Abstract: A user device (e.g., a mobile telephone) communicates with an access node in a manner that causes the access node to provide call control and service options available through the access node. The capability and cost information is presented to a user device subscriber. The user device communicates to the access node a selection of call control and service options to use with the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for managing at least one capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3), which is subject to license or for managing at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3), which are subject to license, of a switching system of a telecommunications network. According to the invention, at least one use counter (C, E1, E2) at a time is assigned to the at least one capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3) and/or to the at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3). Said use counter indicates the current number of uses of the capability characteristic (F1, F2, F3) or of the group (G1, G2, G3) of capability characteristics (F1, F2, F3). A typical use of the invention involves the sharing of a switching system by an number of service providers.

Abstract: There is provided with a communication apparatus connected to a first network on which service providing servers are disposed, including: a service finder configured to find a service providing server on the first network; and a transmitter configured to transmit an information packet including a header part and a data part to a packet relay apparatus which connects the first network to a second network, wherein the header part contains an address of the found service providing server and a port number at which the found service providing server waits, as a source address and a source port number and an address of an information processing server disposed on the second network and a port number at which the information processing server waits, as a destination address and a destination port number, and the data part contains service identification information which identifies a service provided by the found service providing server.

Abstract: A system and method include implementing and accessing a subscriber's telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The system and method enable a subscriber to review, schedule and modify call forwarding information stored and implemented by a service control point (SCP) through a common server from any dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone and IVR system via the PSTN or any GUI and Web client via the Internet. The subscriber is able to build and edit call forwarding data, such as a scheduler and priority and rejection screening lists, by the GUI via the Internet for subsequent implementation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to activate or deactivate a web interface to a voicemail system through a telephone user interface to the voicemail system. During a setup procedure that runs on the first use of the telephone user interface, the method and apparatus asks the subscriber if the subscriber wants the web interface activated. The method and apparatus then activates the web interface and allows the subscriber to specify a sequence of both digits and letters as the subscriber's initial web password and username. The present invention also provides the capability to activate or deactivate the web interface via the telephone user interface at any time after the initialization.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing data in association with an operation performed by a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting data related to at least one piece of existing telecommunications equipment being used in connection with the special service at the customer service location; communicating at least one alternative candidate for the existing telecommunications equipment through at least one graphical user interface to the technician at the customer service location; and, generating change data including at least one new candidate selected from a group of the alternative candidates for replacement of the existing telecommunications equipment at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

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: A system and apparatus within a communications server for intercepting supplemental service requests to a communications network and ensuring redirection to correct network party and optimal resource usage when redirecting a call over the network. The optimization system includes a database and database server software. A device/trunk handler is used to interface signalling channels to the optimization system. A monitoring and statistics unit monitors the signalling channels. The server software is responsive to the monitoring and statistics unit and selects the routing of the supplementary service through the appropriate server(s) in the network.

Abstract: A residential phone system allows for local control of call features from any phone extension. The phone system may include a microcontroller that communicates along the phone lines at a non-utilized frequency to several extension phones in a residence. The microcontroller permits each phone to control call features such as call waiting, conference calling, paging, or other features. A control box may be included at any or all of the extension phones to provide a convenient user interface to access the call features.

Abstract: A system for implementing telephone services on one or more telephone installations, themselves having several telephone terminals managed by one or more private automatic branch exchanges. To this end, the system has a piece of server type computer equipment, accessible by a computer network, and one or more interfaces capable of sending signaling control signals corresponding to the service or services requested to drive one or more automatic branch exchanges, these interfaces being connected for this purpose to telephone lines of the automatic branch exchanges.

Abstract: Consumer premises equipment (CPE) configured to be connected with one of a selectable plurality of call agents using one of a selectable plurality of call control languages in response to user input to the telephone. In one aspect, telephone users can therefore select, e.g., a service provider. In another aspect, the CPE provides VoIP service to a telephone.

