Abstract: A system and method for providing operator and customer services for automated telecommunications services on an intelligent overlay network (104) is disclosed. Operator and customer services are provided by an intelligent network (102). The intelligent network (102) comprises an automated call distributor (116); an application processor (118); an advanced intelligent network gateway (AIN Gateway) (120); a validation gateway (122); and enhanced operator consoles (126). The AIN Gateway provides the intelligent network with an interface to the intelligent overlay network. This allows components within the intelligent network to communicate with components in the intelligent overlay network, and vice-versa. The validation gateway provides the intelligent network with an interface to credit card validation systems (114), and is used to apply charges to customer credit cards.

Abstract: A signal transfer point distributes a plurality of messages to a plurality of service control points in accordance with a distribution plan. The distribution plan includes each of the service control points. Each of the plurality of messages from the signal transfer point is distributed to a corresponding one of the plurality of service control points in accordance with the distribution plan.

Abstract: A telecommunications domain (20) having subscriber number relocateablity includes a plurality of physical nodes or exchanges (22) between which calls are connected and a subscriber location server (30) which is connected to and accessed by each of the plurality of exchanges (22) in the domain (20). Each exchange (22) has a unique exchange identifier (ID). Generally, when a call is placed to a subscriber in the relocateability domain, a first exchange the call encounters in the domain queries the subscriber location server. When queried, the subscriber location server (30) returns a Network Routing Number (NRN) which includes a Network Routing Prefix (NRP). The Network Routing Prefix (NRP) is a node identifier (NI) for the local exchange to which the called party is connected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for routing transmissions from a plurality of transmission lines to a plurality of devices associated with the transmission lines. An incoming transmission is received via a first transmission line. Source information associated with the incoming transmission is determined and a data type of the incoming call is determined based on the source information. A routing protocol for the incoming transmission is then determined according to the data type and a transmission hierarchy. The incoming transmission is then routed according to the routing protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing a call between an originating switch and a destination switch in a telecommunications network supporting number portability. The method and apparatus use a ported number list or a routing cache in a network switch or adjunct processor to avoid inefficiencies of QOR and N-1 call processing procedures. The invention includes an originating switch for completing a call between the originating switch and a destination switch, the originating switch including structure for storing a ported number list or routing cache, structure for searching the ported number list or routing cache, and structure for routing a call to the destination switch.

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.

Abstract: A state machine space for concurrent state machines is provided for use in a telecommunications system. Specialized data structures and processes are used to normalize and control data and events dynamically in the telecommunications system. A Universal Data Structure (UDS) provides data uniformity and represents an event in the telecommunications system. Universal State Machines (USMs) use the UDS as a way for the system architect to dynamically alter how the events are handled. The USMs are designed to function concurrently with other USMs without requiring explicit knowledge of other USMs or their functionality. The present invention includes definitions for sub-spaces of the state machine space in terms of (1) a subset of all the USM definitions in the state machine space, (2) a set of sub-space-specific function interface definitions that correspond with functions that may be called by the USMs in that space and (3) a set of rules for activation.

Abstract: A CPU calls in accordance with a MW call-back request one of MW call-back candidates registered in a MW call-back candidate memory region to correspond to a called extension terminal issuing a MW call-back request. When a plurality of MW call-back candidates are registered to correspond to the called terminal, one of the MW call-back candidate terminals which corresponds to one of the count values stored in the count value memory region, which corresponds to the requesting terminal issuing the MW call-back request, is determined as destination terminal. When no response to the MW call-back is obtained, the CPU changes the destination terminal to be called back the next by the same requesting terminal by changing the count values of the MW call-back candidates, which are provided to correspond to the requesting terminal.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus which calls a predetermined transferring destination number when an incoming call on a communication line is detected. The transfer apparatus compares a calling-party number received on an incoming-call received line with the predetermined transferring destination number, and if they do not coincide, the transfer apparatus calls the predetermined transferring destination number; however if they coincide, the transfer apparatus does not perform transferring operation. Accordingly, meaningless transmission such as to transfer an incoming call received from a calling party who is located in the transferring destination can be obviated.

Abstract: A partitioned communication system includes a shared switch network system in communication with an Intelligent Network Processor (INP). A terminating Intelligent Communication Device (ICD) located outside the management and control of the network defines a boundary therebetween and permits multiple inter-dependant parts of the communication service to be distributed to increase functionality without modifying an existing network switch.

