Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for routing a telephone call according to the geographic location of the originating party. A subscriber with multiple network locations within a service territory may have all of their offices accessible to customers through a single publicized telephone number. The single telephone number may trigger advanced intelligent network technology. The network may ascertain the geographic location from which the call originates and accordingly, route the originating call to a subscriber's office which is located closest to the originating caller. Further, exception periods may be provided to enable subscribers to individualize their service by only routing to the closest satellite office at specified days, times, etc. The exception periods may also be employed to reroute calls intended for the closest satellite office to a predetermined location.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed virtual tandem switching system is provided in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch. The system includes an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device. The trunk interworking function device converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a structured circuit emulation service. The centralized control and signaling interworking function device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. Consequently, the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system replaces a standard tandem switch in the PSTN.

Abstract: System and methods for intelligent routing of requests from customers to agents where a request is received at a service center from a customer. Identification information related to the customer is accessed. Background information on the customer is retrieved from a storage facility. Task and attitude information about the customer is gathered. A model of the customer is created. Models for at least two agents are created. A performance optimizing calculation is performed that matches the customer model and the models for the at least two agents. A best match agent from the at least two agents is determined based on the matching. The customer request is routed to the best match agent.

Abstract: A method, in an advanced intelligent communications system, for routing a call based on the location of the calling party number where a telephone call to an abbreviated destination telephone number is received at a service switching point. The service switching point determines if the abbreviated destination number is a triggering number, and if so, notifies a service control point of receipt of the telephone call. The location of the calling party number is determined from location information related to the service switching point. The appropriate routing of the telephone call is determined based on the location of the calling party number. Call routing information regarding the telephone call is sent to the service switching point where the service switching point routes the telephone call to a destination number or a default announcement.

Abstract: A wireless handset is provided with enhanced features and capabilities. The wireless handset may be embodied as a full-featured handset that is capable of operating either within a wireless network (such as a cellular or PCS network) or in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode that is independent of the wireless network. Alternatively, the wireless handset may be embodied as a special purpose handset, that is capable of simply operating in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode. The wireless handset may additionally include features for supporting and enhancing direct communication between handsets. Such features may include a find feature that permits a user to determine which objects, including other wireless handset users, are located within a predetermined operating range of the wireless handset. A memorize feature may also be provided to permit handsets and other objects exchange information by wireless transmission.

Abstract: A system and computer program for routing a call to a dedicated number through an AIN-based network. The system improves the probability that a call based on a dialed dedicated number will be routed through a node to one of a plurality of interexchange carriers, said node having a predetermined sequence of preferred carriers assigned thereto. The system of the present invention ncludes a system for recognizing said dedicated number, a system for assigning primary, alternate and secondary interexchange carriers responsive to said system for recognizing. Also provided is a system for sequentially routing said dedicated number from said node to said interexchange carrier corresponding to said primary, alternate, and secondary carriers until a connection is established.

Abstract: A system allows switch signaling to be processed in a controller adjunct to a switch, and for the controller to effect the connection by signaling to the switch. This is accomplished by an end unit communicating service information to a controller and the controller instructing the switch to carry out the service transaction. The service information from the end unit is routed through the switch being controlled by the controller.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed virtual tandem switching system is provided in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch. The system includes an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device. The trunk interworking function device converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a structured circuit emulation service. The centralized control and signaling interworking function device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. Consequently, the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system replaces a standard tandem switch in the PSTN.

Abstract: An adaptive SVC caching method and system are provided to offload the high processing capacity burden of ATM switches. After an SVC is established in a usual way for a call, it is not torn down after the conversation ends. Instead, the SVC is kept alive for a variable duration (i.e., delayed release) with the expectation that there will be another call request for the same terminating end office during that time. The caching duration is adaptively changed with call arrival rate and call setup delay in the ATM network in order to stay within a delay budget specified by the requirements.

Abstract: A call forwarding system for an AIN telecommunications environment is provided in which a destination has changed from an old telephone number to a new telephone number. A calling party places a call which attempts to contact the destination by dialing the old telephone number. The call forwarding system includes a hub switch, and an old address switch with which the calling party connects to upon dialing the old telephone number. The old address switch, upon recognizing that the calling party has called a telephone number which has been changed, prefixes the old telephone number with a three digit code, and forwards the call, along with the prefixed old telephone number, to the hub switch. The hub switch recognizes the three digit code, and launches an AIN trigger to an AIN platform which determines the new telephone number and whether the destination has elected to pay for forwarding the call to the new telephone number.

