Centralized Switching System Patents (Class 379/242)
  • Patent number: 6324281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for the processing of an unexpected disconnect request in an access node (AN) which is connected to a local exchange (LE) over a V5 interface. In the access node (AN), call setdown is effected by means of a disconnect message, which is sent from the local exchange (LE) and on the basis of which the call resources in the local exchange (LE) are released. According to the invention, the resources reserved in the access node (AN) for the call are preserved. Moreover, the local exchange (LE) is informed that the subscriber is busy, thus preventing the occurrence of an undefined condition between the local exchange (LE) and the access node (AN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Networks Oy
    Inventors: Olli Liinamaa, Vesa Heikkila, Timo Juntunen
  • Publication number: 20010031046
    Abstract: An automatic ISDN switch for connection to at least one ISDN-BRI line and a plurality of different videoconferencing locations for automatically switching the at least one ISDN-BRI line to one videoconferencing location of the plurality of different videoconferencing locations, comprising: a control unit for being placed in circuit communication with each of the plurality of different videoconferencing locations, the control unit generating a location signal corresponding to a particular one videoconferencing location of the plurality of videoconferencing locations; and a switch bank in circuit communication with the control unit for receiving the location signal, for being placed in circuit communication with the plurality of different videoconferencing locations, and further for being placed in circuit communication with the at least one ISDN-BRI line, said switch bank automatically switching the at least one ISDN-BRI line to the particular one videoconferencing location of the plurality of videoconferencin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Manfred W. Troibner, Randall W. Zinn
  • Publication number: 20010026615
    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:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Alban Couturier
  • Patent number: 6292550
    Abstract: A telecommunications switching system such as a private branch exchange (100) processes calls as follows. When it receives (200) a call associated with an individual vector directory number (VDN), the switching system invokes conventional vectoring (107) and commences processing the call by executing (202) the VDN's call-processing vector. However, when it encounters (206) a “wait” vector command in the executing vector, the switching system sends (208) a notice of the call and the call's identity to an external source of vectors, such as an expert system implemented on an adjunct processor (110). This notice functions as a request for another call-processing vector for the call. The expert system obtains (252-256) information relevant to processing of the call from the switching system and from external databases (111-112), and based on that information dynamically creates (258) a new call-processing vector for the call, in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: David R. Burritt
  • Patent number: 6285751
    Abstract: A distributed processing system includes a plurality of cells where each cell processes information in response to a type of event, and cells communicate with each other according to an (asynchronous) event-reaction protocol. According to one embodiment, each cell is responsive to a single type of event and includes a plurality of scripts which are executed upon the occurrence of an event of the appropriate type. At least some scripts include directions to send information to one or more scripts in another cell. According to another embodiment, some cells communicate with other cells according to a (synchronous) streaming protocol and other cells communicate according to an (asynchronous) event-reaction protocol. The cells communicate with each other via a shared memory or via a communications bus. The communications protocol utilized by the cells enables the use of virtually any networking medium. Thus, cells may reside in the same chip or may be separated from each other by thousands of miles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: iQ Net Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey I. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6275579
    Abstract: Disclosed is a network number management system constructed so as not to reduce the number of subscriber telephone numbers registrable in a switch even if any number of network numbers are registered in this switch. One local switch is registered with a telephone number of a specified terminal which consists of a telephone exchange number set to this switch itself and arbitrary numerals, and has a telephone number management table for registering information for indicating whether or not the specified terminal exists in an area within a coverage of this switch itself. When receiving a call setting request in which the telephone number of the specified terminal serves as a connection request telephone number, the telephone number management table is retrieved, and, if registered with information for indicating non-existence of the specified terminal, the call setting request is transferred towards a service control point (SCP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yano
  • Patent number: 6252956
    Abstract: In a switching system data inheritance method of controlling hardware on the basis of a first database storing various management data such as subscriber information to inherit switching system data for various types of call connection processing, change information indicating a change in structure from the first database to a second database which inherits data from the first database is created. Data constituting the first database is converted into new data having a new structure and constituting the second database on the basis of the created change information to store the converted data in the second database. A switching system data inheritance system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Karino
  • Patent number: 6243453
