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: 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 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: Upon providing a new service associated with a key telephone unit to an user system, a customer center periodically acquires communication log information of the key telephone unit, generates suggestion information of an inside comprise, which is optimal to the key telephone unit, on the basis of the communication log information, and automatically transmits that suggestion information to a maintenance personal computer via the Internet.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network for use with a telecommunication service can include a service logic execution environment (SLEE), at least one service application executing in the SLEE, and at least one message formatting generic service component communicatively linked to the service application. The message formatting generic service component can include an interface to an application which is external to the SLEE.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network for use with a call model can include a service logic execution environment (SLEE), at least one service application executing in the SLEE, and at least one voice processing generic service component communicatively linked to the service application. The voice processing generic service component can include an interface to a second service application which is external to the SLEE.

Abstract: A system of controlling and managing voice and data services in a telecommunications network includes a media gateway interface coupled to a plurality of diverse voice and data media gateways operating under diverse protocols in the telecommunications network, the media gateway interface being operable to communicate service logic with the media gateways. A media gateway controller is in communications with the media gateway interface and media gateways and carries out service logic for a voice or data service according to input received from the media gateways. The system also includes a service management subsystem in communications with the media gateway controller and being operable to provision services with customers and provide service management tools for managing the services, and a service creation subsystem in communications with the service management subsystem and being operable to provide service creation tools for creating the service logic of the services.

Abstract: During a telephone call, a transferring party performs an action to cause the telephone call to be transferred. The action causes a switch to send a query to a service control point (SCP) in a public-switched telephone network (PSTN). The SCP determines a transfer telephone number to which the telephone call is transferred. The transfer telephone number can be stored in a subscriber information table. The SCP determines the transfer telephone number and returns the transfer telephone number to the switch sending the query. The switch makes a telephone call to the transfer telephone number to cause a telephone associated with the transfer telephone number to ring. When the telephone associated with the transfer telephone number is answered, the transferring party disconnects from the telephone call to complete the transfer of the telephone call. A services node can also be used to determine the transfer telephone number.

Abstract: A system for provisioning of enhanced telephone services by the subscriber is provided for a base telephone account. The system allows enhanced services that are recorded to a subscriber's base telephone data block at the PSTN provider to be configured based on time of day, week, or any user identified formula. Enhanced services include multiple telephone lines, voice mail, call waiting, and access to special lines. By provisioning services, a subscriber can pay prorated charges for only those services during the designated time span of activation.

Abstract: A user of a telephone system specifies a set of profiles specifying calls that will be handled in a certain fashion, the calls may by specified in a number of ways, such as a) country or area code of origin, particular originating numbers, originating numbers without ID (telemarketers), computer-generated calls, and the like; or b) the calls may be specified according to the status of the recipient, such as in a meeting, traveling, asleep, and the like; or c) calls that provide an override code to override an automatic rejection or an automatic shift to voice mail and ring through.

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: In the GSM and similar systems, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) transfer takes place on a fast channel if a mobile station is involved in that call, and otherwise on a slow channel. The USSD transfer can be switched to the fast channel by determining the amount of data to be transmitted. If the amount of data to be transmitted is likely to exceed a predetermined threshold, and if the mobile station is not involved in a call, a call attempt is initiated for switching the USSD transfer to the fast channel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of arranging a call with a service provider is disclosed. The method includes: determining whether the service provider accepts arranged calls; if it is determined that the service provider does not accept arranged calls, contacting the service provider to request arranged calls from the service provider; and if it is determined that the service provider accepts arranged calls, requesting an arranged call.

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

Abstract: A method for implementing inter-node user mobility in a communication network which enables a user to perform an inter-node change between terminals of the communication network while retaining individual user settings. For this purpose, after the user has registered at a terminal coupled to a first network node, user-oriented configuration data are requested by a home network node or similar of the user, identified by the user, and are subsequently transmitted to the first network node. The latter then initiates a user configuration to be set for the user via the configuration data transmitted.

Abstract: A new service destination determination switching system is provided for a telecommunications environment in which a called party has discontinued an old service destination and obtained a new service destination. The new service destination determination switching system is used to obtain the new service destination when a calling party places a call to the old service destination. The switching system includes a hub switch that receives a rerouted call from an old service destination switch. The hub switch corresponds to a routing number prefix used to reroute calls from the old service destination switch to the hub switch. The routing number prefix causes the hub switch to initiate a trigger to a network platform that obtains the new service destination.

