Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing transparent enhanced telecommunications services to subscribers by implementing an enhanced services platform on a local network exchange within the public telephone network. More specifically, the apparatus and method of the present invention is capable of providing a plurality of enhanced telecommunications services to a subscriber by using a voice-activated interface to enable the subscriber to access at least one of the plurality of enhanced telecommunications services. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention may use a web-activated interface to enable the subscriber to access at least one of the plurality of enhanced telecommunications services.

Abstract: A method and system for telephone-based service utilization and control in conjunction with interactive, real-time, voice transmission of information to a user is disclosed. A voice service system provides creation and automatic deployment of personalized, dynamic and interactive voice services, including information derived from on-line analytical processing (OLAP) systems and other data repositories. In conjunction with such services, a user may use a telephone to control such services. For example, the user may subscribe and unsubscribe to a service using the telephone, be notified of new services via the telephone, and retrieve sound files via the telephone.

Abstract: A multimedia value-added services providing system allowing a user to easily obtain desired value-added services is disclosed. A control server controls a plurality of value-added service servers. A gateway server connected to the control server and a terminal includes a translator for performing a translation between information according to a protocol used in each of the value-added service servers and information according to a generalized description language operable in a user's terminal. The gateway server provides a unified interface to the terminal such that the terminal is allowed to gain access to any of the value-added service servers under a single interface condition.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the subject invention comprises a method for scheduling call consultations, comprising: receiving an electronic request from a first participant for one or more on call dates; assigning one or more on call dates to the participant; and notifying potential callers of the first participant's on call dates and qualifications. In other embodiments, the invention comprises the method above, as well as: receiving electronic feedback information from one or more callers who have called the first participant during the one or more assigned on call dates; and recording the feedback information in an electronic database and/or assigning the participant to a group associated with a topic. In a further embodiment, the method comprises associating the participant with a topic, wherein a predetermined number of callers have expressed interest in the topic, and wherein the participant has received positive feedback for calls related to the topic.

Abstract: Multiple subscriber services are associated with an individual trigger. The same trigger, such as a terminating attempt trigger (“TAT”), activates multiple associated subscriber services. A query mediator determines the order in which the multiple subscriber services are to be executed. After the first subscriber service has completed execution, the next subscriber service is executed, as determined by the query mediator using a priority system, for example, or processing continues without further subscriber services being executed, if a conflict would otherwise arise, for example, or if the executed subscriber service has disposed of the call.

Abstract: A provisioning server (11) having various operating modes serves to provide a unified logical view of a soft switch (10) to a user via a display (14) and in response to receiving new service information from the user, provisioning corresponding configuration parameters to various of the logical communications support platforms (10A-F) that comprise the soft switch. Depending upon the mode of operation, the provisioning server can also receive current configuration parameter information from the logical platforms.

Abstract: A process for configuring a service that is to be provided for a subscriber (SUB) by a telecommunication network (NW), a barcode tagger (TAG) for same, a configuration module (KM) for same, a configuration device (KMP) for same, a data entry module (INM) for same, as well as a data entry device (IN) for same. In the process, a barcode (BC) is assigned to the service that is to be provided, wherein the barcode (BC) is read by a data entry device (IN) of a barcode tagger (TAG). The data entry device (IN) transmits barcode data (BDA) determined from the barcode (BC) to a configuration device (KMP) of the telecommunication network (NW) and the configuration device (KMP) configures the service for the subscriber (SUB) by means of the barcode data (BDA).

Abstract: A TAPI database system and method according to the present invention. According to one implementation, an object-oriented TAPI database (200) is provided which supports code re-use when using in other TAPI service providers. The database (200) models all the major objects in TAPI telephony—static line, static phone, static addresses, open lines, open phones, open addresses, calls and request Ids.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a calling party with an opportunity to generate a web page containing information regarding a communication from the calling party to the called party. The system includes a switch for detecting the communication from the calling party to the called party, and means for communicating a message to the calling party in response to detection of the communication, the message providing the calling party with the option of generating the web page. The system further includes a database, a server in communication with the database for generating the web page based on data in the database, and means for transmitting information regarding the communication to the database when the calling party accepts the option.