    Abstract: A programmable call processing system (52) provides a standard call processing process (80) performing call processing according to industry standard call models, at least one database (84, 86) storing call processing data accessible by the set of standard call processing process (80), and at least one customized call logic program (92) for implementing extended subscriber features on the telecommunications switching system (10, 30). Further, an application program interface (56, 94) provides access by the at least one customized call logic program (92) to the at least one call processing database (84, 86) and further interrupting the standard call processing process (80) to execute the customized call logic program (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: James L. Bunch, Ronald A. Iovine, Samuel O. Perry, III, Leo J. Putchinski, Walter C. Robertson, Jr., Ronald L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6233332
    Abstract: The present media independent communications processing system functions to provide business useful services to customers with the anymedia resources that are required to satisfy the customer's request. In particular, the system carries call information across the entirety of a transaction with the call being managed as an anymedia multi-transactional event. The model used for the present media independent communications processing system, as embodied in a call center, comprises a hallways and rooms paradigm that enables the customer to dynamically navigate their anymedia communications connection to a desired information providing source. As the customer's call is routed during the duration of the communication session, the call context information is stored and used by the rules-based call routing process to identify a source of information/services that is best adapted to serve the needs of this customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory Lane Anderson, Lucinda M. Sanders, Robert W. Donnelly, Eugene Mathews, Mark Landers
  • Patent number: 6226376
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing resources within a switch where the switch has multiple service circuits each being connected to its own subset of resources. A target service circuit having an available target resource is identified using a resource group list and a request for a resource having a first resource type. The request is based on a received call. The available target resource is connected to the call through the target service circuit. When the target resource is not needed during the call, the target resource is released from the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: C. Richard Horan
  • Patent number: 6212269
    Abstract: To hide a difference in call reference mode at a protocol control section from a basic call control section which provides an added service based on a plural call reference mode, a distributing section 21 of a virtual terminal control device 20 determines whether an event (signal) of a call reference correspondence from a basic call control section 10 is connectable or not to a terminal 40 via a protocol control section 30, and delivers the signal to an actual terminal processing section 22 or a virtual terminal processing section 23. In response to receipt of signals from the basic call control section, the protocol control section and the virtual terminal processing section, the actual terminal processing section determines and executes an operation per state while shifting the state, and transfers the signal to the protocol control section and the basic call control section while converting a call reference of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Yamanaka, Tadahiro Orihara
  • Patent number: 6208724
    Abstract: A telephone communication system utilizing a virtual phone wherein a telephone switch or similar digital switching device, a digital telephone and an external device such as a personal computer (PC) or other processor are generically interfaced. The virtual phone generic interface is configurable and comprises a set of virtual phone data structures, internal and external virtual phone application program interfaces, and an external transfer protocol. Software designated an abstraction layer provides communication between the internal virtual phone application program interface, the telephone switch and the telephone set. The generic interface converts proprietary telephone switch or external application protocols into a common format and functions as a protocol interpreter between proprietary switching system protocols and protocols of various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dialogic Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fritzinger, Ronald D. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6201863
    Abstract: A personal telephone call router adapted to execute on a personal computer (PC) connected to a local area network (LAN) wherein the LAN is also connected to a computerized telephony switching system has a graphic user interface allowing an individual user to route incoming calls from his/her PC by drag-and-drop techniques. In some embodiments the user may also customize routing rules for incoming calls. In preferred embodiments incoming calls are directed in the telephony switch to a virtual routing destination. In some cases each individual user is associated with a specific virtual destination, and in others data associated with each call is broadcast on the LAN to be filtered at each PC on the Lan running a personal router according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Alec Miloslavsky
  • Patent number: 6185291
    Abstract: A personal telephone all router adapted to execute on a personal computer (PC) connected to a local area network (LAN) wherein the LAN is also connected to a computerized telephony switching system has a user interface allowing an individual user to customize routing rules for incoming calls. The interface in a preferred embodiment is a window displayable on a computer screen of the PC, allowing the user to review and edit personal routing rules in a high-level language. Data, such as caller ID and the like, associated with incoming calls received at the computerized telephony switching system is broadcast on the LAN prior to routing the incoming calls, and the broadcast data is utilized by individual editions of the personal telephone call router to prepare and send routing instructions on the LAN to the computerized switching system to route the incoming calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunication Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Alec Miloslavsky
