Abstract: A system and method delivers an audible tone to an unidentified caller who places a call to a subscriber to a privacy screening service with special information tones (SITs). The service is initiated when an unidentified caller places a telephone call to a subscriber. After the caller enters the telephone number of the subscriber, the service places a query to an SCP. The SCP determines the action to be taken for a call to a subscriber to privacy screening with SITs. If the called party is a subscriber to privacy screening with SITs, a SIT is generated, a privacy screening message is played and the call is handled as in known privacy screening services.

Abstract: The PBX system includes an analog to digital, and digital to analog, (A/D) conversion where the sample size and the sample rate are selectively adjustable. The A/D structure includes registers which hold values indicating the sample size and the sample rate for the conversion. When the A/D structure is configured, the A/D structure reads the values in the register and configures itself to the sample rate and sample size indicated by the registers. When the sample size and sample rate is to be changed, the values in the registers are changed and the A/D structure is reconfigured.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically exchanging information related to telecommunication services includes separating data representing the information to be exchanged into predefined segments corresponding to telecommunication services, associating a segment identification code with each segment, and grouping each segment identification code with corresponding data. The system and method also include concatenating the segment identification codes and associated data according to a predefined sequence to form an electronic transaction and transmitting the electronic message to a telecommunications wholesaler or reseller. Preferably, the information is exchanged over a TCP/IP connection in an interactive, transaction-based exchange.

Abstract: Real time detection of the fraudulent use of a telecommunications network is accomplished by analyzing data for each call that is occurring within the network. A signal protocol receiver is used to collect signaling protocol for each call that is occurring within the network. The Signaling protocol data is collected, decoded and formatted into call information records (CIRs). The CIRs contain various operator specified parameters for each call that is occurring within the network. The CIRs are compared to operator defined thresholds. If any of the CIRs exceeds the thresholds, an alert is generated. The alerts are stored in a database where the operator can analyze them and take the appropriate corresponding action to resolve the alert. The alerts and the CIRs are archived in a database so that trends of fraudulent use can be detected and prevented. This method of fraud detection provides for the effective analyzation of every call that is occurring within the network.

Abstract: A system for managing service calls, including access control modules implementing service access control mechanisms, the system further including master modules each associated with a service, with a set of access control modules and with a set of call processing modules, the system including: a receiver for receiving the calls, a sender for sending information relating to each of the calls to the set of access control modules, a decider for deciding to accept calls on the basis of data received from the set of access control modules, and a sender for sending second information relating to each of the calls to the set of call processing modules if the call has been accepted.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to support passive call blocking, a call block that is performed in a manner that the caller does not recognize as a call block. When passive call blocking is utilized, blocked callers receive a passive response, such as a continuous telephone ring, instead of an error message or rejection notification. The caller is thus unaware or uncertain that they have been blocked. Blocked calls are determined by comparing caller identification information with a caller database.

Abstract: AIN based methods and apparatus for authenticating and authorizing people to register information corresponding to a telephone number, e.g., in an ENUM database, are described. The methods of the invention may be used to authenticate a party seeking to register telephone number related information with ENUM. A trigger is set on an ENUM registration line. Calls to the ENUM registration line activate the trigger causing LIDB information corresponding to the calling party number to be retrieved. The retrieved information, e.g., name, address and/or phone number is supplied to an ENUM registration service which returns a password to be used when updating or supplying ENUM registration information corresponding to the phone number from which the registration call is placed at some future time, e.g., via the Internet. Assigned ENUM passwords can be obtained when forgotten by placing a call to the registration service from the registered or associated phone number.

Abstract: A method for providing telecommunications services in a telecommunications network. A telecommunications service provider monitors data relating to communications initiation or termination criteria for at least two communicants in the telecommunications network and initiates or terminates communications between the at least two communicants if, by processing the data, it is determined that the criteria have been met.

Abstract: A system and method enables a caller to detect subscribers to a privacy screening service. The caller detection of privacy screening is initiated when a subscriber to the caller detection of privacy screening service places a telephone call to a called party. After the calling party enters the telephone number of the called party, the caller detection of privacy screening service places a query to an SCP. The SCP determines if the called party is a subscriber to privacy screening. If the called party is a subscriber to privacy screening, the call is not completed, and a message is sent from the SCP to the SSP indicating that this is a caller detection of privacy screening call. This information is forwarded from the SSP to a billing system for processing as a caller detection of privacy screening charge. If the called party is not a subscriber to privacy screening, the call is completed and normal charges accrue.