Abstract: A method of validating a passcode in a telephone network comprises using a hash function to hash the directory number of a subscriber to a passcode-controlled service and comparing an entered passcode with the output of the hash function. Each subscriber to a passcode-controlled service is provided with a passcode that is equal to the hash of their directory number produced by a predetermined hash function, and that predetermined hash functions is provided to the various components of the network that may need to validate the subscriber's passcode. Each component of the network is thus able to validate the passcode without performing a database lookup.

Abstract: A computer application having a common front-end interface and a back-end interface is used to activate and provision communication services provided by multiple carriers. The common front-end interface communicates with at least a database. The back-end interface is configured to communicate with every provisioning system for every carrier that a reseller of communication services has arrangements with. The back-end interface also performs the necessary translations and data conversions that are needed to utilize information from the front-end interface to activate and provision features for communication services on a particular carrier's provisioning system.

Abstract: A system for adding internet functionality to a telephone call between a first caller and a second caller. The system comprises a telephony application, responsive to receiving a source telephone number associated with the first caller and a destination telephone number associated with the second caller, for extracting the numbers. A first query is constructed using the source number to access details relating to the first caller and a second query is constructed using the destination number to access details relating to the second caller. An internet related function is then performed in accordance with these details. The internet related function may be to record a telephone conversation and email it to the callers, or to email call or caller details to each of the callers, or to exchange files, such as word processing documents and images etc.

Abstract: The present method and system enable a called party to cancel an unwanted call and send a message to the calling party. The method and system are activated in response to a plurality of inputs provided by the called party. In response to the input provided by the called party, a custom or a standard message can be transmitted to the calling party. A confirmation message can also be transmitted to the called party. The method and system can be implemented in conjunction with other systems that are also activated in response to an input from the called party.

Abstract: A service execution environment for an advanced interactive voice response (IVR) service node. The service execution environment functions within a next generation service node (NGSN) IVR platform in a telecommunications network. The environment uses individual service-independent building blocks (SIBBs) that allow the creation of customer applications with simple references to the individual primitive SIBBs or composite SIBBs, with branching available. Functional calls to a sequence of SIBBs along with customer specific data stored in a database comprise a complete customer application. When a call is received by an IVR service node, the application is executed by calling the SIBBs to apply certain treatments to the call. The use of the SIBBs allows increased efficiency in the network because calls can be routed to any NGSN node. Each NGSN needs no customization to perform a particular customer application.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus, and computer programs for self-generating device names for communications devices using processes running on the device. The device names are then used to enable the devices to be identified during network communications. This avoids the configuration overhead inherent in requiring unique device names to be allocated by a central naming authority. Uniqueness of device names is achieved by a class-based naming convention in which class names are associated with device types and unique device identifiers are allocated for devices within a class. The device identifiers of one class may have a very different format from device identifiers in other classes, and processes are provided for interpreting the different formats of device identifier to identify individual devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for routing a telephone call based on a calendar telephony interface. The method can include parsing telephone data associated with the telephone call, and determining from the parsed telephone data, a called telephone number and an identity of a person associated with the called number. The method further can include retrieving an XML formatted calendar entry associated with the identified person and extracting call control information from the XML formatted calendar entry. Accordingly, the telephone call based on the extracted routing information can be routed.

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: Disclosed is a system that prevalidates service orders that are placed by an inter exchange carrier with a local exchange carrier for connection of the inter exchange carrier with a business customer. An integrated prevalidation system and service order system is disclosed in which prevalidation requests are performed using the data that is entered for the service order. Prevalidation responses are then used to ensure that the order will be correct when submitted, thereby avoiding, the necessity for expensive supplemental orders. Further, the present invention allows for stand alone prevalidation requests which enable a provisioner to determine availability of circuits, and to determine location information and equipment identification directly from the LEC databases. Further, the present invention is capable of reconciling the database of the inter exchange carrier with the database of the LEC to avoid submission of incorrect service orders.