Abstract: A method associated with an intelligent network service, comprising the following steps for detecting a special situation and acting in the special situation in the best possible way: defining for the service at least one special situation which is failed for the service but successful for the switching point, defining an instruction for said at least one special situation, receiving at the detection point a message indicating the existence of the call-related service for which the special situation has been defined, receiving at the switching point a first routing instruction (201) either from a caller or the control point, checking said first routing instruction (203), detecting the special situation (204) if the first routing instruction includes the special situation, and following said instruction in response to the detection of the special situation. Besides the method, the invention also relates to an intelligent network, a service control point and a switching point of an intelligent network.

Abstract: A switch based feature that allows subscribers to adjust their incoming or outgoing audio signal strength. The value of the transmit or receive pad values on the subscriber line card are adjusted to control the strength of the audio signal transmitted to, or received from, the network. The subscriber controls the feature by sending a hook flash to the switch, entering the DTMF keypad feature code and transmit or receive volume parameters, and then returning to 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: The present invention is a telephone number with extension distribution system and method, preferably for toll-free vanity telephone numbers. The preferred embodiment of the system for distributing telephone numbers comprises a client computer connected to a server through the Internet. The server interfaces with a database, preferably using a TCP/IP network. The database contains (i) telephone numbers, preferably toll-free, (ii) extensions affiliated with the telephone numbers (iii) terminating telephone number(s) assigned to a telephone number and affiliated extension. The client computer can search the database and select a telephone number and select an available extension. The client computer then inputs a terminating telephone number(s) to be associated with the telephone number and affiliated extension. The database server containing telephone numbers and affiliated extensions interfaces with the server and the Interactive Voice Response (“IVR”) system.

Abstract: A method of allowing a telephone network user to initiate a call feature request during an in-progress call using a conventional touch tone telephone with a telephone handset and conventional touch tone telephone keys. The method includes receiving and recognizing a touch tone signal resulting from the user pressing one or more of the telephone keys, recognizing a user spoken predetermined voice command, then interpreting the touch tone signal and voice command as a request for a call feature. The call feature is then provided in accordance with the request.

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 telephone system and method is provided including a processing system, such as a CTI system, in communication with a PBX and one or more telephone sets. The user selects a pre-programmed canned message, such as a DND message or status-state, from a list of messages and may further define the message with a user-defined message. The PBX recognizes the canned message and funnels the message to the processing system. The processing system matches the canned message and possibly the user-defined message to a software application stored in the processing system and corresponding to the messages. The user may program the software application to perform a specific function which may be stored in the processing system. The software application is launched and the telephone can be returned to a normal operating state regardless of whether the launched application has completed the intended task.

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 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: Systems and methods for providing a plurality of advanced telephony services using a metaservice are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a service provider installs a metaservice on the processor and associates the metaservice with a directory number on the switch. The metaservice acts as a pseudo service. When the service provider receives a subsequent request for an advanced telephony service, the service associates the requested service with the directory number through the metaservice, thereby avoiding many of the provisioning steps that are conventionally required to set up each service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for service provision in a telecommunications network, specifically in an intelligent network. In accordance with the method, service programs (SLP) are stored in at least one network element of the network, service is provided by starting the desired service program in the network element offering services, and each service is produced from a set of successive features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that prevalidates service orders placed by an interexchange carrier with a local exchange carrier for connection of the interexchange carrier with a business customer. An integrated prevalidation system and service order system is disclosed in which prevalidation requests are performed to ensure that a service order will be correct when submitted, thereby avoiding the necessity for expensive supplemental orders. The present invention further provides for generating accurate service orders based upon information separately maintained by the interexchange carrier regarding the local carrier's facilities and using prevalidation requests to reconcile the separately maintained information with the database of the local exchange carrier.

Abstract: Method for creating or changing subscriber-related entries in a first database of a service which is implemented using HTTP. According to the method, a previously implemented trigger is activated on the basis of an HTTP proxy platform when the service is called. User-entered service-related and subscriber-related data is called from a second database and is created or modified in the first database and after installation is complete. The trigger in the platform is deactivated on a subscriber-related basis.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling customers of communication services to subscribe or modify pre-provisioned communication services and allowing the customers to retrieve in real-time the status of the pre-provisioned services and the parameters of their subscribed services. Once a request is received from an Internet interface device of a customer, a service provider server (“SPS”) formulates an appropriate message in an Internet protocol (“IP”) and forwards the message to a Service Control Point (“SCP”). The SCP formulates an advanced intelligence network (“AIN”) protocol message from the IP message and forwards the AIN message to a switch. The switch takes appropriate action in response to the AIN message and returns a response to the SCP. The SCP formulates an IP message and transfers the IP response to the SPS. The SPS delivers information from the IP response to the Internet interface of the customer.