Abstract: A data communication system configured to promptly determine the validity of establishing the line connection between terminals and a host computer and maintaining the line connection. The data communication system includes at least a plurality of terminals and a sender telephone number detecting/informing device, which are interconnected by way of telephone lines including the public switched telephone network for use in the caller number identification and display service. By registering in the host computer ID codes for the terminals and telephone numbers corresponding to the respective ID codes, and by subsequently comparing the telephone number, which is currently detected and informed by sender telephone number detecting/informing means, with those registered previously, the line connection is established and the data communication is initiated with the terminal only when the telephone number is found among those registered.

Abstract: When an application originates a call to a certain communication node, an application manager refers to history of outgoing/incoming call data and/or telephone directory data to determine whether the call origination processing should be granted. If the telephone number of the communication node for which call organization is to be performed is included in the history of outgoing/incoming calls and/or the telephone directory data, then the call origination processing may be granted because the number may be considered a number with which communication was made in the past or may be recognized as a valid number to communicate with.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, unwanted calls may be prevented. In particular, information about a particular destination is stored in a registry at a clearinghouse server located within a network, e.g., the public telephone network. When a call is being made to the destination, it is routed to the clearinghouse server. Identifying information such as caller-id data is retrieved and the registry is searched. If the caller is registered as being approved, the call is forwarded with information indicating that the call is “approved”. If the caller is not registered or is unknown, the call is forwarded with information indicating that call is “unregistered” or “unavailable”. A user at the destination is then able to quickly determine if the call is unwanted.

Abstract: A system by which external users, such as subscribers and service providers, can update their service data is disclosed. The system permits users to update their service data in a secure and controlled manner on a self-service basis in an intelligent network or other telecommunications network. An access system separate from the actual telecommunications services managing network elements is implemented in the invention, the access system providing the customers and service providers with an open interface to these network elements through a public data network. The access system controls access to the actual network elements by, for example, authenticating the party requesting access, checking whether the requesting party is associated with the data he/she desires to manipulate, and/or checking to which processing operations the requesting party is entitled. The users can thus access their own service data in the network elements managing the data in a manner controlled by the access system.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony resource management and security for monitoring and/or controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). One or more rules are defined which specify actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of a call. Calls are detected and sensed to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the defined rules.

Abstract: A method and system of processing a call from a calling party to a called party are provided to enable selective call waiting which involves determining whether the called party is busy on another call; receiving a password from the calling party; and providing a call waiting signal to the called party only if the password corresponds to at least one predefined password associated with the called party.

Abstract: A menu routing service routes calls made to a customer's toll-free number according to customized routing instructions. A service provider establishes service parameters, which include the toll-free number and a restriction associated with at least one of the customer and the service provider. To customize call routing, a web server receives instructions from the customer to associate the toll-free number with a terminating number, such as a directory number or switch ID and trunk group numbers. When the restriction prohibits the association, the web server determines whether the service parameters further include an override indicator associated with the customer that overrides the restriction. The toll-free number is associated with the terminating number when service parameters include the override indicator.

Abstract: In order to detect fraudulent or potentially fraudulent usage of a telecommunications network, each call connected by way of one of the digital main switching units of the network (3a to 3c) has an associated billing record transferred to a fraud management system (4). The fraud management system compares the origin and destination of the call with a known usage pattern for the originator and, if other indications are that the call is of a fraudulent nature, and the call deviates from the known usage pattern an alarm can be forwarded to an operator. The user profile used to determine normal calling behaviour is updated over a period of time in respect of calls determined as not fraudulent. An initial user profile may be generated from historic billing records.

