Patents by Inventor Robert D. Farris

Robert D. Farris has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6097798
    Abstract: Telephone network surveillance is provided for targeting subscriber terminals that receive service through an office lacking a switch with surveillance capability. A foreign exchange line is relied upon to connect the target's line to an office having that capability. Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) functionality controls routing and billing of incoming and outgoing calls, so that the telephone network operations appear completely normal during the surveillance. In the office normally serving the target's line, a terminating attempt trigger causes that office to obtain instructions from a service control point (SCP), to route the call to the foreign exchange line terminated in the office with the surveillance capability. The instructions also prevent billing of the redirection through the surveillance office to either the called party or the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Albers, Charles H. Eppert, III, Barry P. Pershan, Daniel C. Michaelis, Michael G. Pilkerton, Robert D. Farris, Christine W. Huff
  • Patent number: 6078582
    Abstract: Long distance communications service between two communications systems is established by using a wide area packet switched network, for example the Internet, to transport signaling data and digitized communication traffic. Each communications system uses an interface server to encapsulate communication traffic and signaling data into data packets suitable for transport over the wide area packet switched network. The interface server accesses a routing and administration database to determine a destination address of a destination interface server based on the area code of the called number. Upon receiving the destination address and a prescribed bandwidth from the routing and administration database, the telephony server inserts the destination address to the data packets for a destination server for a second communications system. The packets are then output to the Internet, and subsequently routed to the destination server serving as an interface for the second communications system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Curry, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6078648
    Abstract: Following the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the FBI developed a standard set of communication services and interfaces for lawfully authorized electronic surveillance. For telephone communications, the current industry implementation of compliance with this standard involves deploying certain interface equipment in end office switches of the telephone network. However, the requisite surveillance functionality often resides in a certain limited number of offices. Where the target under surveillance receives service out of an office lacking the surveillance capability, the network routes the call through an office having the requisite capability. For this purpose, the invention relies on intelligent network processing, particularly variations on such processing normally used to implement local number portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Albers, Charles H. Eppert, III, Robert D. Farris, Barry P. Pershan, Michael G. Pilkerton
  • Patent number: 6069890
    Abstract: A system and method for providing telephone type services over the internetwork commonly known as the Internet. Public switched telephone networks utilizing program controlled switching systems are arranged in an architecture with the Internet 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, without the necessity of maintaining a subscription to any Internet service, and without the requiring Internet literacy or knowledge. Calls may be made on an inter or intra LATA, region or state, nationwide or worldwide basis. Billing may be implemented on a per call, timed, time and distance or other basis. Usage may be made of common channel interoffice signaling to set up the call and establish the necessary Internet connections and addressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. White, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6067347
    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 the subscriber prescribed processing routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Farris, Alexander I. McAllister, Michael J. Strauss
  • Patent number: 6064653
    Abstract: Voice calls between two end location gateway servers of a data internetwork are diverted, during periods of unacceptable network conditions, through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A plurality of such diverted calls may be multiplexed into a single ISDN or T1 channel, thereby permitting a sharing of the more expensive cost of PSTN routing. Incoming calls are appropriately formatted for digital transmission, including compression when applicable, by the gateway servers and multiplexed for transmission either through the data network or back through an ISDN channel or the like through the PSTN. Calls may be expeditiously re-routed back through the data internetwork when data network conditions improve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6061432
    Abstract: A voice mail system includes SS7 signaling capabilities to communicate on a telephone signaling network. The voice mail system uses those capabilities to obtain routing information, for sending a recorded message to a destination mail system, by sending a query message to either a destination central office storing called party profile information or an intelligent signaling transfer point (ISTP) storing the called party profile information. The voice mail system records a voice mail message from a subscriber, and collects a destination telephone number indicating the intended recipient of the recorded message. The voice mail system generates a query message, and receives a response message via the signaling network from a non-AIN database, such as the destination central office or the ISTP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harrison K. Wallace, Robert D. Farris, Michael J. Strauss
  • Patent number: 6038227
    Abstract: A system and method for interposing in the feeder system of a switched telecommunications network an adjunct programmable program controlled switching system providing preselection of service providers and the functionalities provided. The adjunct switching system is preferably enclosed in a controlled environment vault existing in the feeder system of the telecommunications network and housing optical to electrical interfaces. The system and method provide for by-passing the end office switches in the telecommunications network to connect subscribers to various services such as competitor local exchange networks, LANs, interexchange carrier points of presence, the Internet, packet data networks, wireless communication systems, traffic operator position stations, video services, and the like. The adjunct switching system provides both wideband and narrowband switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Farris, Stephen J. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 6038305
    Abstract: A telephone network provides personalized calling services based on a voice identification of a calling subscriber. When a person initiates a call, the network executes a speaker identification/verification procedure to identify the person as a subscriber. For example, on an outgoing call over a telephone line, the speaker identification/verification process provides a virtual office equipment number corresponding the identified subscriber. The central office switch servicing the outgoing call receives the virtual office equipment number and uses that number to retrieve a service profile associated with the subscriber. The switch provides a personalized form of "dial tone" like service to the subscriber by processing the outgoing call using the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander I. McAllister, Robert D. Farris, Michael J. Strauss
  • Patent number: 6029064
    Abstract: A mobile audio program selection system includes a radio frequency based information distribution system having mobile users. The distribution system includes a mobile switching office selectively connecting the mobile users of the information distribution system, and information service providers. At least one of the information service providers receives user selection signal inputs received by the mobile switching office, and transmits user selected information to the mobile switching office. In addition, the distribution system includes at least one mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a receiver receiving the user selected information from the at least one of the information service providers via the mobile switching office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Farris, William Goodman