Abstract: An intelligent service peripheral device (28) includes a service intelligent unit (50) and a media processing unit (52). The service intelligence unit (50) has an intelligent service peripheral manager module (90) and a SS7 interface module (58). The SS7 interface module (58) receives service requests for a call from a service switching point (12) for processing by the intelligent service peripheral manager module (90). The intelligent service peripheral manager module (90) determines a routing package for the call based on the service request for transport to the service switching module (90) through the SS7 interface module (58). For service requests requiring special features, the intelligent service peripheral manager module (90) passes the request to a media processor manager module (92) within the media processing unit (52). The media processor manager module (92) establishes a connection between the originator of the call and a carrier interface module (94) within the media processing unit (52).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing customer telemetering equipment while on a voice connection between an agent of a customer server and the customer. A voice connection is initially established between a customer and an agent of a server such as a utility. The original connection may be established when a customer complains, or in response to receipt of a complaint report at an earlier time. If, during the discussion between the customer and an agent of the server, the agent believes that accessing the customer's telemetering equipment might help to uncover the problem, the agent signals a customer Telemetering Interface Gateway to allow the agent to access the appropriate telemetering equipment. After the agent has obtained information from this equipment, the agent sends another signal to the Gateway and the voice connection to the customer is re-established. Advantageously, problems can be discussed and solved while the customer is still connected to the agent, thus avoiding repeated telephone calls.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for extending the directory number of a terminal. The invention allows service providers to provide a service which uses an existing subscriber directory number and effectively extends it to include one or more other directory numbers. To the subscriber, the terminals associated with the other directory numbers effectively look like virtual extensions. The method and system provide this flexibility without requiring any additional personal numbers being assigned to the subscriber. The subscriber can choose to have all incoming calls to a directory number (DN) of one of their existing terminals alert or ring one or more other terminals having a different DN. The terminals may for example be on the same network (e.g. all on the wireline network) or they may be on different networks (e.g. one on the wireline network and one on the wireless network).

Abstract: A system and method for automatically and seamlessly routing telephone calls across a telephone network. The system includes a telephone network interface box having a computer, a master file and client file stored in the computer. The master file is dynamically linked to the client file at routing time to produce a selected client location telephone number which is transmitted across the telephone network. The system utilizes Automatic Number Identification to identify the calling party. The master file has a plurality of records having a telephone number and a spatial key and is updated frequently. The client file has a plurality of records having a spatial key and a client telephone number. Methods of generating client file records for both radius and polygon defamed service areas through an automated computer process are included in the present invention.

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.

Abstract: A method for networking a plurality of the private branch exchange systems is disclosed in which it is possible to both basically exchange information for the networking by using an ISDN line as a private wire in order to connect mutually a plurality of the private branch exchange systems and transmit/receive necessary information between systems by employing D channel with a line signal and an ISDN protocol and designating the specific channel of B channel to a networking private channel for the networking operation. In addition, one or two channels of several channels between a plurality of the private branch exchange systems can be used for exchanging information, so that the exchange of data between systems operating on a network enables expansion of a system and share of common resources, thereby to improve the efficiency of a system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying on-line access calls in a network switch. The switch determines which calls are to an on-line service provider, usually an Internet service provider or ISP. The switch then determines if the service provider has enough ports available to handle the call, and if the connection to a dedicated data network has enough capacity. The call can then be handled as an on-line access call and routed accordingly. The initial determination as to whether the call is an on-line access call can be made by analyzing information received when the call is initiated such as the called party number digits or by a query initiated by an advanced intelligent network (AIN) trigger.

Abstract: A method of completing an international call comprises the steps of determining if the international call cannot be completed as dialed for one reason or another and then automatically attempting the call again. There are many reasons for an international call failure including called station busy, domestic or foreign network congestion and invalid dialed number format. The domestic toll network can receive unsuccessful call reason information from either the domestic or foreign network upon the event of an international call failure. It has been shown that if the reasons are, for example, station busy or network congestion, then there is a significant probability that, if the call is immediately reattempted, the call may be completed on the second try. On the other hand, if the reason is an invalid dialed number format, an automatic reattempt of the international called party is inhibited.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for providing local number portability using a concept known as Geographic Unit Building Blocks (GUBB). Service providers (carriers) accept and use a map that divides a geographic area, such as a State, into sub-area GUBBs. The carriers operating within the State jurisdiction would then assign GUBBs to the telephone numbers they serve which accurately reflect each telephone number's geographic location on the State map. All ported numbers will have an explicit GUBB assignment as part of the location routing number (LRN) which would then be stored in the Local Number Portability (LNP) database used to provide translations for routing the call.