Abstract: A distributed features system is disclosed which permits a telecommunication network to efficiently distribute data related to network addresses.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes telecommunication resources, points, and a connection manager. The connection manager is configured to establish connections between the telecommunications resources and the points in response to a request from an application. The connection manager uses routing tables to select the most efficient route from the available routes between a telecommunications resource and a point. The routing tables establish the connection by sending a request to allocate a telecommunications resource to a session manager.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber from a remote terminal of a telephone network. Included is a first route for delivering a telephone signal to the subscriber, and a second route for passing the telephone signal through a DSL system before delivering the signal to the subscriber. A disruptor is then used to selectively activate either the first or second route.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating a desk sharing application with a PBX telephonic user identity and feature transfer function is described. The system and method of the invention utilizes the PBX's administrative interface to transfer attributes from a dedicated device to the shared telephone device within an ECP network.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating a desk sharing application with a PBX telephonic user identity and feature transfer function is described. The system and method of the invention utilizes the CSTA protocol to transfer the Personal Identification Number and call forwarding attributes from a dedicated device to the shared telephone device throughout an ECP network.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for managing subscriber services. The system can include a service renewal system configured to renew service subscriptions based upon identifying information associated with the service subscriptions. The system also can include one or more subscribers calling a service renewal system over a PSTN to renew respective service subscriptions. Finally, the system can include logic disposed within the PSTN to obtain the identifying information and to provide the obtained identifying information to the service renewal system.

Abstract: A method of facilitating interaction between a user and an automated system is provided. The method includes generating a graphical user interface on a display, with the graphical user interface inviting the user to provide an input to initiate execution of an operation. Upon receipt of an input from the user, a telephone call is automatically generated or initiated from the automated system to the user. The automated system can then prompt the user as required to execute the operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for enhancing personal information management (PIM) services available through a mobile communication device. A PIM service is designed with a full set of features. The mobile communication device is programmed to be able to execute a subset of said full set of features on a stand-alone basis. The device is further programmed to access network resident features when a user initiated command requests a feature not available to the mobile communication device in its stand alone state.

Abstract: A communication system for use in accessing switch functionality from an external endpoint is provided. The system includes: (a) a switch 104; and (b) an internal endpoint 106 and an external endpoint 116. Each of the internal and external endpoints is in communication with the switch and associated with a common user. The internal endpoint comprises a plurality of feature activators for activating a plurality of switch-based features, and each feature activator has an associated feature activator identifier and/or an associated feature identifier.

Abstract: A method for operating a telephony device accounts for variations in international standards for certain telephony operations, including hook flash functionality, pulse dialing operations, tone dialing operations, jitter buffer size, debounce characteristics, transmitter and receiver gain, caller identification functionality, pulse signaling operations, and ringing operations.

Abstract: A system for provisioning competitive local exchange carrier customers includes a server operatively linked with a CLEC, a provisioning agent and an ILEC. The server receives customer information from an agent or other order initiator. The server stores in a database ILEC identification information, CLEC identification information, plan information, the received customer information and order initiator information. The customer information is transmitted by the server to the CLEC. An ILEC is selected for said customer as a function of the customer and plan. The server determines whether a selected plan is available for the customer corresponding to the customer information and ILEC. The server transmits the customer information and plan information to the ILEC if the plan is available for that customer from the selected ILEC. The server also transmits all of the special feature block codes and USOCs associated with the plan.

Abstract: Rather than employing simple static personal identification numbers (PINs) that are susceptible to hacking, the disclosed security system provides multiple levels of security that may be selected by a user, based on his or her particular level of sensitivity at any given time or with respect to any given data. One level employs an algorithm that changes values, where the algorithm is known by the user. For example, the algorithm may be a series of digits based on the following: hour of day, day of week, quarter of the year, a.m. or p.m., day of the month, and month of the year. If the user knows the order of such, the user can readily generate the appropriate numeric code corresponding to the current time, and since the time continually changes, the code necessarily changes likewise. Another level sends a random part to a user, such as over their pager or phone, which they append to some user-defined, fixed portion of their PIN, or used in addition to their PIN.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

Abstract: A disclosed method allows service subscribers to modify service subscriptions online. Operations within the method may include receiving an order for a service package from a subscriber, wherein the service package includes multiple features. In response to the order, the features in the service package may automatically be cross referenced with a list of existing features for the subscriber to detect any overlap between the features in the service package and the existing features. In response to detecting an overlap, a subscription change request may automatically be computed, wherein subscription change request includes only the features in the service package that do not overlap the existing features. The subscription change request may then be submitted for implementation by a service provider, possibly after receiving confirmation of the change request from the subscriber.

Abstract: A system for providing multiple call processing services to a customer includes a first call processor configured to provide a first call processing service; a second call processor configured to provide a second call processing service; and a feature manager in communication with the first and second call processors, the feature manager being configured to receive a query message generated in response to a trigger associated with a telephone call and to direct the first and second call processors to provide the first and second call processing services.

