Abstract: In a voice messaging system, voice mailboxes can be designated as private boxes from which boxes messages can be forwarded, with their source identities concealed, to destination mailboxes. Communication of messages may be between remote VMS systems as well as between mailboxes in the same VMS system. The private designation may be made selectively by a subscriber to the public switched telephone network on a global basis or on an individual basis for each message. The global designation may be toggled on or off at any time by a call to the system with appropriate input from the subscriber. Optionally, the private designation may be made for an individual message during the call in which the message is stored in the subscriber's mailbox. While information identifying the source of a communicated message is concealed from the recipient, a response message may be communicated from the recipient mailbox back to the source mailbox or a third party mailbox designated by the source subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method of effecting transfer of a message such as a voice message from one multipurpose, multimode centralized messaging system in a first switched telephone network to a multipurpose, multimode centralized messaging system in a remote second switched telephone network, wherein each of the telephone networks includes central offices connected to subscriber terminals. The message is inputted in analog or digital, voice or text form by one of the terminals connected to the first telephone network, selectably processed in the messaging system and stored in a selectable digital form in the messaging system in that network. The message is then transferred from that messaging system to the centralized messaging system in the second telephone network where it is selectably processed and stored. The message is delivered by an outgoing call to an addressee terminal in the second telephone network.

Abstract: A system and method using enhanced processing, responsive to domain name translation requests, to provide selective routing services through a public packet switched data network. The name processing applies to translation of a domain name into a group of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and to providing routing information for a packet data network such as the Internet. Following name translation into a group of addresses communication is automatically established between a calling terminal and a terminal designated by one of the addresses and determined through processing which effects linkage with the first terminal to respond. The selective routing is particularly advantageous for processing of voice telephone communications through the Internet packet data network based on domain name translations.

Abstract: To provide toll services but limit the amount of such services, toll calls from a party's line are routed to selected calling card type processing equipment. However, so that such calling party's have equal access to multiple carriers and need not dial additional digits, the communications network supplies calling and dialed number information to the processing equipment. The network preferably identifies the call as requiring a special application (without user input of billing number or PIN information). The processing equipment performs all necessary account related screening, e.g. to determine the remaining amount of funds available for the caller's toll services, to route the call and to continuously rate the call cost for the duration of the call. If there are no remaining funds, the call is disallowed. If the funds run-out during the call, the calling card type processing equipment interrupts the call and informs the caller.

Abstract: A communications system including multiple telecommunications networks having common channel signaling hardware is controlled by a hybrid or combination of common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system with a data internetwork to link the signaling points in the telecommunications network via the new hybrid common channel interoffice switching system. Preferably the internetwork comprises the Internet. The internet is used to link signal switching points, signal transfer points, and a signal control point. The signal control point is preferably hierarchical and distributed so as to provide ample power and capacity to supply signal control for multiple telecommunications networks of related or unrelated operating companies.

Abstract: In an Advanced Intelligent Network, a central mediation point stores call processing records for controlling call routing and other call processing functions. To provide short code access to information service providers, each information service provider will operate an independent database which stores additional call processing records. When an established subscriber dials the short code, e.g. an N11 code, the mediation point identifies the information provider that the subscriber has previously selected from the subscriber's call processing record stored in the mediation point. The mediation point communicates with that service provider's database to obtain call processing information. The mediation point validates the call processing information for compatibility with network operations. The mediation point forwards validated call processing information to a node of the network to process the call in accord with the information from the provider's database.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling on a worldwide basis two or more telecommunications networks which are themselves capable of exercising a form of common channel signaling network control. The system uses an architecture in which a destination telecommunications network having common channel signaling control is connected to an originating telecommunications network having common signaling control through a call set up and control methodology which provides ad hoc connection between the two spaced telecommunication networks and common channel signaling networks via an unrelated world wide data network which preferably constitutes the Internet.

Abstract: An intelligent telephone network provides personalized communication services based on subscriber prescribed double speech signal processing of utterances of both calling and answering parties on a subscriber line having multiple subscribers with a single directory number. Specifically, when one of the multiple subscribers has personalized voice mail service and a busy/no answer call is received, the network uses speech processing of an utterance of the calling party to identify a customer service profile of the called party in the terminating switch. This contains instructions inviting storage of a voice message left by the caller. Upon the subscriber going off-hook, the customer profile of the subscriber line is installed in the switch. The subscriber transmits an utterance and the personalized customer profile of the subscriber is identified by a virtual office equipment number and the profile installed in the switch. The subscriber may then retrieve the stored message.

Abstract: In an information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing communication channels to mobile users includes transmitting information signals including at least one of Web related information and Internet related information received via one ore more of the Internet, ADSL, another mobile, a land-based user, and the at least one information service provider. The method also includes receiving the information signals from one or more of the Internet, ADSL, another mobile, a land-based user, and the information service provider in the receiver of the mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in the mobile terminal prior to broadcasting and/or displaying same to the mobile user. The method also formats, broadcasts and/or displays the information signals after being stored in the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A communication system providing telephony communication across combined circuit switched and packet switched networks, such as a telephone network and the Internet, which are connectable to terminals, such as telephones and computers, for selective communication therebetween. The communication system includes a directory object in the packet switched network, multiple gateways between the circuit switched and packet switched networks providing controlled connectivity between those networks, and an interface between the directory object and the gateways. The directory object is preferably provided in hierarchical architecture as a unitary logical object having distributed instances. In addition to the customary address translation capability the directory object polls or communicates with the gateways through the additional interface and provides an intelligent routing function. The directory object is of an enhanced type with access to a storage of customer routing and handling selections.