  • Patent number: 6021126
    Abstract: A telecommunications system wherein the dialing of a directory number which has been ported triggers an intelligent network signal which is directed to the Internet. The signal is transmitted through the Internet to a database in the Internet. The database returns call set up directions which are used by the originating switching system to establish a voice link from the calling station to the station having the ported number. The intelligent network signal may be transmitted from the originating switching system to a signal transfer point (STP) and to the Internet. Within the Internet the signal is directed to an Internet database where a real number for the ported number is obtained. This is transmitted back to the signal switching point, which then uses the real number to complete the connection. In another embodiment, where a number has been ported to a station that is connected only to the Internet, the Internet database may provide a domain name address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. White, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 6014379
    Abstract: A telecommunications system wherein the dialing of a directory number which has been forwarded triggers an intelligent network signal which is directed to the Internet. The signal is transmitted through the Internet to a database in the Internet. The database returns call set up directions which are used by the originating switching system to establish a voice link from the calling station to the station having the forwarded number. The intelligent network signal may be transmitted from the terminating switching system to a signal transfer point (STP) and to the Internet. Within the Internet the signal is directed to an Internet database where a forwarding number for the forwarded number is obtained. This is transmitted back to the signal switching point, which then uses the forwarding number to complete the connection. In another embodiment, where a number has been forwarded to a station that is connected only to the Internet, the Internet database may provide a domain name address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. White, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 5991364
    Abstract: A telephone communications system Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platform provides a voice activated call dialing functionality through speaker independent phoneme speech recognition having a minimum volume of storage without requiring user template training. Speaker independent phoneme recognition identifies phoneme strings of caller spoken utterances which are then compared to phoneme string representations that previously have been stored in respective caller processing records (CPRs) for those subscribers listed in the ISCP database, or stored in an equivalent peripheral database with which the ISCP can communicate. Each stored phoneme string representation is associated in the CPR with a destination telephone number that may then be extracted to route a call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander I. McAllister, James E. Curry, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 5978450
    Abstract: A telephone network provides personalized communication services based on a voice identification of the subscriber. When a person requests a service, the network executes a speaker identification/verification procedure to identify the person as a subscriber. A switching office utilizes profile data associated with the identified subscriber to control services over a predetermined communication link. For example, on an outgoing call over a telephone line, the speaker identification/verification process provides a virtual office equipment number corresponding the identified subscriber. The central office switch servicing the outgoing call receives the virtual office equipment number and uses that number to retrieve a service profile associated with the subscriber. The switch provides a personalized form of "dial tone" like service to the subscriber by processing the outgoing call using the profile. The personalized services to several subscribers sharing a common line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander I. McAllister, Robert D. Farris, Michael J. Strauss
  • Patent number: 5953399
    Abstract: The present invention uses capabilities of the advanced intelligent network (AIN) to control an authentication process of caller ID information data generated at a calling PBX system. The central office switching facility associated with the calling PBX system identifies calls therefrom that contain caller ID numbers that are not the PBX assigned telephone number. For such calls, the switching facility invokes triggers through the AIN common channel signaling network to access data base information in an Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) and/or system LIDB for authenticating and controllably transmitting caller ID information. Unauthenticated information may be blocked or transmitted with notice that the information has not been authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Farris, Michael J. Strauss
  • Patent number: 5940598
    Abstract: A universal or multi-purpose network server having enhanced processing functions which are performed in association with a telecommunicatons network to provide multi-mode communications via a combination of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a public packet data network, such as the Internet. The improved network server includes a multiplicity of application processing units optimized for the processing of specific signal types. The type of signals being handled by the server is ascertained by means of a passive monitor and each type of signal is switched to an application processor on the basis of the signal type identified by the passive monitor. The processor places the processed signal in the protocol of the public packet data network and delivers that signal to a router connected to the public packet data network. Provision is made for establishing the availability of a called party through a control network before establishing an end to end communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Strauss, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 5933490
    Abstract: Overload protection for dial-up access to the Internet uses a hybrid network including the Internet and an intelligent switched telephone network. A first Internet service provider (ISP) connects to the Internet through its server and router interface. This ISP also connects to a switching system in the telephone network; to provide dial-up service to user terminals connected to the telephone network. A service control point (SCP) in the intelligent telephone network monitors predetermined traffic criteria resulting from dial-up attempts to call the ISP. Threshold parameters are set in storage associated with the SCP, and at least certain of the measured criteria are substantially continually compared to one or more of these parameters. When one or more of the parameters is equaled or exceeded, the SCP causes redirection of calls for the first ISP to an Internet interface provided by an alternate access provider. The alternate Internet access provider may or may not provide independent ISP services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. White, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 5923659
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Curry, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 5920821
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Seazholtz, Robert D. Farris
  • Patent number: 5898771
    Abstract: A local exchange carrier can provide operator service for a telephone call, whether intra-LATA or not, and in some cases to perform the service so that the call can be passed with the service already provided. Operator services for calls that require prior approval at a subscriber station for completion and those that do not (e.g., collect calls vs. credit card calls) are differentiated. If, for a particular call, it is determined that the required operator service does not require prior approval for the call being placed, then the operator service is provided from the end-office without routing the call to an operator services platform. The call may be serviced using an advanced intelligent network (AIN) system. If the required operator service does require prior approval, however, it is ultimately routed to an operator services platform of the local exchange carrier or interexchange carrier for provision of the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Florindi, Reggie McKoy, Robert D. Farris