Abstract: A personal Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system includes a plurality of IVR servers communicating personal IVR service node information in a network and a plurality of personal IVR service node clients coupled to the plurality of IVR servers communicating the personal IVR service node information. The plurality of personal IVR service node clients have a client-server relationship with the plurality of IVR servers. The personal IVR system further includes facilities for managing transmission of the personal IVR service node information using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

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: Automatic generation of loop make-up eliminates the need to match terminal names. A furthest feature from the origination of a particular pair range is determined. Using the determined furthest feature, one or more loop make-ups is generated by running the loop make-up for the circuit from the determined furthest feature to the origination of the pair range. Loop make-ups can be generated for a pair range as a whole or for individual complements in the pair range.

Abstract: A cellular phone issues a request for content from a server. The cellular requests and authorizes the content for use by another cellular phone. When the content is received by the second cellular phone, the first cellular phone is billed.

Abstract: A self-configuring telephone device interconnected by a network to other network telephone devices. The network telephone device is especially adapted to connect to other similar devices on a network, such as a local area network, without the need for a central controller or secondary wiring. A network telephone sends a broadcast over the network with a predetermined number. If there is no other telephone on the network, the network telephone assigns the predetermined number to itself and notifies the network. If there is another telephone on the network, the phone receives a message so indicating and a directory of numbers from which to choose a non-conflicting telephone number. When a non-conflicting number is found, the telephone adopts the number and informs the network. Voice mail and calls between outside lines and a network phone are supported as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for simple implementation of requirements of telecommunications subscribers for services which can be provided by a communications network. According to the invention, the method includes abstracting and classifying the requirements into a corresponding number of classes, subdividing the individual classes into one or more subclasses, and uniquely associating a subclass with one or more technical functional units which can be coupled to one another in a corresponding manner. The system includes a first catalog of classes, in which each requirement can be associated with one class, and a second catalog of technical functional units, in which each class is associated with one or more specific technical functional units.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for monitoring calls that have been forwarded to a network-based voice mail system (VMS). The VMS receives the forwarded call and sends a start of greeting signal at the beginning and an end of greeting signal at the completion of the voice message greeting to the central office switch. The switch sends an activate call monitoring data message and a call monitoring alert signal to the customer premises equipment (CPE). If the CPE is adapted for call monitoring and includes a speaker assembly, then the speaker assembly is engaged in response to the activate call monitoring data message, thereby allowing hands-free call monitoring. If the CPE does not include a speaker assembly, then the called party may activate call monitoring by lifting the handset in response to detecting a call monitoring alert from the CPE. While monitoring the call, the called party may intercept the call to speak with the calling party.

Abstract: An improved user programming method and apparatus for selecting central station features of a telecommunications device such as a telephone by means of voice prompts directly to the line user is disclosed. Prerecorded messages containing specific step by step instructions are used under the control of the central programming system. With such an arrangement, the features of each programmable button on a communications line may be remotely set up or programmed by a non technical user from his or her own phone. Additionally, a voice prompt system for programming a central programming controller may also be used to answer an incoming telephone call.

Abstract: A first method comprises initiating a telecommunication network trigger based upon a service code dialed from an originating party. The service code includes an alphabetical abbreviation for a name of a telecommunication service. In dependence upon the trigger, a step of provisioning the telecommunication service for the originating party is performed. A second method comprises initiating a telecommunication network trigger based upon a code including “*M” or “#M”. In response to the trigger, a step of providing a menu of a plurality of telecommunication options in is performed. Systems and articles associated with the first and second methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system (6) for coordinating the use of telecommunications service providers (7). The method grants a service request submitted by a user (8) to a service provider (7) as a function of the current state of a state diagram of a unique environment of the user (8) and events associated with the service request. The coordination system (6) includes an access module (11), a profile manager module (13), a user agreement module 14 and at least one environment manager (15).

Abstract: A method of adding a notation to a plurality of modules in a telecommunications provisioning system. The method includes accepting input of the notation and automatically invoking a first module. The method also includes inputting the notation to the first module, automatically invoking a second module, and inputting the notation to the second module.

Abstract: Consumer premises equipment (CPE) configured to be connected with one of a selectable plurality of call agents using one of a selectable plurality of call control languages in response to user input to the telephone. In one aspect, telephone users can therefore select, e.g., a service provider. In another aspect, the CPE provides VoIP service to a telephone.

