) and crossover switching elements for switching of connections within said crossover matrix (108) and distribution switching elements for switching of connections within said distribution matrices (104, 106) are controlled from a remote location, wherein the first distribution matrix (104) and the second distribution matrix (106) are adapted to be connected to a main cable and/or to a node for providing a plurality of telecommunications or data services (1208, 1210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Goetzer, Stefan Bodamer, Goetz Mueller
  • Publication number: 20080219428
    Abstract: A system for voice-activated dialing including means for initiating a call through a first connection between a user's phone and a switch at a central office; responsive to the first connection, means for initiating a second connection over the implicit trunk between the switch and a voice over internet protocol gateway, responsive to the second connection, means for initiating a third connection between the voice over internet protocol gateway and a voice-activated dialing platform; responsive to a keyword sent from the user's phone to the voice-activated dialing platform, means for disconnecting the implicit trunk and signaling the switch to connect to the voice-activated dialing platform over the explicit trunk; and responsive to a dialed number sent from the user's phone to the voice-activated dialing platform, means for handing the call off from the internet protocol gateway to the switch at the central office to process through call the implicit trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: David W. Reece, Roger T. Trueman, John Zeigler
  • Patent number: 7406167
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exchange system which makes it possible to control connection and disconnection between terminals by an operation method which can be intuitively recognized. The exchange system includes display means for displaying icons of various terminals on screens of the terminals, detection means for detecting association between the icons performed on the screens of the terminals, and control means for controlling connection and disconnection between the terminals and/or connection and disconnection between an exchange apparatus and the terminals depending on the contents of the association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Infrontia Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuomi Ooki
  • Publication number: 20080177644
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method and system of fractional telecommunications switch ownership. In one embodiment, an ownership interest in a telecommunications switch is transferred to one or more third parties. In another embodiment, two or more third parties each hold an ownership interest in separate fractions of a telecommunications switch. In a further embodiment, an operator operates a telecommunications switch in which one or more third parties hold an ownership interest while the operator retains other ownership interests in the switch. Finally, a telecommunications network is provided as an example of telecommunications network operable with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher E. Reese
  • Patent number: 7376224
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling additional capacity or features on telecommunication nodes without requiring replacement of hardware. Service providers purchase hardware which is fully capable of providing a full suite of features and providing a large bandwidth capacity. However, depending on the amount of payment by the service provider, not all of the features or the bandwidth capacity is enabled. If the service provider wishes to increase the number of features or the capacity of a node, the additional features or capacity are enabled using software after payment to the vendor. This allows service providers to enter the market at an initially relatively low expense. Additional features and capacity can be purchased and enabled using software as demand grows, without having to purchase replacement hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Kin Yee Wong
  • Patent number: 7359503
    Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignees: Verizon Services Corp., MCI Communications Corporation, Verizon Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin Porter, Carol Waller
  • Patent number: 7352703
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a shared protection scheme under a scenario of multiple failures in an optical network. In one embodiment of the invention, a working path between an ingress node and an egress node is computed responsive to a connection request received in the network. One or more backup paths are computed between the ingress and egress nodes, which are activatable upon a failure condition associated with the working path or the backup paths. The backup paths may be based on link and/or node disjointedness, as well as resource-based cost constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: David Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Maher Ali
  • Patent number: 7343541
    Abstract: A method for data verification is provided. An input block of data is received together with a modulo-based input error detection code associated with the input block, the input block comprising a plurality of sub-blocks. A subset of the sub-blocks is selected to be included in an output block. An error correction term is determined based on the selected subset. The selected subset of the sub-blocks is concatenated together with the input error detection code and the error correction term to generate an output block for conveyance to a destination processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Amit Oren
  • Patent number: 7218726
    Abstract: This invention relates to an administration device (1) for administering and modifying operating functions of exchanges (6a . . . 6n) in a telephone network. The operating functions are administered and modified by means of administration commands. Said device comprises co-ordination means (2) for co-ordinating operating functions concerning several exchanges (6a . . . 6n). The invention also relates to a method for administering and modifying operating functions of exchanges (6a . . . 6n), used in this administration device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Bock, Joachim Huttel, Michael Moeller, Irena Romanski, Jochen Walz
