Abstract: A method apparatus for finding and assigning both commercially valuable and vanity (CSV) numbers in a telecommunications system that permits number portability. CSV Numbers are identified by a rules based process that combs the unused number database for valuable combination and saves those numbers in a special database. Those numbers that are not so identified stay in the unused database for general assignment. To assign a CSV number, a similar process is used to generate candidate numbers based on a desired keyword, and then the candidate numbers are used to query the special database and even the general unused number database to get available candidates. The available candidates are offered to the requesting user and the user may accept or decline.

Abstract: A high-speed information service system is provided which uses a unique identifier received during call setup to retrieve automatically a personalized profile for an information service subscriber. The identifier uniquely identifies the subscriber, thereby allowing the information retrieval process to begin immediately after the call is setup. The system utilizes Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) signaling and temporary, "out-of-band" signaling to improve information retrieval capability. ISDN signaling permits electronic addressing of information requested by the subscriber, thereby eliminating the delays which accompany DTMF signal processing. Communications between an information service provider and an individual information source are conducted using out-of-band signaling. That is, call setup and information request are processed using a channel other than the channel which carries data between the information service provider, the information source and the subscriber.

Abstract: Telephone calls are directed from a first telecommunications platform to a second telecommunications platform, together with an identifier which uniquely identifies the call and enables telecommunication switches to monitor and maintain control over the call. The unique identifier enables the call to be returned from the second platform to the first platform. Once returned to the first platform, the call can be directed to a third telecommunications platform (and, subsequently, back to the first platform), without requiring the caller to place another call or to re-verify the caller's identity. The call identifier is used either to automatically return the call to the first platform after the occurrence of a predetermined event, or upon detecting predetermined, caller-dialed keystrokes indicating that the caller wishes to return to the interexchange carrier platform.

Abstract: A high-speed information service system is provided which uses Primary Rate Interface (PRI) Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) signaling and temporary, "out-of-band" signaling to improve information retrieval capability. ISDN signaling permits electronic addressing of information requested by the subscriber, thereby eliminating the delays which accompany DTMF signal processing. Communications between an information service provider and an individual information source are conducted using out-of-band signaling. That is, call setup and information request are processed using a channel other than the channel which carries data between the information service provider, the information source and the subscriber.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for automatically processing operator assistance calls. A caller is connected to an automated operator position. The automated position has speech recognition facilities to replace those of an operator, has announcement capabilities to replace those of an operator, and has control apparatus for transmitting and receiving the same set of messages transmitted and received by an operator position. Advantageously, the operator assistance switch has the same interface to an automated position as to an operator position and interacts with the two identically. Since the capabilities of the automated position are limited by its program, the automated position switches a call to an automated position when a situation occurs for which it has not been programmed. Advantageously, a switch need not be specially programmed to communicate with an automated position.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for automatically processing operator assistance calls. A caller is connected to an automated operator position. The automated position has speech recognition facilities to replace those of an operator, has announcement capabilities to replace those of an operator, and has control apparatus for transmitting and receiving the same set of messages transmitted and received by an operator position. Advantageously, the operator assistance switch has the same interface to an automated position as to an operator position and interacts with the two identically. Since the capabilities of the automated position are limited by its program, the automated position switches a call to an automated position when a situation occurs for which it has not been programmed. Advantageously, a switch need not be specially programmed to communicate with an automated position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing operator assistance calls with minimum expenditure of operator work time. For collect and person-to-person calls, a first operator at a first operator position determines the type of call and, optionally, the name(s) of the calling and called parties. These are recorded in the memory of a program controlled processor system for controlling an operator assistance switching system. The first operator then disconnects from the call while the call is being set up and the call party being alerted. When the called party answers, a second operator position and second operator, having a display of the call information previously recorded, are unattached to the call to determine whether a connection between the calling and called parties should be established and, if so, to cause that connection to be so established.