Abstract: A private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch processes a call to determine if an identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The switch directs the call to an external port of the switch for delivery to a given one of the external endpoints if the identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in the stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The given external endpoint does not have a fixed external port assignment in the switch. Instead, the switch dynamically selects from a set of external ports an available external port over which the call is directed to the given external endpoint. The dynamic selection of the available external port may be implemented using an automatic route selection (ARS) algorithm.

Abstract: An incoming call received in a private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch at an external port of the switch is processed by the switch so as to appear to a destination terminal as if it were originated by an internal extension associated with the switch. The incoming call may be from a mobile telephone or other originator terminal that is utilizable external to a premises serviced by the switch and does not have an extension associated with any internal endpoint serviced by the switch. The switch attempts to map an identifier associated with the incoming call to a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. If the identifier has a corresponding entry on the list, the switch processes the incoming call such that it appears to the destination terminal as being originated by an assigned internal extension. For example, an internal alerting indicator and associated station display may be provided at the destination terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing object-related service in a telecommunications network, specifically in an intelligent network. In accordance with the method, service programs (SLP) are stored in a network element and service is provided by starting in the network element a service program in the selection of which at least the service key contained in the service request is used as a criterion. In order for it to be possible to implement services tailored to subscribers of objects more easily than heretofore, (a) a set of features is first selected by means of the service key, and thereafter object-specifically a subset of said set, and (b) the object-specific service is provided by executing in succession at least some of the features belonging to said object-specific subset.

Abstract: A network server for the provision of services in a telephone network has a database for storing data according to subscriber-specific hierarchical data structures. The network server allows subscribers of the telephone network, via a terminal, to specify a respective subscriber-specific hierarchical data structure in the database. The network server stores data in the database received by a terminal of a subscriber, in accordance with the respective subscriber-specific hierarchical data structure of this subscriber. On a data request by a terminal of the telephone network, the network server determines the subscriber of the terminal, allows the terminal to read out the data in the database stored in accordance with the subscriber-specific hierarchical data structure of the detected subscriber.

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 system and method provide a call service features in response to call control information conveyed by a monitored bearer channel in a telecommunications network. A bearer channel monitor captures the call control information and relays the information to a call control application server. The call control application server analyzes the call control information, and provides call control instructions to a call control node that operates in the telecommunications network to effect the call service. The call control node serves as one or more virtual switching points in the network to directly control call routing without disconnecting a called or calling party, unless required as part of a service feature. Control from a center of the telecommunications network provides rapid and efficient call control without use of edge devices or duplication of bearer channels in the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for service provision in a telecommunications network, specifically in an intelligent network. In accordance with the method, service programs (SLP) are stored in at least one network element of the network, service is provided by starting a service program in the selection of which at least the service key contained in the service request is used as a criterion, and the service is provided as a set of features that are executed in succession. In order for it to be possible to implement more versatile bearer services more flexibly than heretofore, a termination code is used at the end of an executed feature, indicating how the execution of said feature succeeded, the set of features that is possible to execute next is determined on the basis of the executed feature and its termination code, and a feature belonging to said set is selected as the feature to be executed next on the basis of a predetermined criterion.

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: An operating system independent distributed self-contained dynamic logic system is disclosed. The dynamic logic system enables EO functionality in small edge routers or programmable switches which serve a small population of users instead of the rather large population typically served by a 5ESS or DSM100 central office switch. A disclosed method provides the capability for EO switch enhanced functionality that is programmable from a remote location The dynamic logic system may be implemented across several elements, including a subscriber database called a Service Control Point (SCP), a computer called a Service Management Point (SMP) for controlling and distributing programmable logic to implement EO features, and an Edge Switching Point (ESP) for interacting with a physical device (telephone/data endpoint). The dynamic logic system may be introduced at the “intercept” layer between the physical edge switching point device, typically a telephone interface, and a routing network.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network for use with a wireless service can include a service logic execution environment (SLEE), at least one service application executing in the SLEE, and at least one generic service component for use with a wireless service application communicatively linked to the service application. The generic service component can include an interface to the wireless service application which is external to the SLEE.