Abstract: A method for performing automated UNE migration comprising receiving a disconnect order for an existing telephone service and receiving a connect order for a new telephone service. The existing telephone service is provided by a first exchange carrier and the new telephone service is provided by a second exchange carrier. A test cable is installed to simulate the new telephone service. The method further comprises verifying that the test cable performs correctly. The verifying includes executing a test on the test cable responsive to a test instruction from a migration software application. The existing telephone service is deactivated, where the deactivating is automated in response to a deactivation command from the migration software application and is responsive to said verifying. The test cable is activated to provide the new telephone service, where the activating is automated in response to an activation command from the migration software application and in response to the deactivating.

Abstract: An automated system coordinates, controls and polices installation of customer premise equipment (CPE) for telecommunications services and provides continuing service assurance. The system verifies equipment availability on service request, schedules a qualified technician to install the CPE, and assigns distribution equipment resources to the CPE. The system notifies the technician of the installation date. The equipment resources are auto-assigned to the CPE to facilitate installation procedures. The system also auto-detects installation of the CPE and auto-enables service when the CPE is installed. Customer record creation and maintenance is automatic, and installation or operation of unauthorized equipment is inhibited. Post-installation monitoring and automatic scheduling of repair for system or equipment faults ensures continuing service assurance. The advantage is reduced service delivery time, reduced operations costs and increased customer satisfaction.

Abstract: A method for provisioning users with resources is disclosed. The method includes the steps of establishing a set of attributes, organizational information, and user roles, and defining a plurality of resource provisioning policies based on selected attributes and user roles. The method also includes the steps of receiving attribute information, organizational information, and user role information for a particular user or resource, determining which resource access policies are applicable to the user based on the received user role information and attribute information, and provisioning the user with resources based on the applicable resource access policies. The resources to be provisioned include “hard” resources, such as telephones, computers, personal digital assistants, desks, chairs and the like, as well as “soft” resources. such as e-mail and voice mail accounts, application programs, databases, files, folders, the like.

Abstract: A switching device having an IVR provisioning/monitoring system and an associated method to reprovision and/or monitor a switch. Audible sounds are detected and analyzed to determine whether they are audibilized commands containing reprovisioning instructions. If so, the switch is reprovisioned in accordance with the instruction. To determine whether the detected audible sound is an audibilized command, the audible sound is digitized for comparison with plural recognizable commands. If the digitized audible sound matches a recognized command, then the corresponding reprovisioning instruction is executed. Prior to the reprovisioning analysis, the detected audible sounds are analyzed to determine whether they are an authorization code. If so, subsequent audible sounds are analyzed to determine whether they contain reprovisioning instructions.

Abstract: A user device (e.g., a mobile telephone) communicates with an access node in a manner that causes the access node to provide call control and service options available through the access node. The capability and cost information is presented to a user device subscriber. The user device communicates to the access node a selection of call control and service options to use with the device.

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: A method of creating an application-based subnet for enhanced telephony call processing includes the steps of determining during the processing of a call that the call may require additional call processing services available at a second node located within an application-specific subnet, and transferring the call and call control to the application-specific subnet for further call processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that allow a user to access communications services using a service node or a computer suitably connected to a communications-applications support system at a service provider's facility. The user is provided with information as to the communications services available. These services may be ordered for implementation on and use with the service node or the user's computer or on the computer used in connection with the support system. The implementation and performance of the communications services for the user be monitored, and if substandard, then remedial action may be taken by the system. Also, upgrades, maintenance, and new services may be transferred from the system to the user's computer as appropriate. Advantageously, the user is relieved from provisioning, configuring, maintaining, updating, or educating individuals about these communications services.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method that allows the operator of each user device participating in a multimedia conference to selectively receive information services during the multimedia conference. The apparatus includes a controller for receiving start-up signals from a user device, sending start-up requests to destination user devices, and receiving start-up signals from the destination user devices. The start-up signals may include information as to whether each user device requests information services to be provided during the multimedia conference. The controller establishes the multimedia conference and selectively provides the information services to the respective user devices. The information services are provided continuously or non-continuously at the preference of the user devices. The information services may also be provided in various formats at the preference of the user devices.

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: The invention discloses data records which are stored in one of a plurality of service devices, and an address list which keeps the other service devices which likewise keep the data record, with a change which is initiated by the customer being carried out on one of the service devices which keep that data record, and this service device reports the change to the other service devices.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes telecommunication resources, points, and a connection manager. The connection manager is configured to establish connections between the telecommunications resources and the points in response to a request from an application. The connection manager uses routing tables to select the most efficient route from the available routes between a telecommunications resource and a point. The routing tables establish the connection by sending a request to allocate a telecommunications resource to a session manager.