  • Patent number: 7215756
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exchange for connecting telecommunications terminals of subscribers to a telecommunications network, comprising subscriber lines via which the respective telecommunications terminals are linked with the exchange. Said exchange is operated by a first network operator and is used by further network operators. The subscriber lines and subscribers are associated with one of said network operators each and the subscribers select the exchange via the telecommunications terminals to establish a telecommunications link via the respective network operator. The invention further relates to a method for operating an exchange that is used in the inventive exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Juergen Lantermann
  • Patent number: 7149302
    Abstract: A Web-based CTI system has a first control module displaying, on a screen of a customer terminal, a phone number for specifying an in-charge person terminal utilized by an optimal in-charger person determined based on a browse history and input information given so far in response to an inquiry request occurred in the midst of browsing a page through on the screen of the customer terminal utilized by a customer, and a second control module displaying, when there occurs a receipt of a voice communication connected to a phone number for specifying the in-charge person terminal that is displayed on the screen of the customer terminal, on the screen of the in-charge person terminal a piece of information as an inquiry content containing an interest of the customer utilizing the customer terminal that has been generated based on the browse history and the input information, the screen display being triggered by the receipt of the voice communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Atsushi Tsukazoe, Kousuke Sakamoto, Koichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7099370
    Abstract: A wireless communication system has a plurality of wireless communication devices capable of communicating with one another directly without the intervention of another device, and a wireless control unit which accommodates these wireless communication devices. The wireless control unit manages the direct communication among the wireless communication devices as well as communication between the wireless control unit and the wireless communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7065586
    Abstract: A system and method for scheduling transfers of data through a network, the system comprising a transfer module at each node in the network, the transfer module being configured to schedule data transfers according to available resources at each node. In one embodiment, the transfer module includes a scheduling module, a routing module, and an execution module. The scheduling module at each node evaluates a single hop request in view of objectives, such as a deadline, and the available resources at that node, for example transmit bandwidth, receive bandwidth, and storage space, all of which may change as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Radiance Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Ruttenberg, Walter D. Lichtenstein, David Agraz, Fouad A. Tobagi, Ashfaq A. Munshi, David Lemke
  • Patent number: 7065339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for enabling prepaid service in a packet-based communications system, in particular in an All-IP network which comprises one or more subscriber terminals. At least one subscriber database stores subscriber information including identification data of one or more server means, and the at least one server means stores prepaid accounts for subscribers. When a subscriber terminal is initiating the establishment of a connection to another network entity, the server means is adapted to transmit a subscriber-prepaid-account related value informing a control means on an available charge threshold value for the connection to be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Juha Vallinen, Juha-Pekka Koskinen
  • Patent number: 7058175
    Abstract: An auxiliary connection mechanism for allowing a Digital Switching System (DSS) to share an analog line with an analog device (via an auxiliary device port) is disclosed. The auxiliary connection mechanism includes a pair of relays for releasably connecting the auxiliary device port and the DSS to the analog line. When the analog line is idle, both the analog device and the DSS are connected to the line in order to receive incoming calls on the analog line. However, once one of the devices (either the analog device or the DSS) uses the line, the other device should not access the line. A busy line detect circuit is included to detect whether a device is using the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Paul A. Hanrieder, William Sung, Kevin W. Golka, Steven J. Rhodes, Richard G. Martin, Jeffrey Jay McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7054425
    Abstract: A system for managing service calls, including access control modules implementing service access control mechanisms, the system further including master modules each associated with a service, with a set of access control modules and with a set of call processing modules, the system including: a receiver for receiving the calls, a sender for sending information relating to each of the calls to the set of access control modules, a decider for deciding to accept calls on the basis of data received from the set of access control modules, and a sender for sending second information relating to each of the calls to the set of call processing modules if the call has been accepted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Alban Couturier
  • Patent number: 7035392
