Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A telecommunications services exchange that assigns telecommunications services to a relatively small number of tagged classes based on the values of certain parameters characterizing these services is disclosed. Carriers and other traders participating in the exchange may use the class tag to refer to each service they seek to purchase or sell. The relatively small number of classes increases the probability of matching offered and required services. Class definitions may be established on the basis of typical parameter values for a particular type of service, and may be modified over time as those values change. The exchange operator may monitor the parameter variation of each offered service, and swap that service for a different service when monitored variation exceeds that dictated by class boundaries.

Abstract: Computerized switching system provides a method of connecting a caller and a called party or target by a manual or automated dialer by informing a control station of a PIN or ID number and optionally the service type, and having the call routed based on preprogrammed numbers provided by the called party. The call is routed to a destination that may be based on many factors, including the hour of day, priority of call, service type, destination and origination of caller and other programmed commands. The called party has the ability to administer the routings and direct all call flows, including destination, scanning originator, time, etc. A dialer service pre-programmed with access and PIN numbers may be used to automate these procedures. A dialer may also be incorporated in a pager to permit automated access of pager messages.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing communications transmissions in an efficient manner is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers submit information to a centralized server node which comprises cost and service parameter data for routing a communication from a first location to a second location. The server node receives all of the submitted rate information, evaluates it, and generates from the information a rate-table database comprising efficient routing paths for connecting transmissions between any two locations in a communications switching network. The server may be programmed to substantially optimize its rate-table database with respect to one or more parameters, such as price, network utilization, return traffic volumes, and others. Service requesters submit service requests to the centralized server node.

Abstract: A system for use of a telecommunications voice network includes a communication node local to a calling location for acquiring calling and called party identification numbers and transmitting them to a central switching unit associated with a called location, through a transception channel independent of the telecommunications voice network. Further provided is a central switching unit for interrogating the called location to obtain a call supervision status thereof. Also provided is an apparatus for completing a first phonecall from the switching unit to the called location if the call supervision status is that of an answer, and for originating a second phonecall through the telecommunications network to the calling location. Teleconferencing of the first and second phonecalls then occurs. Further provided is an apparatus for providing an uncompleted call status signal to the central switching unit if the call status is that of a no answer or busy. The calling party is then appropriately advised.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing telecommunications in an efficient manner using resources that are traded in a market are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers and requesters submit service offers and requests to a server node. Offers and requests may be submitted automatically by a telecommunications node programmed to dynamically monitor current volume and sell or buy telecommunication time or bandwidth on the basis of the actual and predicted demand. The server node administers all aspects of the trades and the resulting changes in global network operations, hilling, and settlements. When a buyer wishes to use telecommunications resources it has purchased, it may pass supervision to a local telecommunications node, which may establish transmission using the purchased telecommunications resources.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic utilization of the available bandwidth on existing ISDN and other broadband links is disclosed. In a first preferred embodiment, an efficient link-utilization system comprises first and second telecommunication nodes connected by one or more ISDN links or other broadband connections. When a caller desires to place a call from a communication device served by the first telecommunication node to a communication device served by the second telecommunication node, the first telecommunication node determines whether an existing broadband link connecting the first and second telecommunication nodes has sufficient available bandwidth to carry the call in compressed form from the calling communication device to the called communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing communications transmissions in an efficient manner is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers submit information to a centralized server node which comprises cost and service parameter data for routing a communication from a first location to a second location. The server node receives all of the submitted rate information, evaluates it, and generates from the information a rate-table database comprising efficient routing paths for connecting transmissions between any two locations in a communications switching network. The server may be programmed to substantially optimize its rate-table database with respect to one or more parameters, such as price, network utilization, return traffic volumes, and others. Service requesters submit service requests to the centralized service node.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly routing telecommunications in an efficient manner using resources that are traded in a market are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, service providers and requesters subunit service offers and requests to a server node. Offers and requests may be submitted automatically by a telecommunications node programmed to dynamically monitor current volume and sell or buy telecommunication time or bandwidth on the basis of the actual and predicted demand. The server node administers all aspects of the trades and the resulting changes in global network operations, hilling, and settlements. When a buyer wishes to use telecommunications resources it has purchased, it may pass supervision to a local telecommunications node, which may establish transmission using the purchased telecommunications resources. Particular SS7 codes, C7 codes, C5 codes.

Abstract: A seamless automated callback system is disclosed. The system utilizes first and second telecommunication nodes connected to each other by a data line and additionally connected to a conventional telephone network. When a call is placed via the callback system, the first node transmits to the caller an appropriate ring tone for the called location and concurrently requests a callback from the second node via the data line. The second node places the callback which is not immediately answered by the first node. Concurrently, or after a suitable delay, the second node places a call to the called telephone. If the called party answers the call, the second node signals the first node via the data line to answer the callback and connect the caller to the called party. If, however, the call results in a busy signal, an operator intercept, or a ring no answer, the callback is terminated before any telephone toll charges are incurred.

Abstract: A system for use of a telecommunications voice network includes a communication node local to a calling location for acquiring calling and called party identification numbers and transmitting them to a central switching unit associated with a called location, through a transception channel independent of the telecommunications voice network. Further provided is a central switching unit for interrogating the called location to obtain a call supervision status thereof. Also provided is an apparatus for completing a first phonecall from the switching unit to the called location if the call supervision status is that of an answer, and for originating a second phonecall through the telecommunications network to the calling location. Teleconferencing of the first and second phonecalls then occurs. Further provided is an apparatus for providing an uncompleted call status signal to the central switching unit if the call status is that of a no answer or busy. The calling party is then appropriately advised.

Abstract: A system and method for flexible and efficient routing of communications transmissions is disclosed. Service providers submit information comprising cost and service parameter data to a centralized server node. The server node evaluates the information and generates a rate-table database comprising efficient routing paths for connecting transmissions between any two locations in a communications switching network. The server may substantially optimize its rate-table database with respect to one or more parameters, such as price, network utilization, return traffic volumes, and others. Service requesters submit service requests to the centralized server node. The server node identifies efficient routes which meet the requesters' requirements and brokers sales of communication (or connect) time from the service providers to the service requesters.

Abstract: A portable automated dialer capable of generating a predetermined sequence of tones including DTMF tones into the microphone of a telephone. The automated dialer includes a signal generator for generating a series of tone signals, a speaker electrically connected to the signal generator for transmitting the tone signals as a series of audible tones and a tone completion indicator operating in at least a first and second state such that the tone completion indicator changes from the first state to the second state after the signal generator generates a last tone signal in the series of tone signals. The indicator may be a visual, auditory, tactile or even olfactory indicator.