Abstract: An application execution environment for an intelligent network, having a protocol layer, application layer and service logic layer. The application execution environment includes a service logic execution environment (SLEE) in the service logic layer. Notably, the SLEE can be a JAIN-compliant SLEE. The SLEE can include an event routing bus for routing events between service components in the service logic layer and client components in the protocol layer and application layer. The application execution environment also can include at least one client component in the protocol layer, wherein the at least one client component is communicatively linked to the SLEE through a connector/wrapper interface.

Abstract: An application execution environment for an intelligent network which has been configured in accordance with the inventive arrangements can include a service logic execution environment (SLEE); at least one client component wrapper, the at least one client component wrapper providing an abstracted interface for a specific client component; and, at least one connector associated with the SLEE, the at least one connector corresponding to at least one client component wrapper, wherein the connector is configured to communicate with a client component through an abstracted interface provided by the corresponding at least one client component wrapper. Notably, the SLEE can be a JAIN-compliant SLEE.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network for use with a call model can include a service logic execution environment (SLEE), at least one service application executing in the SLEE, and at least one generic service component communicatively linked to the service application. The generic service component can include an interface to a second service application which is external to the SLEE.

Abstract: A service management system for a communications network which accepts requests for communications services from service order sources. The service management system includes an interface to the service order sources, a database, and an interface to network elements which provide the communications services. The service order sources may have differing order input formats which are converted by the system into a single internal format for processing and determining of provisioning information to be output to the network elements. The service management system includes table-driven logic which is used to validate and process the requests to determine the provisioning information. Once the provisioning information is determined, it is queued to the appropriate network element, and an acknowledgment is sent to the originating service order source. The service management system also includes a interface to query the database and network elements to perform debugging and error correction.

Abstract: A system and method of device-aware service provisioning in a hybrid/integrated telecommunications network having a packet-switched network portion (PSN) and heterogeneous circuit-switched network (CSN) portions. A user profile is provided which partitions a service in three dimensions: a user-specific service part, a device-specific service part, and a combination part which specifies service conditions when an end-user uses a particular device or terminal. A common IP telephony Value-Added Services infrastructure is included wherein device-aware service triggers are provided for triggering appropriate service partitions of the user profile. Upon encountering a device-aware service trigger in a call control process, a service switching node queries the user profile and determines the service conditions associated with the particular device-specific service part to be invoked.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for predictive provisioning of functional packages based on offered traffic and a predictive model of the offered traffic. According to one embodiment of the invention, a managed agent provides predictions regarding an anticipated need for functional package provisioning based on traffic offered to the managed agent and a predictive model of offered traffic. A provisioning agent receives the predictions and in response to the predictions instructs the managed agent to provision a new functional package. According to another embodiment of the invention, the provisioning agent instructs a second managed agent to provision the media resource needed by the original managed agent. The traffic is then routed from the original man aged agent to the second managed agent.

Abstract: Proceeding from a communication terminal equipment (EGD) whereat performance feature names (LMB) can be displayed menu-controlled in order to provide the user with an offering of the available performance features for a potential selection or, respectively, activation of one of these, a check of the authorization of the user for the individual performance features is provided. To that end, a respective performance feature name (LMB) is only communicated to the communication terminal equipment (EGD) for display thereat when the appertaining performance feature is noted as available in an authorization table (GWBP) allocated to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for automatically verifying the correct provisioning of recent subscribers to provisioned services and identifying subscribers for whom services were not correctly provisioned. The automatic verification and identification system comprises a service switching point, a service control point and an automatic provisioning verification testing device. The testing device is adapted to place a call to the subscriber's telephone directory number through the service switching point. The service switching point is adapted to suspend calls directed to a service control point and to send information concerning calling and called parties to the service control point. The service control point is adapted to querying a database of subscription information and replacing the calling party information with information to be verified. The service control point then directs the service switching point to call the incoming telephone line of the testing device.

Abstract: The system automatically generates electronic commands necessary to modify or provision different types of program control switches as may be included in a public switch telephone network. A data schema and organization of tables and data structures provide for command generation for each of the different switch types. Additionally, a self-modifying dynamic data structure is used as a common area to communicate information between various programs and formulate the commands due to a limited number of parameters used to communicate information between programs that generate the command for the switches. A technique for verifying switch commands automatically generated by a second new provisioning system is described. A technique is described for automatically extracting switch specific commands and options as generated by a first system for use in populating data stores used in a second system for command generation.

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.