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operations and maintenance center for a telecommunications system comprising: server means 5 for storing of first information being indicative of network elements of the telecommunications system and of second information being indicative of assignments of network elements and resource managers 2, information retrieval means 12 for generating third information being indicative of network elements being assigned to one of the resource managers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Evolium S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jarisoa Rakotoarivelo, Yannick Beucher, Patrick Barré
  • Patent number: 7020628
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote computer access and associated costs is provided. The system includes a remotely located communication server in communication with multiple host computer networks and in communication with a network access server. First and second memory devices contain a list of authorized users for the host computer networks and a user log for use by a billing computer to generate bills. The method includes the steps of creating starting and ending time stamps for each authorized user accessing a respective one of the multiple host computer networks and creating a user log to generate bills and monitor host computer network usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce Lee Peterson, Christina Ellen Clayton, Michael Stephan Farmer
  • Patent number: 6947547
    Abstract: A management system for telecommunication switch is described. The management system is useful for providing operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) functions in a terabit switch. The management system is a scalable management system, whereby processing of large amounts of network management traffic from carrier operators and virtual private network (VPN) customers in a terabit switch is enabled. The management system is efficiently implemented by utilizing surplus processing resources in the network interface cards of the switch. The management system includes a protocol unit residing on a first processor card of the switch for receiving a management request, a first request unit residing on the first processor card for creating a request object in response to the received management request, and a first action unit residing on a first network interface card of the switch for executing the received management request in response to an instruction from the request object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks, Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek C. L. Cheung, Carson K. M. Cheung, Mircea Trifan
  • Patent number: 6947542
    Abstract: A private communications network and method of private communications network operation. One or more communications servers each have connected communications devices. From communications devices users enter called party numbers that may include a carrier access code (CAC) and carrier identification code (CIC). The called party number is checked for a CAC and any identified CAC/CIC is parsed from the called party number. The parsed called party number and the CAC/CIC are passed independently of each other over a private network to a public network gateway server. The public network gateway server directs the parsed called party number to a carrier network identified by the CIC, connecting the user to the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Georg Mayer
  • Patent number: 6891945
    Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Kelvin Porter, Carol Waller
  • Patent number: 6882862
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a standard private branch exchange (PBX), such as e.g., the Lucent Technologies, Inc. DEFINITY® PBX, for interfacing with a wireless (e.g., cellular, etc.) communication network and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The system employs an adjunct controller and uses computer telephony integration (CTI) associated with a standard PBX to communicate directly with an audio switch and the PSTN. Through the use of CTI, the standard PBX also provides feedback to the caller. For example, when an inbound call arrives (i.e., from the PSTN to a radio transceiver), the adjunct controller determines whether the wireless system has available resources (i.e., an available link) to grant calls and instructs the PBX to provide an audio connection between dynamically assigned wireless links (e.g., RF channels). If no link is available, a busy signal is referred back to the PSTN, and eventually back to the originating switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shiann-An Chia, Ya-Tien Ko, Christopher Foard, William E. Corley
  • Patent number: 6876738
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for intelligent tandeming of an incoming call to an application node in telecommunication systems. The various embodiments utilize a new parameter, referred to as a tandem parameter, to designate whether incoming calls to a particular subscriber are to be tandemed to an application node or are to be delivered directly to the subscriber. The preferred system embodiment includes an adjunct network entity, a database, and a switching center. The adjunct network entity, such as a service circuit node or service control point, has one or more application nodes or platforms, supporting various telecommunication services such as prepaid services, calling party pays services, and one number services. The database, such as a home location register or visitor location register, stores information such as subscriber profiles, and includes storing the tandem parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Robert Boland, Mark Alan McCormick, Diane Marie Russell
  • Patent number: 6862453
    Abstract: A controller that monitors usage status of trunk lines associated with a switch that operates to handle call connections between calling devices and called devices on trunk lines associated therewith. An exemplary controller comprises N call application nodes capable of executing trunk idle list server applications that allocate ones of the trunk lines to the call connections, wherein a first trunk idle list server application is executed on a first call application node and is associated with a second trunk idle list server application executed on a separate second call application node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Allan Collins
  • Patent number: 6859527