Abstract: A system and method allows a customer company to create, modify and control interactive voice response (IVR) applications from a remote location. In one embodiment, a first IVR application is used to develop, modify and/or control a second IVR application. The first IVR application could be accessed by telephone or by computer using any type of data communications network. In alternate embodiments, a customer can use a computer at the customer's location to develop a new IVR application which is then downloaded to an IVR service provider's equipment. Alternatively, a customer could use a computer to access an IVR system, and a graphical or audio/graphical interface can be used to develop a new IVR application, or to modify and/or control pre-existing IVR applications.

Abstract: In a communications network that provides services to a plurality of users, events occurring during service processing are accumulated in an event record and sent to a record processor to perform post-processing, such as assessing charges to be billed to users of the network. Each service processing node in the communications network accumulates event records, bundles them with instructions as to how they are be processed, and dispatches them to one or more record processors. Before being sent to a record processor, an event record is augmented with instructions describing how to perform processing upon the events in the event record. The record processors are general-purpose processors and the instructions for post-processing are carried within the event records themselves. Post-processors are no longer required to be dedicated to a particular purpose such as billing computation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for the optimization of an analysis, said system comprising a telecommunication network and analysis means for analyzing data associated with calls. According to the invention, the analysis means comprise a generic analysis mechanism and one or more analysis functions utilizing the analysis mechanism. The invention makes it possible to avoid interpenetrating analysis implementations, thus reducing the costs.

Abstract: An automated, scalable call-taking system integrates with existing telephony infrastructures and enables, through use of speech recognition, DTMF detection, text-to-speech (TTS), and other related software or hardware, the inputting, access, and retrieval of information to and from multiple back-end dispatch and booking systems without the need for a human operator.

Abstract: A system and method enabling a remote customer station (server, CPE or end user) to control, or modify, selected functional capabilities of a telephone switch via control messages sent after cell setup and during the course of a data stream. The customer station receives back from the telephone switch indications of modifications in status of the switch occurring in response to the control messages. The functional capabilities which may be modified include both software and hardware configurations of the telephone switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communication by means of an electronic call assistant which is able to operate in at least either a background mode or in a foreground mode wherein: the electronic call assistant is arranged to arrange waiting tasks in a priority list in accordance with a priority sequence; and the foreground mode comprises at least a guiding mode which is entered by the electronic call assistant as soon as a user has switched the electronic call assistant from its background to its foreground mode and in which the electronic call assistant controls carrying out the waiting tasks in accordance with the priority sequence of the waiting tasks in the priority list.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing database overhead associated with AIN services includes a cascaded database structure having at least two databases. The first database is a seed database containing basic information about the subscriber and his available services. The second database is a real-time database containing additional information that will be used by the appropriate service application. When the subscriber initially requests the service, the service management system creates an entry in the seed database for the subscriber. The entry contains an identifier for the subscriber and an identifier for the service. Until the subscriber actually uses the service, the seed database remains the only entry for the subscriber. When the subscriber actually uses the service, the service application reads the seed database to determine the privileges for the subscriber and creates a larger entry in the real-time database. The service application may not write to the seed database.

Abstract: A service execution environment for an advanced interactive voice response (IVR) service node. The service execution environment functions within a next generation service node (NGSN) IVR platform in a telecommunications network. The environment uses individual service-independent building blocks (SIBBs) that allow the creation of customer applications with simple references to the individual primitive SIBBs or composite SIBBs, with branching available. Functional calls to a sequence of SIBBs along with customer specific data stored in a database comprise a complete customer application. When a call is received by an IVR service node, the application is executed by calling the SIBBs to apply certain treatments to the call. The use of the SIBBs allows increased efficiency in the network because calls can be routed to any NGSN node. Each NGSN needs no customization to perform a particular customer application.

