Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing enhanced call service and call routing functions from a centralized location on a telephone network line through gateway connections to service providers. A multiple function interface located between a paystation and an originating central office includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring call signals from the paystation, circuits for obtaining coin or card billing information from the paystation and a control circuit for verifying the payment information and selectively directing the call to a service provider to bypass the originating central office. The interface uses an applications platform to communicate with the network and data bases. The platform assists in operations, maintains files and records, and functions as a communications protocol converter for the interface. The platform enables calling customer service preferences to be acertained automatically during call set-up upon receipt of billing information.

Abstract: A proactive call services system serving as a new node or switching network within a closed subsystem is disclosed. Remote monitors provide information necessary to allow the provision of enhanced services to the closed subsystem, which may be a telephone operator position system (TOPS) switch of a public switched network (PSN). The proactive call services system includes a network interface, voice interface, call processing platform (CPP), link platform and monitors integrated with the PSN. The system gathers information as the TOPS switch processes a call, and with this information offers additional proactive call services to the caller.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automatic voice messaging system for use in a telephone network having a calling station connectible to a first switch and a called station connectible to a second switch, with the first and second switches connected by a digital serial link. The voice messaging system preferably comprises an interface, a detection circuit, a speech circuit and a control circuit. The interface monitors signals on the digital serial link. The detection circuitry is connected to the interface for detecting busy or ring/no answer conditions at the called station upon call initiation to the called station from the calling station, and for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a message for the called station. The speech circuit is also connected to the interface for issuing a predetermined prompt to a user of the calling station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing enhanced call service and call routing functions from a centralized location on a telephone network line through gateway connections to service providers is disclosed. A multiple function interface located between a paystation and an originating central office includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring call signals from the paystation, circuits for obtaining coin or card billing information from the paystation and a control circuit for verifying the payment information and selectively directing the call to a service provider to bypass the originating central office. Calls are able to be routed by a signal generating circuit as direct (1+) calls from the interface to any service provider. Interface circuits permit the interface to interconnect analog and business lines on the paystation side of the interface with analog and business lines and digital links on the service provider side of the interface.

Abstract: A multi-node telephone network having at least caller-controlled interfaces for providing automatic voice messaging. A first caller-controlled interface unit is preferably located in a trunk or line between the calling station and a first switch for providing intercept and redirect functions associated with automatic voice messaging. The first switch is connected to a second switch via one or more digital communication links. A second caller-controlled interface unit is located in one of the digital communication links for providing intercept and redirect functions associated with automatic voice messaging. According to the invention, each of the interface units includes arbitration control circuits responsive to predetermined signaling to determine which of the interface units will provide the intercept and redirect functions upon call initiation to the called station by a caller at the calling station. The predetermined signaling is preferably provided in a common channel signaling No. 7 (SS7) protocol.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for use in a telephone network having a calling station connectable to a first switch means and a called station connectable to a second switch means, with the first and second switch means being connectable by a link. Generally, the apparatus comprises an interface having a passive in-line monitor connected in the link for detecting entry of a predetermined service access code by a user of the calling station or a user of the called station after call completion between the calling station and the called station and before either of said users goes on-hook. Upon entry of the predetermined service access code, a speech circuit of the apparatus issues a predetermined prompt to the user of the calling station and/or the user of the called station.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automatic voice messaging system for use in a telephone network having a calling station connectible to a first switch and a called station connectible to a second switch, with the first and second switches connected by a digital serial link. The voice messaging system preferably comprises an interface, a detection circuit, a speech circuit and a control circuit. The interface monitors signals on the digital serial link. The detection circuitry is connected to the interface for detecting busy or ring/no answer conditions at the called station upon call initiation to the called station from the calling station, and for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a message for the called station. The speech circuit is also connected to the interface for issuing a predetermined prompt to a user of the calling station.

Abstract: A line interface unit for caller-controlled receipt and delivery of voice and/or data meassages over a telephone system having a voice/data message facility, the message facility connectible to at least one calling station and a called station and normally having access prevention circuitry for preventing storage and forwarding of voice/data messages unless predetermined access codes are received and verified by the circuitry. In the preferred embodiment, the unit comprises a switch connected to a central office and having first and second positions and wherein signals are connected directly between the calling station and the central office when the switch is in the first position. The interface unit also includes circuitry for signaling the message facility and circuitry for monitoring call progress upon call initiation to the called station.