    Abstract: An internet-connected service system is provided for facilitating communication across the internet between image-sending and image-receiving systems that have dial-up internet access. The image-sending system, after connecting to the internet, sends a communication request to the service system and the latter is then responsible for waking up the image-receiving system. Upon being woken up, the image-receiving system connects to the internet and contacts the service system. The service system then transfers the current network address of at least one of the systems to the other thereby enabling direct communication to be established between the image-sending and image-receiving systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard/Limited
    Inventors: David Banks, Anthony J. Wiley, Enrico Fedrigo
  • Patent number: 6856681
    Abstract: The connection device connects a telecommunications system to a data processing device which provides telecommunications applications. The telecommunications system and the data processing device in each case have a switching network for through-connecting the relevant telecommunications application. The connection device is a switching device directly connected between the respective switching networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Manfred Janson
  • Patent number: 6801617
    Abstract: A method and apparatus in a switching element for maintaining data used in operation of a communications system. Examples of such operations include serving sessions and routing calls. A local data structure is maintained within the switching element wherein the local data structure contains data used by the switching element in its operation in the communications system. Responsive to a requirement for needed data that is unavailable or out-of-date from the local data structure, a request is generated for the needed data from a server through a communications link from the switching element to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: MCI, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelvin Porter
  • Patent number: 6778658
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a dialed digit unlock and edit feature for a digital telephone connected to an advanced intelligent network (AIN) wireline network is disclosed. The digital telephone sends at least one digit of a called party number to an originating ISDN switch. The originating ISDN switch determines whether a Q.931 CALL PROCEEDING call control message has been sent from the originating ISDN switch to the digital telephone. If so, then the dialed digit unlock and edit feature is disabled. However, if the Q.931 CALL PROCEEDING call control message has not been sent, then the originating ISDN switch determines whether a key to enable the dialed digit unlock and edit feature has been entered on the digital telephone. If the key has been entered, then the last digit(s) entered for the called party number are erased and the originating ISDN switch awaits a new digit(s) to be entered into the digital telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Randy M. McDonald, Odie H. Garrison, Terry R. Droke, Mort P. Burnett
  • Patent number: 6778657
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a dialed digit unlock and edit feature for an analog telephone connected to an advanced intelligent network (AIN) wireline network is disclosed. The analog telephone sends at least one digit of a called party number to an originating central office. The originating central office determines whether an initial address message (IAM) has been sent from the originating central office to a destination central office. If so, then the dialed digit unlock and edit feature is disabled. However, if the IAM has not been sent, then the originating central office determines whether a key to enable the dialed digit unlock and edit feature has been entered on the analog telephone. If the key has been entered, then the last digit(s) entered for the called party number are erased and the originating central office awaits a new digit(s) to be entered into the analog telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Randy M. McDonald, Odie H. Garrison, Terry R. Droke, Mort P. Burnett
  • Patent number: 6771773
    Abstract: An auxiliary connection mechanism for allowing a Digital Switching System (DSS) to share an analog line with an analog device (via an auxiliary device port) is disclosed. The auxiliary connection mechanism includes a pair of relays for releasably connecting the auxiliary device port and the DSS to the analog line. When the analog line is idle, both the analog device and the DSS are connected to the line in order to receive incoming calls on the analog line. However, once one of the devices (either the analog device or the DSS) uses the line, the other device should not access the line. A busy line detect circuit is included to detect whether a device is using the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Paul A. Hanrieder, William Sung, Kevin W. Golka, Steven J. Rhodes, Richard G. Martin, Jeffrey Jay McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20040131171
    Abstract: A route table stores a control step for controlling an automatic call distribution (ACD) process for a termination call. A transfer destination telephone number table stores information with which a transfer destination telephone number is determined. When a control step in the route table is a transfer control step for instructing to transfer a termination call, a call controlling unit refers the transfer destination telephone number table, determines a transfer destination telephone number for the termination call, and transfers the termination call to the transfer destination telephone number using a termination call transfer service of a public telephone network to which public telephone lines are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kazushige Haruta
  • Patent number: 6728362