  • Patent number: 6185289
    Abstract: In an Advanced Intelligent Network, a central mediation point stores call processing records for controlling call routing and other call processing functions. To provide short code access to information service providers, each information service provider will operate an independent database which stores additional call processing records. When an established subscriber dials the short code, e.g. an N11 code, the mediation point identifies the information provider that the subscriber has previously selected from the subscriber's call processing record stored in the mediation point. The mediation point communicates with that service provider's database to obtain call processing information. The mediation point validates the call processing information for compatibility with network operations. The mediation point forwards validated call processing information to a node of the network to process the call in accord with the information from the provider's database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry A. Hetz, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6185439
    Abstract: In a digital switching network system wherein service measurements are periodically automatically collected, a user interfaces with the network via a Web browser to select those traffic counts of interest for on-demand sampling. The user designates whether the selected traffic counts are retrieved as a single sample or as a periodic sample. When the traffic counts are to be retrieved as a periodic sample, the user designates a period for the periodic sample. The system determines the locations where the traffic counts resides in the network, retrieves the traffic counts from their locations, and displays the traffic counts to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arturo Guerrero, Terry George Hinrichs, Kuo-Ting Hsu, Dale Oliver Knudson, Todd Hamilton Smith
  • Patent number: 6181696
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling network switches which includes a central network controller node having a call task for booking and executing calls by setting up the switches that interconnect a first terminal and a second terminal and a switch master task for receiving commands to control all of the switches in the network, maintaining status information for all of said switches and distributing requests for particular connections. A switch controller task is coupled to the switch master task for converting input instructions to a generic switch into commands for hardware switches. In response to a client request, the central network controller communicates with the switch controller task to convert commands for the generic switch to commands for the hardware switch and to create a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Fielding, Christopher R. Plater
  • Patent number: 6148074
    Abstract: A client-server telephone call router system as part of a customer premises system has a client-server router adapted to execute on a telephony switch, such as a public branch exchange (PBX) or other telephony switch, or on a processor connected by CTI link to a telephony switch. The telephony switch or processor executing the router is connected to a local area network (LAN) that also interconnects computer workstations proximate to telephones connected to the telephony switch. Client user interface applications run on the computer workstations, allowing clients to edit routing rules for the router, which has a list of routing rules keyed to users and workstations of the customer premises system. The editing rules are kept by the router in portions dedicated to individual users. With this system a user can edit at a workstation on the LAN his/her own routing rules, and transmit the edits to the client-server router where the rules will be followed to route calls for that user and protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Alec Miloslavsky, Igor Neyman
  • Patent number: 6134313
    Abstract: A software architecture for a computer telephony server for simultaneously implementing a plurality of messaging applications is provided. The server includes a processor, a memory and a plurality of slots connected to the processor through a high-speed bus, each of the plurality of slots being adapted to receive an interface card for connecting the server to an external resource. The server further includes a session having a thread of execution on the processor and controlling a subset of the memory and a telephone line resource. The call processing behavior of the session is defined by a first user agent which represent a known user of the server. The first user agent includes a first scenario and a first set of properties. The first scenario includes a plurality of event-application pairs, each pair representing a valid event and a corresponding application that is executed when the valid event is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Dorfman, Michael Thomas Elliott, Hao-Yang Feng, Kelly Khanh Bui, Jeffrey Wayne Pence
  • Patent number: 6122363
    Abstract: A system that processes telecommunications calls from a switch to provide call services. The system supports transactional and conversational protocols. For conversational protocols, call context is maintained at a service control point during call processing. Transactional and conversational messages are mapped to and from a generic message structure to simplify the input and output interfaces of supported service applications. Service control points comprise Communications Servers and Transaction Servers. Communications Servers are coupled by a WAN to provide distributed processing and enhance reliability and load balancing. A method processes conversational protocol messages while maintaining call context at a Communications Server. A method supports multiple-service calls by redirecting processing from one Service Application executing on an original service control point to another Service Application without communicating with the originating switch between services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corp.