Abstract: A number of gateway objects interconnect circuit switched and packet switched networks, such as the telephone network and the Internet, for example to enable telephony communication across the combined networks. A directory object coupled to the packet network provides address translation capability, and the directory object polls or communicates with the gateways to provide an intelligent selection of one of the gateway objects, typically for egress to the telephone network. The system also includes an authorization control object. After gateway selection, a calling terminal attempts communication through the gateway object. The gateway object then queries the authorization control object, which instructs the gateway object to proceed only if the requested communication between the calling terminal and the destination terminal is authorized.

Abstract: An authoring tool is utilized for authoring an interactive multimedia application which eliminates undesired language from an audio source. The application monitors either audio itself or text which accompanies the audio and temporarily stops the audio for a duration corresponding to that of the undesired language optionally replacing it with a beep.

Abstract: A switched telephone network is arranged in a manner to enable packet voice communication between telephone teyminals via multiple redundant packet switched networks. The packet switched networks may utilize different protocols, be operated by different entities, and have primary functions other than voice communication. One example of such a network may be internetworked networks, such as the Internet. One example of an alternate packet switched network may be a network whose primary function is control of a circuit switched telephone network. The common channel interoffice switching system (CCIS) of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) is a preferred example.A voice communication link may be established from telephone terminal to telephone terminal via the Internet, the quality of voice communication may be monitored, and the link may be transferred to the common channel interoffice signaling network if and when the quality of voice communication deteriorates beneath a pre-established norm.

Abstract: In an information distribution system having mobile users, a method of distributing communication channels to mobile users includes the steps of receiving information signals including at least one of voice, data, and electronic mail signals broadcast from an external source in the receiver of the at least one mobile terminal, and storing the information signals in its entirety in at least one mobile terminal prior to broadcasting same to a mobile user. The method also includes the steps of controlling operations of the at least one mobile terminal, formatting the information signals for broadcasting after being stored in the at least one mobile terminal, and broadcasting the formatted information signals to the mobile user of the at least one mobile terminal.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a program controlled switch and (IP) Module providing signal compression and decompression and packet assembly and disassembly (PAD). The arrangement provides compression and packetizing of digitized voice and data signals between the conventional switch line interface units and the switch fabric, and/or between the line interface units and the time slot interchange in the interface module. Voice channel signals which have been digitized to 64 Kb/s D0 signals are packetized and packet switched to improve the efficiency of the program controlled switch assembly and also provide convenient Internet access via direct connection to ISP routers.

Abstract: An analog cellular voice telephone system and subscriber stations associated therewith are controlled to conserve power and to provide alternate service carriers. Acquisition of all of the service carriers is facilitated through the use of system identification numbers (SIDs) associated with each service carrier. A roaming subscriber will tune to a cellular digital packet data (CDPD) frequency to obtain a list of service carriers operating within that geographical area. Based upon a comparison with a preferred SID list stored in the subscriber station, an available service carrier will be selected by the subscriber station, and registration with the selected service carrier will take place. Usually, analog voice communication is suspended until the selection process takes place.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network utilizing program controlled switching systems controlled by common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) and preferably an advanced intelligent network (AIN) CCIS network is arranged in an architecture to provide a methodology for facilitating telephone use of the Internet by customers on an impromptu basis. Provision is made to permit a caller to set-up and carry out a telephone call over the Internet from telephone station to telephone station without access to computer equipment and without the necessity of maintaining a subscription to any Internet service. Billing may be accomplished on a per call basis. The calls may be inter and intra LATA, region or state and may be nationwide. Usage is made of CCIS signaling to set up the call and establish the necessary Internet connections and addressing. Calls may be made from telephone station to telephone station, from voice capable computer to voice capable computer, or from telephone to computer or computer to telephone.

Abstract: A communication network system comprising telephone networks concatenated with a packet switched data internetwork such as the Internet is provided. The network system transports voice signals therethrough while minimizing circuit overload in the telephone network circuits inputting signals to be transported through the internetwork. The telephone networks have a common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system using signaling system 7 (SS7) signals. The input load to the internetwork from the telephone systems is monitored by monitoring the control signals in the SS7 network. When an overload condition occurs or appears imminent all or part of the load is switched from the trunk circuits of the telephone network to the SS7 network following protocol translation and multiplexing with the control signals in the SS7 network. Provision is made for insuring excess capacity in the SS7 network before load is transferred.

Abstract: An intelligent telephone network provides personalized communication services based on subscriber prescribed double voice identification of the calling and answering parties on a subscriber line. Specifically, when a person requests a service, the network executes a double speaker identification/verification procedure to identify first and second subscriber identified voices on a call. One or more switching offices of the network utilize profile data associated with the identified subscriber to control services over a predetermined communication link. For example, on a call over a telephone line, the speaker identification/verification process provides a virtual office equipment number corresponding to one of the subscriber designated voices. The central office switch that is servicing the call receives the virtual office equipment number and uses that number to retrieve profile data associated with the subscriber including subscriber prescribed processing routine.

Abstract: A telephone network provides personalized services based on voice identification of a person making or receiving a call. For example, when a person initiates a call, the network executes a speaker identification/verification procedure to identify the person as a subscriber. The identification/verification process provides a virtual office equipment number corresponding to the identified subscriber. The central office switch servicing the outgoing call receives this virtual number and uses it to retrieve a service profile associated with the subscriber. The switch provides a personalized telephone service to the subscriber during processing of the call, using the retrieved service profile. The personalized service may include a number of unique features, such as recording call related data together with data about the identification of the person. For home incarceration or the like, the service may entail monitoring speech communications to detect certain designated words and automatically terminate the call.