    Abstract: A communication hub for providing continuity testing and call tones in communication networks. The communication hub comprises a processor coupled to an interface and a tone generator. The processor is configured to process an in-band call tone request message to generate a continuity acknowledgment message and to direct the tone generator to provide call tones to a call device. The tone generator is configured to generate the call tones for the processor. The interface is configured to receive the call tone request message and transmit the continuity acknowledgment message and the call tones for the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chaoxin Charles Qiu, Shannon P. Silvus, Richard N. Kennedy, Michael J. Gettles, William Douskalis
  • Publication number: 20040078827
    Abstract: A DSX system arranged to receive a plurality of high-density chassis is disclosed. The chassis include back planes having rear access IN/OUT fields and rear access cross-connect fields. The rear access IN/OUT fields are electrically connected to termination structures and panels located in respective IN/OUT regions and cross-connect regions. The termination structures of the IN/OUT region includes first and second fanning strips located along edges of termination panels. A double-hinged cover provides access to the termination panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Scott K. Baker, Harvey J. Chouanard
  • Publication number: 20040066929
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating analog voice service and derived POTS voice service in a DSL environment are provided. One embodiment is a system comprising: a first communication path for carrying plain old telephone service (POTS) voice signals between a telephone-type device and a subscriber line of a telephone network; a second communication path for carrying derived POTS voice signals between the telephone-type device and the subscriber line; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the telephone-type device between the first communication path and the second communication path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon Bremer, Joe Chapman, Bob Scott, Ed Thoenes
  • Publication number: 20040066931
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a communications system that dynamically provides context sensitive functionality. In one embodiment, the system comprises a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) connected by communications channels to one or more communications devices and controlled, in part, by software objects that provide functionality that varies dependent on the hardware and software currently available and the status of that hardware and software. In one embodiment, the user of the communications device is presented, by way of an addressable display and associated function buttons, with only the function options appropriate to the context in which they are currently using the system. For instance, a conference option only becomes available when more than one incoming call is made to the same telephone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kaustubha A. Tankhiwale
  • Publication number: 20040062378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the transmission parameters of a transmission link for high bit rate data transmission, wherein the transmission link consists of a line module (1) in a switching centre, a subscriber modem (2) and a subscriber connection line (3) for connecting the line module (1) and the modem (2). The invention also relates to a line module (1) for high bit rate data transmission for a switching centre and a modem (2) for high bit rate data transmission for a subscriber in order to carry out said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Chlodwig Neuhusler, Hans-Werner Rudolf
  • Patent number: 6714640
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Telecom Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yabe, Hideo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6707899
    Abstract: A computer-telephone integrated system includes a switch engine carrying out a switching control, devices coupled to the switch engine, a service request part requesting a telephone switching service with respect to the switch engine, and a service request process/call information notifying part providing an interface function between the switch engine and the service request part. The service request process/call information notifying part processes a switching service request from the service request part to the switch engine, and notifies call information related to the devices and the switch engine from the switching engine to the service request part. The call information includes information related to states of the devices and information related to a connection of a path between the switch engine and the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Saito, Yasufumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 6704408
    Abstract: A method and system for connecting a wireline telephone to a wireline switch in a wireline telecommunications network having a plurality of remote terminals and wireline switches includes a processing platform having a database associated therewith. The processing platform is operative to receive identification of a subscriber in response to a call attempt and determine a preferred connection between the wireline telephone and one of the plurality of wireline switches based on predetermined data stored in the database and associated with the subscriber. The remote terminal connects the wireline telephone to one of the plurality of wireline switches based on the preferred connection as directed by the processing platform so as to complete the call attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Smith, Don E. Gillespie, Gary R. Duffy, Charles I. Cook
  • Patent number: 6690786
    Abstract: A system for allowing a plurality of administrators to control switching system resources in a telephone system. A switching system is communicatively connected to a server computer. The server computer maintains databases that store the resources that a plurality administrators are allowed to access and the functions that each administrator is allowed to perform. When the server computer receives a request from an administrator for an administrative function to be performed by the switching system, the software executed by the server computer accesses the database and determines if the administrator is allowed to perform the requested function and if the resources are available to administrator. If the administrator has made a valid request the server computer generates a command and transmits the command to the switching system that performs the function requested in the command. The server computer may also maintain a database that maintains a pool of unused resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James Allen Kowal, Mary Rita Otto