    Inventors: Jay M. Friedlander, Jeffrey D. Olson
  • Patent number: 6118862
    Abstract: A computer telephony server for simultaneously implementing a plurality of messaging applications is provided. The server includes a processor, a memory and a plurality of slots connected to the processor through a high-speed bus, each of the plurality of slots being adapted to receive an interface card for connecting the server to an external resource. A plurality of primary sessions are provided, each of which have a first thread of execution on the processor and control a first subset of the memory and at least one external resource. A plurality of secondary sessions, each corresponding to one of the primary sessions, is also provided. Each secondary session has a second thread of execution on the processor and controls a second subset of the memory. The primary session delegates a set of system resources to its corresponding secondary session and monitors the secondary session's behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Dorfman, Michael Thomas Elliott, Hao-Yang Feng, Jeffrey Wayne Pence
  • Patent number: 6098076
    Abstract: AIN services include multiple SCP pairs, which can be expanded to meet increased demand. The expansion can occur without cessation in services by migrating records between SCP pairs while maintaining redundancy between the pairs. A centralized GTT maintains the GTTs distributed between multiple subsystems in the AIN system. Synchronization between mate SCPs within a pair occurs at high speed as the subscriber database is split into multiple files, each file having a separate synchronization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rekieta, Chyuan-Meei Chen, Ketty E. Wang, Bihding Tung, Ding-Chyang Mao
  • Patent number: 6097807
    Abstract: A switch (10) for controlling the switching of communication paths in communication equipment, such as telephone networks, is connected to a plurality of controllers (11, 12, 13) via a divider unit (14). The divider unit (14) divides some or all of the resources of the switch (10) into a plurality of switch resource sets, and those switch resource sets are then associated with respective ones of the controllers (11, 12, 13). This has the effect of enabling each switch resource set to act as an independent sub-switch, with each controller (11, 12, 13) then controlling a corresponding sub-switch. This division of the resources of the switch (10) allows different control architectures to be operated simultaneously. This permits different virtual networks to be constituted on the same physical network. Any one of the controllers (11, 12, 13) has access only to the switch resource set or sets allocated to that controller (11, 12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: cplane, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Leslie, Jacobus Erasmus Van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 6091808
    Abstract: Telephone call management is provided via a computer network (web) facility which can be remotely accessed by subscribers using web browsers. The web facility includes an information database for storing personal telephone directories and call logs, and a telephone call control system coupled to a telephone switch via a switch-computer interface. Information on calls to and/or from telephone numbers of subscribers is communicated from the switch to the web facility to be stored in the database without requiring the subscribers' browsers to be active. Subscribers can make telephone calls and control telephone communications via the browsers and the web facility. Subscribers do not require any hardware or software in addition to a telephone and web browser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy John Wood, John C. Anderson, Shirley-Ann Milaknis
  • Patent number: 6078656
    Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Sonnenberg
  • Patent number: 6078964
    Abstract: In a computing network environment having a gateway device that is electronically connected on one side to at least one local area network and on other side to a plurality of initiating hosts, an apparatus for establishing direct communication between a first initiating host and a second initiating host through the gateway device without necessity of involving the local area network in the communication and its related data transmission. The apparatus comprises of an initialization component for obtaining all information about all connected hosts and storing it in a port-sharing table in a memory location accessible to the gateway device. The gateway device controls all communications through a controller component. Upon receiving of a request for establishing communication between two initiating hosts, retrieving means is used for obtaining all information for establishing of a successful communication from said port-sharing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce H. Ratcliff, Stephen R. Valley
  • Patent number: 6076093
    Abstract: An interactive directory provided for a workstation having a connected video monitor and adapted for network access has an interactive display for displaying status for individual entities, being persons and organizations. Entities are listed in the display along with status for each entity. There may be multiple fields for status, and some fields display telephone numbers and/or IP addresses for Internet telephones, while others may provide alphanumeric display. A remote access contact address is stored and associated with each directory entity, and when the directory is active, the workstation accesses status information from network sources associated with individual directory listings. Status for entities in the directory is therefore updated in real time as the directory is used. In some embodiments multiple graphic indicia, such as underlining, shading, font choice and the like are used to provide status indication in various fields of the interactive display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard B Pickering
  • Patent number: 6069949