Abstract: A system and process for automatic storage, enforcement and override of consumer do-not-call (DNC) requests includes a control device for selectively blocking communication between a communication device and a destination over a communication medium. The control device is connected to the communication medium and to a database for storing identifiers of destinations for which communication is to be blocked. The communication device has an input mechanism responsive to a user to generate an identifier of the destination. The input mechanism is also responsive to an update signal indicating that the identifier should be added to the database or an override signal indicating that the blocked call should in fact, be permitted, thereby overriding the blocking mechanism. The communication device is automatically updated with information stored in the database which may be used by the communication device to process further communication.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony resource management and security for monitoring and/or controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A set of security rules is defined for each of the extensions which specify actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A call routing function may receive information from a user profile about how to handle a telephone call. In addition, the call routing function may also receive information about what the user is currently involved in doing. This information may be derived from the user's software-based calendar. Using both sources of information, a call may automatically be appropriately routed by the call routing function.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for an extensible markup language (XML) calendar-telephony interface. The method can include the steps of defining an markup language element having a user defined tag that represents a calendar entry. The markup language element can have attributes which can represent call control instructions or information. The attributes can also be formatted using a markup language format that utilizes user defined tags. The elements and/or attributes can be formatted using XML format. The call control instruction can be provided to a telephony application upon initiation of a call or by request. A calendar application program can be used for maintaining calendar entries which can be stored in a database and made accessible to the telephony call control application.

Abstract: When a service provider authenticates a preliminarily registered user, a telephone number of a telephone of the user is registered prior to the authentication and the user calls a CTI (computer telephony integration) server by the use of the telephone. The CTI server authenticates the user with reference to the telephone number of the call received. A password is generated by an information processing device such as the CTI server and is transmitted to both the user and the service provider. The service provider compares the received password and a password inputted by the user and provides the user with service upon coincidence between both passwords.

Abstract: A method and system include restricting destinations of a telephone call from a calling station, which has been assigned a privilege class. A service control point (SCP) stores blocking tables, based on privilege classes, and a privilege class control table, which associates the blocking tables with each privilege class. The SCP ascertains the assigned privilege class of the calling station and determines whether the telephone call corresponds to one of the types of blocking tables. When the telephone call does correspond, the SCP determines whether the assigned privilege class corresponds to the blocking table that corresponds to the attempted call. When there is no privilege class correspondence, the SCP bypasses validation of the called number. When there is privilege class correspondence, the SCP validates the called number and blocks the call when the called number is validated or continues call processing when the called number is not validated.

Abstract: A system and method for discriminating call content types for individual telephone lines at a plurality of user sites outside of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is described. The system includes: a database containing security rules for each of a plurality of extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon a call content type of the call on the extension, wherein the call content type is determined at the user sites outside the PSTN; and a line sensor within the user sites outside the PSTN for determining the call content type of the call. The line sensor continuously checks the call content type to determine if the call content type changes.

Abstract: A system and method to provide secure access across the untrusted public switched telephone network is described. The system and method can be initiated by a security policy defining actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call.

Abstract: A method for providing telecommunications services in a telecommunications network. A telecommunications service provider monitors data relating to communications initiation or termination criteria for at least two communicants in the telecommunications network and initiates or terminates communications between the at least two communicants if, by processing the data, it is determined that the criteria have been met.

Abstract: A telephony security system and method for controlling and logging access between an enterprise'send-user stations at a plurality of customer sites and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The system and method includes a discrete line sensor within the customer sites for determining a call type of the call, and taking actions on the call based on predetermined security rules.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating calling parties prior to call connection at a service facility uses the correlation of the call with a security message received over a data network. The correlation is made possible with an encoded string inserted into a field (such as the user-to-user information (UUI) field) of a call set-up signaling message used to initiate the call, and a correlate of the encoded string inserted into the security message. The authentication is provided at an authentication site that is logically separate from the service facility. The call is first connected to the authentication site, an authentication procedure is preferably selected and customized, and then performed. A security message is generated that includes information related to the client and the encoded string. The call is then disconnected from the authentication site, and reconnected to the service facility.

Abstract: An interactive Internet-based dating service allows people to anonymously interact via Internet browsers, telephone communications and/or video conferencing. The system employs an interactive web site allowing a person to seek another person who may be compatible for a relationship. The system gives the member the option to allow other members to make contact via email, telephone or video conferencing. All communications through the system are completely anonymous in that the searcher is never provided the member's actual email address or phone numbers. Each member can choose to block access to his or her personal information by other members based on selection criteria and can likewise block access to the member's email, phone or video conferencing service.