Abstract: A system and method for processing orders for telecommunication services received by a telecommunication services provider include receiving an electronic message in a first predefined format from a telecommunications customer, automatically processing the electronic message to identify information related to a telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, and automatically generating an order for the telecommunication service based on the information so as to reduce manual intervention. In one embodiment, the system and method automatically generate an order by separating information related to each telecommunication service from the electronic message and translating the first predetermined format into a second predetermined format to facilitate further processing by the telecommunications services provider. Information relative to the order is generated by the services provider and converted to the first format before being forwarded to the customer.

Abstract: An adaptive rule-based mechanism and method to resolve conflicting feature interactions includes the steps of determining conflicting features available for execution in response to an event; examining the conflicting features to determine whether one of the conflicting features takes priority over other conflicting features; if one of the conflicting features takes priority, selecting that conflicting feature for execution; and if one conflicting feature does not take priority, prompting the user to make a selection to resolve the conflicting feature interaction.

Abstract: Computing devices in a network offer network services by transmitting and receiving network service packets. In one embodiment, the packet includes a network service rank and a network service code. Each computing device within the network receives a transmitted packet and validates the accompanying service code. If the service code is validated, the packet's accompanying offered network service's rank is evaluated against an existing network service's rank. If the offered network service's rank is greater than the existing network service's rank, then an existing network service is disabled, and the network service identified by the received packet is installed. Further, each computing device periodically transmits to the remaining computing devices a packet identifying the transmitting computing device's offered network service's rank and the transmitting computing device's service code.

Abstract: A computer readable program code comprising creating and managing a master database for maintaining a copy of information contained in at least one PBX and adjunct system databases; providing a single user interface for entering data into the master database and the at least one PBX and adjunct system databases; configuring and managing a plurality of data properties for each of said at least one PBX and adjunct system; processing communications between the master database and the at least one PBX and adjunct system managing function through the single user interface, including message handling that includes a table of application handles, a table of associations between message types and message handles hashed by message types, a table of associations between message types and message handles hashed by application handle, and message packets.

Abstract: An Enhanced Communication Services layer is adapted for connection intermediate a content application layer and a transport services layer of a communication network. The content application layer is adapted to generate payload data of a service instance. The transport services layer includes a physical fabric of the communication network and is adapted for end-to-end transport of the payload data across the communication network. The Enhanced Communication Services layer comprises a Contact Agent, an Exchange Agent and a Transport Agent, The Contact Agent is adapted to discover information identifying parties involved in a service instance. The Exchange Agent is responsive to the Contact Agent, and adapted to select, from a network space comprising one or more transport services, a best match set of transport services for the service instance. Finally, the Transport Agent is responsive to the Exchange Agent for engaging the selected set of transport services for the duration of the service instance.

Abstract: In a telecommunication network a subscriber connected to an originating local exchange requests activation of a supplementary service. The supplementary service establishes an end-to-end TC-dialogue with a corresponding supplementary service of a destination local exchange. The TC-dialogue terminates the request on an interfering telecommunication service in an intermediate node. For preventing service operation failure in case of interaction between the supplementary service and the interfering telecommunication service, a relay link is established between an incoming TC-dialogue and an outgoing TC-dialogue at the intermediate node to realize a chain of end-to-end TC-dialogues between the originating exchange and the destination exchange, while using a transparent relay functionality independent of utilizing TCAP based supplementary service ASEs as intermediate nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling multi-party conference calls includes circuitry which is operable according to a new conference call protocol. The protocol and accompanying apparatus and method allow a conference call controlling party to selectively have private conversations with one of the subject parties in the conference call. Additionally, the controlling conference call party may selectively drop conference call participants. A mobile station includes a store for storing the conference call participant “subject party setup number” in relation to the subject party number and/or name. The mobile station also allows the conference call controller to scroll up and down a list of conference call participants. This allows the controller to be certain of a conference call participant's “call set-up number” when using a command for a private call or a command to drop a conference call participant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting against network damage in next generation communications networks. More particularly, network safety is achieved using semantic restriction of higher level call processing protocol primitives coupled with dynamically programming the various network routing elements to enforce both connection control and rate control.