  • Patent number: 6690788
    Abstract: The present integrated work management engine for customer care orchestrates all forms of work relating to the servicing of customer requests across the entire business enterprise. This integrated work management engine brings together all types of disparate communication system components, applications and information storage systems so the business which provides the customer care via these systems can respond to their customer requests in a unified, efficient and effective manner. The integrated work management engine also integrates the real time operation of the front office customer communications and the batch data processing mode of the back office. The integrated work management engine accepts work through multiple access channels, where each work request is automatically mapped to a process flow that specifies the task associated with the handling of the particular work item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Bauer, Keith R. McFarlane, Andrew Derek Flockhart, Lucinda M. Sanders, Gary S. King, Darryl J. Maxwell, Steve R. Russell, Robert Alan Stewart, Wendy S. Cook
  • Patent number: 6687367
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the secured provision of functions of a signaling network for distributed telecommunication applications. An application logic of a telecommunication network is separated from system components that are relevant to security by setting up the former on decentralized apparatuses of the communication network and the latter on central apparatuses of the communication network. Suitable communication measures between central and decentralized apparatuses ensure that centrally available functions can be called from an application logic which is implemented in a decentralized manner. Security functions for protecting the signaling network and/or a central apparatus are set up or utilized on central apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Werner Dittmann
  • Publication number: 20040013261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switching centre (1) for connecting telephone objects (2a . . . 2n) to a telephone network, comprising a control device (3) wherein operational functions can be administered by authorized operators by inputting commands via a terminal (6), and verification means (4) for checking access authorization enabling certain operators to administer within a group (5). The invention also relates to a method for administering operations functions in the switching centre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Joachim Huttel, Irena Romanski
  • Publication number: 20040013260
    Abstract: This invention relates to an administration device (1) for administering and modifying operating functions of exchanges (6a . . . 6n) in a telephone network. The operating functions are administered and modified by means of administration commands. Said device comprises co-ordination means (2) for co-ordinating operating functions concerning several exchanges (6a . . . 6n). The invention also relates to a method for administering and modifying operating functions of exchanges (6a . . . 6n), used in this administration device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Christoph Bock, Joachim Huttel, Michael Moeller, Irena Romanski, Jochen Walz
  • Publication number: 20040013253
    Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
  • Patent number: 6674853
    Abstract: allowing a central business communication system to handle all aspects of call setup on a remote switch. Call control for a telecommunication call set up on a remote switch continues to be handled by the central business communication system; however, the switching of the bearer channels is performed automatically on the remote switch if the telecommunication call is between telecommunication terminals on the remote switch. In addition, if the telecommunication call is between two remote switches, the remote switches will automatically communicate the bearer channels through an interconnecting media without going through the central business communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Joel Ezell, John S. Helton, Norman W. Petty, Douglas A. Spencer, Wayne A. Zakowski
  • Patent number: 6671363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for the optimization of an analysis, said system comprising a telecommunication network and analysis means for analyzing data associated with calls. According to the invention, the analysis means comprise a generic analysis mechanism and one or more analysis functions utilizing the analysis mechanism. The invention makes it possible to avoid interpenetrating analysis implementations, thus reducing the costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Max Hamberg, Osmo Timonen
  • Publication number: 20030202648
    Abstract: The IP-PBX 1 includes a multimedia gateway controller 2 in which a call control data master table stores call control data for all terminals falling under the control of the IP-PBX and protocol handlers which are installed on a system bus 101 or expansion system bus 102 in a sufficient number for serving the number of circuits accommodated by the IP-PBX. On each of the protocol handlers, a microprocessor performs processing tasks corresponding to a load shared on it in interfacing with a given number of terminals, using a call control data slave table in its memory, call control protocol conversion function, fault-supervisory-processing function, call control protocol retransmission function, call control protocol transfer function, and terminal supervisory function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mao Masuhiro, Yasuhiro Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030198331
    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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: WorldCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Lass, John Kenneth Gallant, John L. Truetken