Abstract: An indication of urgency of a call is received from a caller. The urgency indication is communicated to the called party through a distinctive notification, such as distinctive ringing. The urgency indication may be obtained from a caller via a personal agent.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: A method and system for restricting telephone access to a predetermined set of telephone numbers. The method includes comparing the output of a caller ID signal decoder to telephone numbers stored in memory and allowing the telephone call to be completed if there is match between the calling party's number and a number stored in memory. The system consists of connection circuitry to which is connected a caller ID decoder, a number comparator, and an off hook detector. These components interact to restricts calls to only those stored in the number comparator.

Abstract: A multichannel dynamic telephone link provisionally sets up an internode medium connecting two nodes of a telephone network and including a plurality of channels each carrying a call between the two nodes. Time-delayed controllers associated with respective channels each assume a measurement state or an overshoot state or a latent state according to whether a call has been supported by the channel associated with the controller for a time less than an authorized duration or a call has been supported by the channel for a time at least equal to the authorized duration or no call has been supported by the channel, respectively. They clear down the internode medium when none of the time-delayed controllers is in its measurement state. One particular application is to private networks including a dynamic link via a public network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for a telecommunication system comprising an exchange (1), which comprises a network connection device (6), which provides a user (A) with the possibility to connect a computer (12) to a data network (3), as well as a telephony server (7), which provides said user with the possibility to, during an ongoing data network session, use the service telephony on the same subscriber line (14), which is being used for the data network connection. The invention makes the handling of user information in the exchange (1) more efficient, by providing the network connection device and the telephony server with user information, which is entered in one single user data base (10). The data base is used for operation and maintenance personnel entering static user information and for entering session related user information, which is obtained during one single access control at connection to the data network (3).

Abstract: A method, system, and program for third party regulation of calls through a line based on a call context are provided. Third party regulation criteria identify individuals who are regulated for calling into or receiving calls from a particular line. For each call received at the line, the identity of the caller is detected. For each call placed from the line, the identity of the callee is detected. Then, the call is regulated according to the relevant third party regulation criteria, such that a third party is enabled to regulate all calls from or to a particular line without being a direct party to the calls.

Abstract: A method is described of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network. The method includes obtaining line data of the subscriber line wherein the line data is suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB). The method interrogates the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data, and processes the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line. The invention extends to a subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting subscribers of a telecommunication network in a switching center which includes an input for receiving signaled data, a means for forming and processing connection-related data from the data received at the input side, and a means for signaling the processed data at the output thereof, wherein there is provided a means for the conversion of connection-related data into neutral parameters with the aid of a predetermined parameter list, a means for processing there neutral parameters independent of the original format of the connection-related data, and a means for the back-conversion of the processed neutral parameters into connection-related data with the aid of the parameter list in order to send these back-converted data to the output after a neutral evaluation or, respectively, modification.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for identifying a context for a call are provided. Multiple context clues for a call are detected from a line number, a line subscriber profile, a caller profile, and other parameters associated with the call. A context for the call is identified from the context clues, such that at least one party to the call is enabled to receive the context of the call. Context for the call preferably includes at least one of who is placing a call, who is receiving a call, identities of devices utilized for the call, locations of those devices, the path of line number numbers accessed for a call, a billing plan for the call, and a subject matter of the call.

Abstract: A method, system, and program providing identification usage fraud protection are provided. A context for a use of an identification via a communication line is detected at a fraud protection service. The context for use of the identification is analyzed in view of multiple previous uses of the identification. A level of suspicion of fraudulent use of the identification is specified according to the analysis of the context. Depending on the level of suspicion, further use of the identification may require additional authentication or may be barred. The identification may include a user name, an account number, a password, or other identifier that may be utilized to represent an individual in accessing products and services.

Abstract: This invention allows enterprises to achieve specific objectives in the management and enforcement of policies related to the use of telecommunications services. It was conceived for use in connection with traditional telephone networks that carry voice, facsimile or voice-band-data (VBD) traffic, though it is not necessarily limited to such networks. It involves measurement of the properties of traffic on a communications channel, and the use of such knowledge in combination with various ancillary properties of telecommunications service usage to guide the conditional performance of prescribed actions based on user-defined policies. The measured traffic properties include classification of the type of traffic, where the set of possible classes include zero or more classes selected from a group of general categories comprising Voice, Facsimile, Voice-Band-Data, DTMF, Audible Network Signaling, Facsimile Handshaking, Voice-Band-Data Handshaking, Silence and Unknown.