    Abstract: A system which permits regional bell operating companies (RBOCs) and other telephone service providers to offer service to high usage customers (such as Internet service providers for example) without adversely and appreciably degrading the telephone service of other customers served by the same central office. The system provides D4 formatted DS1 signals to the high usage customers. The system also allows data to be transmitted to and from the high usage customers at the maximum possible line rate. Finally, the system permits the high usage customers to test individual lines or numbers within a hunt group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Nynex Science and Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Schuenhoff, William Perkins, Joseph W. Maese, Robert Zingone
  • Patent number: 6058181
    Abstract: A telecommunications protocol development environment which enables a user to define a separate finite state machine for each port or channel provided by a programmable telecommunications switch. Protocols for various telecommunications applications and software layers may be developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Excel Switching Corporation
    Inventor: Mark P. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6038309
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a telephone operating company with the ability to rapidly deploy advanced services into a public switched telephone network includes a service control unit (SCU) for externally controlling call processing of a service call received on a port of a switch matrix. Call control processing is achieved through a high-speed communications link between the switch matrix and the SCU. The SCU receives a new call event notification message from the communications link and selects a service application stored within the SCU to control processing of the service call. One or more primitives is generated by the SCU and output to control actions of the switch matrix, thus controlling processing of the service call. The primitives may include a comprehensive set of primitives (instructions) for call manipulation and control at the switch matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Geetha R. Ram, Roger L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6028921
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a message obtained from a message delivery database in a calling name delivery service environment. A communication is received from a calling party directory number and directed to a code number. In response to the communication, a called party directory number associated with the communication is obtained. Next, an indication of a selected message is received from a list of messages. A prefix corresponding to the selected message is obtained from the message delivery database. The prefix and the calling party directory number are populated in a signaling message pertaining to the communication. The signaling message containing the prefix and the calling party directory number is transmitted to a network element serving the called party directory number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Dale W. Malik, Robert A. Koch
  • Patent number: 6026157
    Abstract: A device for upgrading a reporting system (12) associated with an automatic call distributor (10) in a telephone system having a first utility program for saving a plurality of custom reports to a temporary directory, an upgrade of the reporting system (12), and a second utility program which imports the custom reports from the temporary directory into the upgrade of the reporting system (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Gulik, Michael C. Hollatz, Dale Paney
  • Patent number: 6023734
    Abstract: In a computing network environment having a gateway device that is connected on one side to at least one local area network and on other side to a plurality of initiating hosts, a method of establishing direct communication between a first initiating host and a second initiating host through the gateway device without necessity of involving the local area network in this communication and its related data transmission. The method comprising the steps of first obtaining the addresses and information of all connected hosts needed for establishing communication and storing it in a memory location accessible to said gateway device in form of a port-sharing table. The gateway device will be handling all requests for communication setups between hosts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce H. Ratcliff, Stephen R. Valley
  • Patent number: 6016343
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Link USA Corporation
    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: 5999614
    Abstract: The call processing capacity of the of a telecommunications network by forming the communication switches forming the network into respective groups of communication switches. The communication switches forming a respective group of switches are fully interconnected to one another and then each of the communications switches forming a respective group is connected at least one other group of telecommunication switches as a way of interconnecting the groups with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat Tarachand Doshi, Notman Farber, Thomas S. Giuffrida, Patamasiviah Harshavardhana, Mahalakshmi Jairam, Pravin Kumar Johri, Arik Kashper, Steven S. Katz
  • Patent number: 5995612
    Abstract: The efficiency of a telecommunications network is enhanced by associating each of the communication switches forming the network with an external connection control processor and forming the switches into respective groups of communication switches. The communication switches forming a respective group of switches are fully interconnected to one another and then each of the communications switches forming a respective one of the groups is connected at least one other group of telecommunication switches as a way of interconnecting the groups with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat Tarachand Doshi, Norman Farber, Thomas S. Giuffrida, Paramasiviah Harshavardhana, Mahalakshmi Jairam, Pravin Kumar Johri, Arik Kashper, Steven S. Katz
