Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via use of a cluster of session routers is disclosed. The system utilizes a first computer and a cluster of computers, wherein the cluster of computers comprises at least two associated computers that are connected to the first computer. Each of the associated computers comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the associated computers, and a second processor.

Abstract: A system for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks is disclosed. The system utilizes at least a first computer and a second computer that is connected to the first computer, wherein the second computer comprises a second transceiver, a second memory having logic stored therein defining functions to be performed by the second computer, and a second processor. The second processor is configured by the second memory to perform the functions of: performing an inbound screen on route information received by the second computer, from the first computer, to determine if the received route information should be discarded; if the route information is not discarded, comparing the received and screened route information to a local policy defined with the second computer, and performing an outbound screen on the received and screened information prior to transmitting the received and screened information.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks via media flow routing is disclosed. The system utilizes a first computer and a second computer connected to the first computer, via a group of associated computers, wherein each of the first computer, second computer, and group of associated computers comprise a transceiver, a memory, and a processor.

Abstract: A telecommunications database system is provided which permits an intelligent peripheral(IP) platform to have channelized database access to a plurality of databases. The IP platform can locate data in any one of the plurality of databases through a channel map that is derived from configuration data supplied by a default database and data supplied by an incoming call or request to the IP platform. Once the channel map is derived, the IP platform can select a channel to access a local or remote database based on the data supplied by the incoming call or request. This data may be a request for information, service circuit id, DNIS of the incoming call, address entered by a caller, OCN/Redirect of the call, ANI of the call, and/or progress indicators.

Abstract: A dynamic transaction network having a management station, a terminal, and a database. In response to a transaction request from a caller, the terminal accesses information stored in the database via transportable logic. The transportable logic derives the location of relevant information in the database array from input characteristic(s) of the transaction request. The transportable logic stored in the terminal is updated with transportable logic stored in the management station if the terminal determines that there is a difference between its transportable logic and the management station's transportable logic. Some differences may include a change in the number of databases on the network, a change in the number of terminals on the network, or a change in the location of the information stored on the database.

Abstract: A software process setting time limits for telephone calls so that a subscriber's account balance is not exceeded. The method estimates the time when the subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls per second. The process accounts for time already paid for, reserving the minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, dividing the remaining balance by total charges per second to estimate the time left before the subscriber's balance reaches zero, an setting the time limit for each call accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for remote call control, including providing a tandem switch to control independent legs of a telephone conversation. The switch connects an organization's telecommunications system (Centrex or PBX), with cellular or wireless telephones. The switch facilitates a call coverage plan for an organization, and provides the ability to selectively seize and dial a plurality of telephone terminals as needed in a manner based at least in part upon instructions received from a remote or wireless terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic call distribution targeting users in workgroups wherein the users utilize either wired or wireless communications tools. Users are chosen via a rule-based selection process including access to a database of user and caller-screened information. The system is compatible with available and developmental hardware platforms for call centers and mobile workers including SS7/AIN, computer telephony interfaces, direct cellular network connections, PBX and centrex-based systems.

Abstract: A system and method provides a tandem switch and call control/management platform to establish a telephone connection (bridge) between two parties, the telephone connection being initiated by one of the parties. The tandem switch connects a telecommunications system (Centrex or PBX) with cellular or wireless telephones. If either party is disconnected from the tandem switch, the telephone connection between the tandem switch and the remaining party is maintained. The telephone connection is re-established by instructing the tandem switch to reconnect the disconnected party to the maintained party.

Abstract: An automated attendant service supports any combination of single-line telephones, CENTREX telephones and one or more PBX in a single logical configuration. Multiple access numbers can be used to call the automated service and calls forwarded from DID lines can also be handled. The appropriate transfer codes are determined for the switch connecting a caller to the automated attendant service. Subscribers to the automated attendant service may be connected via different types of switches using different call progress signals. Analysis of the call progress signals is performed using parameters specific to the switch used for each call to an extension. The types of transfers supported by the automated attendant service include screened calls in which the caller is prompted to give a name provided identification. The name given by the caller may be stored, together with the time of the call and the phone number of the caller, so that a subscriber may return calls even if the caller does not leave a message.

Abstract: An automated attendant service supports any combination of single-line telephones, CENTREX telephones and one or more PBXs in a single logical configuration. Multiple access numbers can be used to call the automated service and calls forwarded from DID lines can also be handled. The appropriate transfer codes are determined for the switch connecting a caller to the automated attendant service. Subscribers to the automated attendant service may be connected via different types of switches using different call progress signals. Analysis of the call progress signals is performed using parameters specific to the switch used for each call to an extension. The types of transfers supported by the automated attendant service include screened calls in which the caller is prompted to give a name providing identification. The name given by the caller may be stored, together with the time of the call and the phone number of the caller, so that a subscriber may return calls even if the caller does not leave a message.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that receives various types of call record information when a called number is busy or does not answer, and converts the call record information into uniform format information suitable for recording messages on a message storage system. The system receives the different call forwarding information from different devices and translates and reformats that information into mailbox information suitable for controlling a message storage operation. The system includes one integration process for each type of switching device even when plural devices of a particular type are connected to the system. The integration processes provide a uniform packet routed to the message storage system. Packets arriving from the message storage system defined for a switching device are presented to the integration processes in a uniform format.