Abstract: A method, in an advanced intelligent communications system, for routing a call based on the location of the calling party number where a telephone call to an abbreviated destination telephone number is received at a service switching point. The service switching point determines if the abbreviated destination number is a triggering number, and if so, notifies a service control point of receipt of the telephone call. The location of the calling party number is determined from location information related to the service switching point. The appropriate routing of the telephone call is determined based on the location of the calling party number. Call routing information regarding the telephone call is sent to the service switching point where the service switching point routes the telephone call to a destination number or a default announcement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for transferring service of a local loop from one local exchange carrier to another competing local exchange carrier. A first local exchange carrier has a first switch connected to an distribution frame, which is connected to subscribers. A second local exchange carrier sets up a second switch and an interface in proximity to the distribution frame, and “half-taps” the interface with the connection between the first switch and the distribution frame. The second local exchange carrier has control over the first switch to connect or disconnect it from the distribution network.

Abstract: A call forwarding system for an AIN telecommunications environment is provided in which a destination has changed from an old telephone number to a new telephone number. A calling party places a call which attempts to contact the destination by dialing the old telephone number. The call forwarding system includes a hub switch, and an old address switch with which the calling party connects to upon dialing the old telephone number. The old address switch, upon recognizing that the calling party has called a telephone number which has been changed, prefixes the old telephone number with a three digit code, and forwards the call, along with the prefixed old telephone number, to the hub switch. The hub switch recognizes the three digit code, and launches an AIN trigger to an AIN platform which determines the new telephone number and whether the destination has elected to pay for forwarding the call to the new telephone number.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for transferring service of a local loop from one local exchange carrier to another competing local exchange carrier. A first local exchange carrier has a first switch connected to an distribution frame, which is connected to subscribers. A second local exchange carrier sets up a second switch and an interface in proximity to the distribution frame, and “half-taps” the interface with the connection between the first switch and the distribution frame. The second local exchange carrier has control over the first switch to connect or disconnect it from the distribution network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for routing a call to a dedicated number through an AIN-based network. A predetermined sequence of preferred or ranked carriers is assigned to an end office from which a call originates. Input of the dedicated number at an end office number triggers the system to assign a primary carrier to connect the call based on a user selection, the local PIC, or the first carrier indicated by the predetermined sequence. An alternate and secondary carrier may also be assigned based on the predetermined sequence. The call is routed sequentially to the primary, alternate, and secondary carriers until a connection is made with the corresponding interexchange carrier until all routes are exhausted. The features of the invention are particular useful for routing calls to the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS).

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed virtual tandem switching system is provided in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch. The system includes an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device. The trunk interworking function device converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a structured circuit emulation service. The centralized control and signaling interworking function device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. Consequently, the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system replaces a standard tandem switch in the PSTN.

Abstract: A method for categorizing, describing, and modeling types of system users where information from the models can be used in designing a user interface. Users may have improved performance using the user interface. A list of tentative behaviors of the users is created. This list is created by identifying the goals desired for the user interface or the user models, and listing expected and desired behaviors that are relevant to these goals. The list is revised to include only those behaviors that are important or frequent based on the goals. Categorizing the behaviors is performed by obtaining information from users regarding their characteristics and behaviors. Each user's behavioral information is then converted to a score or value. The users are then mapped or charted based on which behaviors they exhibit. The mapping or charting is analyzed to identify clusters of users. These clusters define groups of users that have similar behaviors. The groups are then analyzed to produce descriptions of each group.

Abstract: An alerting system is provided for proactively ensuring awareness of pending customer generated trouble tickets which have not been resolved for at least a predetermined time duration corresponding to an escalation level. A customer service center selects the time duration. The alerting system includes a manager module which periodically monitors the pending customer generated trouble tickets and determines whether each pending customer generated trouble ticket remains unresolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system also includes an alerting module which sends an alert to a recipient assigned to the escalation level when the manager module determines the pending customer generated trouble ticket has not been resolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system may also include a parsing module which parses the pending customer generated trouble tickets to remove extraneous and invalid information.

Abstract: A local routing system is provided for selectively routing traffic in a telecommunications network according to a local service provider's preferences. The local service provider provides service for telephone lines acquired from a local exchange carrier. The telecommunications network supports an originator subscribing to the local service provider. The originator initiates a trigger when originating a call to a destination by dialing a number. The local routing system includes a classifier, a determiner, and a router. The classifier analyzes the dialed number and categorizes the call into one of several predetermined classes of traffic. The determiner determines whether the local service provider has a routing preference for the class of traffic into which the classifier has placed the call.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed virtual tandem switching system is provided in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch. The system includes an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a centralized control and signaling interworking finction (CS-IWF) device. The trunk interworking function device converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a structured circuit emulation service. The centralized control and signaling interworking function device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. Consequently, the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system replaces a standard tandem switch in the PSTN.