Abstract: A customer survey design system that allows survey organizations to easily design and modify the survey, and to do so in a shorter period of time. In particular, there is a telephone survey creation method usable by a non-technical person, using a single web site and an audio responsive system like a telephone. The client is allowed to create a customer survey to be taken over a phone. Specifically, there is a step of accessing a web site and begin creating the survey by typing in survey questions and enteries. Additionally, there is a second step of completing the creation of the survey by providing a voice script for each question typed onto the web site. Creating the survey also includes the step of allowing the client to modify the questions created on the web site.

Abstract: A telephony control is provided in the form of a relocatable serialized object having an identical route node to a directed graph. The directed graph includes modules performing telephony control functions. By providing modules implementing simple primitive elements of a telephony control, a telephony control of any desired degree of complexity can be created. Also, by providing the telephony control as a relocatable serialized object, it is possible to offer a user a number of different telephony controls at a web server and to enable to user to relocate a copy of that telephony control to the user's telecommunications apparatus for implementing a telephony control, for example, a voicemail system, of any desired degree of complexity, at the user's telecommunications apparatus.

Abstract: According to a broad aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, telephone calls, data and other multimedia information is routed through a hybrid network which includes transfer of information across the internet utilizing telephony routing information and internet protocol address information. The hybrid network includes an rules database which determines subscriber profile information. The information includes routing references based on priority, cost and termination location. In addition, content separation is provided, including instructing an intelligent peripheral and protocol converter to separate the audio stream from the data and video stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the creation of validation rules with which a validation module can validate configuration data which can be used as operating parameters for telecommunications systems, and to a generating module, server, control module and storage means therefor. In the process, firstly a first validation rule set (BVR1, BVR2) comprising at least one validation rule written in a first, user-friendly language is acquired by a generating module (TL). Then the generating module checks whether the validation rules contained in the validation rule set comply with predefined, syntactic and semantic rules and translates the validation rules of the validation rule set from the first language into a second language, which can be evaluated by the validation module, if the validation rules in the first language have withstood the syntactic and semantic check.

Abstract: A method for the management of an automatic branch exchange of the type interacting with a plurality of users by means of a plurality of user terminals comprises the following steps: the identification of each of said users by at least one user identifier; and the creation of a table of users (1), associating a user profile with said at least one user identifier of each user, each user profile comprising at least one attribute assigned to said user and especially a set of user terminals that is possibly vacant. The interaction between said automatic branch exchange and each user takes place as a function of the user profile associated with said user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing communication, such as telephone calls. One or more of a plurality of predetermined values are assigned to each of one or more of a plurality of predetermined characteristics relating to a received communication. A destination is selected based on the assigned values and the communication is routed to the selected destination. Scripts can be generated to route the communication to a specified device of the destination.

Abstract: A method of extending telecommunications service, wherein the method is implemented in an extension application server. The extension application server is coupled for data communications to a customer data source and to a telecommunications server. The telecommunications server includes, installed and operating upon the telecommunications server, a multiplicity of telecommunications extension services. The method of extending telecommunications service includes receiving, in the extension application server, from a requesting telecommunications extension service in the telecommunications server, a telecommunications service request; preparing, in dependence upon information from the customer data source, a response to the telecommunications service request; and transmitting the response to the requesting telecommunications extension service.