  • Patent number: 5991389
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a telephone operating company with the ability to rapidly deploy advanced services into a public switched telephone network includes a programmable switch matrix, a service control unit (SCU), and a media resource unit (MRU). The call processing of a call (associated with one or more ports on the programmable switch matrix) is controlled externally by the SCU when particular triggering criteria is met (i.e., the call requires or desires control by the SCU). Call control processing is achieved through a high-speed communications link between the programmable switch matrix and the SCU using a communications protocol defining a comprehensive set of primitives (instructions) for call manipulation and control at the programmable switch matrix. The SCU executes different service application software programs that operate within the SCU for different types of service calls that are under the control of the SCU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Geetha R. Ram, Kent W. Smith, Keith W. Landau, Roger L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5982769
    Abstract: The operationality of instructions arranged to control a telecommunications switch is tested by referring to originating instructions. A module of instructions forming part of encoded sets of originating instructions is identified, and the module is processed to obtain definitions of its interactivity with other modules of the instruction set and the interactivity with signal transmissions external to the module. This facilitates the generation of upgraded or replacement originating instructions from which new executable instructions are obtainable after being embedded within the telecommunications switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Bond, Jonathon Coward, Phillip William Hobson, Kevin John Twitchen
  • Patent number: 5974134
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for managing call resources, which can contribute to an improvement in the performance and stability of systems to which the method and apparatus are applied. Call processors are connected to a shared library via a resource manager which is internally provided with a resource management table for storing permanent processor ID numbers of the call processors and resource allocation information. The call manager controls access to the shared library in association with requests of the call processors for an allocation or release of the resources in such a manner that the access is given for only the stored permanent process ID's. When a request is made to release call resources currently in use, the call manager determines whether or not the process ID of a call process associated with the request for the release coincides with the process ID of the call process currently using the stored call resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 5960442
    Abstract: An interactive directory provided for a workstation having a connected video monitor and adapted for network access has an interactive display for displaying status for individual entities, being persons and organizations. Entities are listed in the display along with status for each entity. There may be multiple fields for status, and some fields display telephone numbers, while others may provide alphanumeric display. A remote access contact address is stored and associated with each directory entity, and when the directory is active, the workstation accesses status information from network sources associated with individual directory listings. Status for entities in the directory is therefore updated in real time as the directory is used. In some embodiments multiple graphic indicia, such as underlining, shading, font choice and the like are used to provided status indication in various fields of the interactive display. In some embodiments alpha-numeric status is provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard B. Pickering
  • Patent number: 5940487
    Abstract: A programmable call processing system (70) provides a standard call processing process (82) performing call processing according to industry standard call models, at least one database (84, 86) storing call processing data accessible by a set of call processing state machine process (80), and at least one customized call logic program (92) for implementing extended subscriber features on a telecommunications switching system. Further, an application program interface (94) provides access by the at least one customized call logic program (92) to the at least one call processing database (84, 86) and further interrupting the standard call processing process (82) to execute the customized call logic program (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: James L. Bunch, Ronald A. Iovine, Samuel O. Perry, III, Leo J. Putchinski, Walter C. Robertson, Jr., Ronald L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5926102
    Abstract: A method for controlling bidirectional line protection switching by using a remote defect indication signal. The method includes the following steps of: inserting and transmitting a remote defect indication signal through the opposite directional link, in case the receiving end of working line detects a defect while a traffic is transmitted via a bidirectional link, and then switching to a back-up line by controlling the selector of the receiving station; and switching to the protection line by controlling the selector of the transmitting station, in case the remote defect indication signal is detected via the opposite directional link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignees: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Telecom
    Inventors: Kyung-Gyu Chun, Yoo-Kyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 5923749
    Abstract: Acoustic echo reduction is accomplished in connection with a telephone call utilizing a handsfree telephone unit. An Acoustic Echo Controlling (AEC) device (14) is implemented in a digital exchange (12) of the telecommunication system so that the reduction of acoustic echoes can be achieved from all telephones connected to the digital exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Sune Micael Gustafsson, John-Erik Samuel Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5917902