Abstract: Real time detection of the fraudulent use of a telecommunications network is accomplished by analyzing data for each call that is occurring within the network. A signal protocol receiver is used to collect signaling protocol for each call that is occurring within the network. The Signaling protocol data is collected, decoded and formatted into call information records (CIRs). The CIRs contain various operator specified parameters for each call that is occurring within the network. The CIRs are compared to operator defined thresholds. If any of the CIRs exceeds the thresholds, an alert is generated. The alerts are stored in a database where the operator can analyze them and take the appropriate corresponding action to resolve the alert. The alerts and the CIRs are archived in a database so that trends of fraudulent use can be detected and prevented. This method of fraud detection provides for the effective analyzation of every call that is occurring within the network.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that includes a method and apparatus for automatically barging-in on telephone calls. When a first party is talking to a second party, a third party may be automatically connected to the first party and the second party given an option to hold or leave a voice mail message. In addition, when a first party is connected to a stored information service provider, a third party may be automatically connected to the first party and a bookmark is set in the stored information. If the call between the first party and the third party does not exceed a predetermined time limit, the first party may resume the stored information service from the location of the bookmark.

Abstract: A telecommunications service controls and monitors telephone calls by storing at a service control point (SCP) restricted telephone numbers and priority telephone numbers. Upon receiving call data relating to a call between a subscriber telephone number and an outside telephone number, the SCP determines whether the outside telephone number matches the restricted or priority telephone numbers. When the outside telephone number matches a restricted telephone number, the call is terminated and the SCP stores the call data. When the outside telephone number does not match a restricted telephone number, or matches a priority telephone number, the call is connected. The SCP transmits stored call data to a service management system, which is accessible by the subscriber via the Internet or an interactive voice response, for generating reports. The service further includes time schedules for implementing call restrictions and personal identification number for bypassing call restrictions.

Abstract: An integrated telephone switching apparatus interconnects a plurality a PBX's to a single voice mail system. The apparatus includes a plurality of input ports for accepting calls from the voice mail extensions of different PBX's, a plurality of output ports for directing the calls to the voice mail ports of the voice mail system, and a switching circuit for switching the calls from input ports to the output ports. An internal switching control system selectively cross-connects incoming calls from the input ports to the output ports. The control system receives call information from the PBX's via a digital data connection, or by in-band dial tones, matches each set of call information with an associated call, creates a new set of call information for each of the calls, and supplies the new set of call information to the voice mail system when the call is switched so that the voice mail system can answer the call and play the required greeting.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network telephone system for terminating calls to subscribers to a privacy screening service, when the calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party dials the telephone number of a subscriber to a privacy screening service, the system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If the calling party is known and private, the call is routed to a service node, which plays an announcement to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system are disclosed for verifying the authenticity of a user before providing the user with a desired service. The process involves first receiving a request from the user. Next, a question set is fetched corresponding to the user. The question set concerns information of a private nature that someone with rightful access to the desired services should know. The question set has at least one question and a possible answer or list of possible answers corresponding to the question. The question is then transmitted to the user along with the possible answer(s). After receiving a response from the user, a record is made whether the response correctly identified the possible answer as being correct or not. Finally, after the number of questions transmitted to the user reaches a predetermined number, a determination is made whether the number of incorrect responses exceeds a certain limit.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A mechanism for rejecting specific types of calls in a network including collect calls and telemarketing calls. Calls are tagged to indicate the type of call, this tag being recognizable at the terminating end of the network allowing automatic rejection of the call on a subscription basis. In one embodiment, an OLI parameter is utilized to tag the call. In another embodiment, another parameter such as Optional Forward Call Indicator is utilized. An end office serving the subscriber may automatically reject the call, or may pass on the call to a PBX serving multiple subscribers. The PBX may automatically reject all calls of a particular type, or may allow calls depending on the subscriber being called.