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: Methods and apparatus for processing at least one voice signal in which a centralized voice processing unit controls operation of a plurality of voice processing block. In a first embodiment, the centralized voice processing unit comprises a centralized voice activity detector that provides at least one voice activity indication to the plurality of voice processing blocks. In a second embodiment, the centralized voice processing unit comprises a centralized noise estimator that provides at least one noise estimate to the plurality of voice processing blocks. In a third embodiment, the centralized voice processing unit comprises a centralized signal characteristic estimator that provides at least one signal characteristic estimate to the plurality of voice processing blocks.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the administration of a network accessible file stored on a network computer by means of communication with a user over a telephone handset. The network computer storing the network accessible file, typically a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) file for use in a web site, allows a user to dial in and, through the use of a telephone handset, modify, create, delete or exchange web pages comprising the web site. The network computer presents the user with a list of modifiable objects contained in a web page, through speech simulation software, and receives instructions identifying and modifying these objects by speech or Dual Tone MultiFrequency (DTMF) tones. Upon receipt of these instructions, the network computer generates a new HTML file to replace the modified HTML file.

Abstract: An element management system (“EMS”) interfaces between a telephone company computer or a terminal for use by a telephone company system administrator or customer service representative, and a telephone network element such as a central office or a group of central offices. In order to store and process subscriber data during the time periods when a telephone computer system is busy controlling telephone switching functions and therefore giving low priority to such data, the EMS contains a proxy database and maintains it between the periods when access to the telephone computer system is desired and available, without detrimentally involving the telephone computer system, the telephone switching network or any elements thereof. The EMS is capable of operating as the sole repository of subscriber data in a telephone computer system configured to operate in such an environment.

Abstract: A telephony control is provided in the form of a relocatable serialised object having an identical route node to a directed graph. The directed graph includes modules performing telephony control functions. By providing modules implementing simple primitive elements of a telephony control, a telephony control of any desired degree of complexity can be created. Also, by providing the telephony control as a relocatable serialised object, it is possible to offer a user a number of different telephony controls at a web server and to enable to user to relocate a copy of that telephony control to the user's telecommunications apparatus for implementing a telephony control, for example, a voicemail system, of any desired degree of complexity, at the user's telecommunications apparatus.

Abstract: A method for changing service data includes setting up service data in at least one of subscriber register nodes of a telecommunications network, the service data containing subscription-related data concerning subscribers of the network and the service data to be altered by at least one message of a functional protocol. The at least one message of a functional protocol is sent to the at least one of the subscriber register nodes. A terminal of the network generates a handler message based on a specific command input by a user on the terminal. The handler message is independent of the functional protocol and has identification information concerning a subscriber of the network and change information regarding a nature and scope of a change of the service data of the subscriber. The terminal sends the handler message to a service control point of the network.

Abstract: A method of provisioning communication devices is provided which preferably includes transferring a customer order to an order database. The transferred customer order preferably includes an order sequence. A due order is then retrieved from the order database responsive to the order sequence. The due order is representative of a next customer order due. The method also includes retrieving at least one provisioning rule from a rule database having a plurality of rules stored therein and responsive to the retrieve due order, executing a provisioning script representative of instructions for provisioning communication devices to provide a customer selected service responsive to the at least one retrieved provisioning rule, and provisioning communication devices responsive to the generated provisioning script.

Abstract: The multi-threaded database system manages access to a plurality of databases. A separate thread is assigned to each of the databases so as to encapsulate activities relative to the databases. Threads may be performing separate activities independently of each other. As a result, a first database may be modified, added, or deleted while a second database is being accessed. The database system is especially well-adapted for use with an interactive voice response platform.

Abstract: The system for providing calling party privacy during subscriber call screening for a central office switching system enables a subscriber to monitor and intercept the last forwarded, active call to the Voice Messaging System, while providing the calling party with privacy as the voice messaging system provides the prerecorded instructions/message to the calling party. The calling party privacy feature delays call screening alerting to the subscriber to prevent the subscriber from monitoring the call connection until the calling party is recording their message on the voice messaging system. Depending on the method used, once the calling party privacy feature requirements are satisfied, the subscriber call screening system notifies the subscriber of the presence of a calling party who is recording a message for the subscriber on the Voice Messaging System.