    Abstract: Methods and systems to determine whether a directory number is classified as associated with other directory numbers or associated by local calling area. In a first method, a table of patterns is provided. Each pattern includes a terminating NPA-NXX designation that represents a directory number associated with a terminating device that may be dialed as a local call from an originating device having a local calling area pattern corresponding to the pattern to which this terminating NPA-NXX designation belongs. In response to receipt of an NPA-NXX portion, the pattern table is checked for a corresponding pattern and information is provided about the corresponding pattern. This information includes a terminating NPA-NXX designation. A determination may be made from the information as to what directory number may be dialed as a local call from the originating device having the NPA-NXX portion. In a second method, local calling area (LCA) pattern file including a plurality of LCA patterns is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry B. Saucier
  • Patent number: 5907609
    Abstract: An electronic switching system processes a plurality of special services (SS's) by storing code schemes in a first storage, receiving input data and converting the received input data into a set of input codes, detecting an identification code among the input codes, retrieving a code scheme corresponding thereto from the first storage, comparing the input codes and the code elements included in the code scheme to produce a SS result, which includes the SS data, when a format of the input codes coincides with the one defined by the code scheme, and storing the SS result in a second storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Telecom Ltd.
    Inventor: Gye-Min Jeon
  • Patent number: 5907610
    Abstract: A communications networking system is disclosed for controlling and monitoring devices within a telephony central office. The networking system includes a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) within the central office for transferring substantially all communications between each central office network element and remote telephony operational support systems (OSSs) that control and monitor network element performance. The LAN simplifies communications within the central office: (a) by substantially eliminating direct connections, between central office network elements and remote OSSs, and (b) by utilizing at least one standardized communication protocol such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, or OSI when transferring communications over the LAN. The networking system includes a mediation device(s) for translating between network element specific protocols and a standardized protocol used on the LAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: U S West, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Onweller
  • Patent number: 5892818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a message overload in a program of an electronic switching system having a large capacity controlled by a plurality of processors, and more particularly, to a method of controlling a message overload before a resource is requested to an operating program by the program receiving a plurality of messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang-Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 5892451
    Abstract: An enhanced desktop management interface within a computing device interfaces with a management information system. The enhanced desktop management interface includes a service layer which has a management interface and a component interface. A plurality of management applications interact with the management interface of the service layer. Also, a plurality of manageable elements interface with the component interface of the service layer. When a primary communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the primary communication path. When the primary communication path interface is not available and an alternate communication path interface is available, the enhanced desktop management interface communicates with the management information system through the alternate communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. May, Colin I'Anson
  • Patent number: H1814
    Abstract: A telephony-support module capable of responding to heartbeat messages and identifying itself as operational over one bus or both buses of a redundant-pair control bus. The module also has a reprogrammable, nonvolatile memory associated with it from which the module can run its operating system. The module can also transfer the operating system into another memory, allowing it to make updates to the operating system stored in the nonvolatile memory without interrupting its execution of its run-time operating code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Mark David Browning, Cecil W. Johnson, Jr., Scott Arthur Kooy, H. John Lohn, III, Shawn Wayne Vines, R. Timothy Wallace
  • Patent number: H1918
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an integrated authentication center is provided that may be used in an exemplary integrated wireless telecommunications system (14). The integrated authentication center includes an application process, such as a call processing application (54), that includes a plurality of software objects such as a home location register (44) and an authentication center (42). The home location register (44) is implemented in one of the plurality of software objects of the application process and initiates the generation of an authentication set, such as authentication triplets. The authentication center (42) is also implemented in one of the plurality of software objects of the application process and generates the authentication set in response to the home location register (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: DSC/Celcore, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Hoffpauir, Steve B. Liao