Abstract: A method and system are provided for playing an advertisement to a telephone subscriber prior to call completion in a telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to provide an advertisement. A switch in the telecommunications network detects an off-hook condition at the subscriber's telephone and interprets the digits of the telephone number of a called party dialed by the subscriber. The switch then retrieves an advertisement and plays the advertisement to the subscriber instead of generating a ringing tone prior to call completion. The switch may also play the advertisement instead of a dial tone. The advertisement may be stored in an advertisement module in the switch or in a network component in the telecommunications network. The period for playing the advertisement may be extended by delaying call processing at the network component. Once the advertisement begins playing, the subscriber may terminate the advertisement by depressing a key on a telephone keypad.

Abstract: A privacy management system is disclosed for when a calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party calls the subscriber to this privacy screening service, the privacy management system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If, however, the calling party is known and private, an announcement is played to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy. If the calling party is unknown, the calling party is asked to record his/her name.

Abstract: Call detail service is provided using a trigger that only activates after the disposition of a telephone call is known, for example, a T-Busy and/or a T_NoAnswer. When a telephone call encounters the T-Busy or T_NoAnswer trigger a terminating central office switch attempts to complete the call. If the call is not completed because it is busy or not answered, the information related to the call is sent to a service control point. The service control point creates a call information record. The call information record is sent to a service management system that used the call information record to create a call detail report. Using the T_Busy and/or T_NoAnswer triggers eliminates the need to collect data for every telephone call to determine which calls are not completed because they are not answered or busy. As a result processing complexity and storage requirements are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A communication network for transporting calls, where a service provision entity adds user identification information to call data of a call being set up by a non-dialable virtual subscription such that the subscriber behind the call being set up by the non-dialable virtual subscription may be identified at the network switching layer. This increases the manageability of the network and provides advantages for call interception.

Abstract: A communication network and an associated network manager server according to the invention includes one or more instances of a first object type and one or more instances of a second object type. The first object type is associated with a first product of the communication network such as a PBX and the second object type is associated with a second product of the network such as a phone mail product. The network includes a first local module for configuring each instance of the first object type and a second local module for configuring each instance of the second object type. A network management server of the network includes a product specific coordinator. The product specific coordinator includes means for coordinating configuration activities among each instance of the first object type via the first local module and means for coordinating configuration activities among each instance of the second object type via the second local module.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting an enhanced dialing service in telecommunications equipment. The method includes: receiving a series of dialed digits from customer premises equipment (CPE) (10); determining if the dialed digits correspond to a designated identity; as each dialed digit in the series is received, advancing a call processing state of the telecommunications equipment in accordance with the dialed digit when the dialed digit does not correspond to the designated identity; and, returning the call processing state of the telecommunications equipment to a prior call processing state when the dialed digit does correspond to the designated identity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for re-terminating telephone calls. A telephone call is established between a caller and a member of a subscriber. During the call, a sequence of key strokes is received from the member who uses customer premises equipment during the call. A subscriber list related to the subscriber is reviewed, based at least in part on the sequence of keys. The call is transferred to a component in the telephone network, and the call from the component is re-terminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic telephone configuration mode for users of a telephone system. In a virtual configure mode, a user inputs a virtual extension. The input virtual extension is associated with the physical extension of the telephone being dynamically configured. The DC telephone is then operated as if it were associated with the virtual extension input by the user. In the physical configure mode, a user inputs a physical extension. The input physical extension is swapped with the physical extension of the telephone being dynamically configured. The DC telephone is then operated as if it were associated with the physical extension input by the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing Intelligent Network services are provided. Signaling probes separate from a switch listen to traffic on a signaling network wherein the switch communicates with other switches and subscriber equipment. Events identified within the signaling traffic are communicated to a Service Contact Point (SCP) via an ancillary network such as a packet switch network. Optionally, the SCP relays a command to the switch in response to the detected event.

Abstract: To relieve a user of a first fixed or mobile terminal from consulting messages deposited in a voicemail server, the voicemail server notifies the first terminal of the presence of a deposited message associated with the identifier of a second terminal, immediately after off-hooking and transmission of the identifier. The message is transmitted to the first terminal only if the user wishes to listen to it so as to decide whether or not to hold the call to the second terminal. Otherwise, it proceeds with the setting up of the call to the second terminal.

Abstract: In a telephone network, a service control point is called by a switching center, if a flag has previously been set by some event (e.g. call charges crossing a threshold or the leaving of a voice mail message) when a call is being established or terminated. The switching center then operates in accordance with commands returned by the service control point. If no flags have been set, the service control point is not called and the call is treated by the switching center in a default manner.

Abstract: A subscriber unit in a telephone network may receive personalized services from a network by providing personalized software to the network. The subscriber unit may prepare or have prepared particular personal agent software that implements certain enhanced functions designed by or for the subscriber. That software may then be uploaded to the network. Upon the occurrence of a certain event, the personal agent software is executed by the network to provide the personalized service desired by the subscriber. In some cases, the network may afford a variety of primitives which may implement basic functions that may be called by the personal agent software.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for processing telecommunications signaling. Signaling for a call is received into a signaling processor. The signaling processor processes the call and generates new signaling incorporating the processing. The new signaling is transferred to network elements as appropriate. The signaling processor is not coupled to a switch matrix and only communicates with the network elements over signaling links.

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: The present invention discloses a system and method for marking telephone calls from a subscriber to an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) with a class of service marker. Using this system and method, subscribers can obtain enhanced connections to their ISPs based on their class of service. An ISP can designate several different levels, or classes of service which their subscribers may choose. Generally, with higher the classes of service, the subscriber will have a greater opportunity for a successful dial-up connection to the ISP. The telephone service provider uses a class of service scheme provided by the ISP to determine the best route for the call. Additionally, the class of service marker is made available to the ISP in a manner such that the ISP can determine the caller's class of service without actually answering the call. Thus, two levels of enhanced ISP connections are provided. First, the telephone service provider (“telco”) can use the COS to determine the best route for each individual call.

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: A method of obtaining subscriber identification information using a subscriber number input by a customer calling a subscriber identification information service is provided. A switch recognizes a shortened telephone number provided by the customer and connects the customer to a peripheral network system. The customer provides the unrecognized subscriber number and the number is used to search a memory for corresponding subscriber identification information. If the information is available for the customer, the information is forwarded to the customer. If the information is unavailable for the customer, the customer is informed that the information is unavailable.

Abstract: A method is described for providing wired line telephone and mobile telephone cross-usage comprising the steps of de-activating call forwarding of incoming mobile telephone calls to a subscriber's home wired line telephone and for activating call forwarding of incoming wired line telephone calls to the subscriber's mobile telephone upon removal of the mobile telephone from a customer premises equipment (CPE) cradle. The method further provides for activating call forwarding of incoming mobile telephone calls to the subscriber's home wired line telephone and for de-activating call forwarding of incoming wired line telephone calls to the subscriber's mobile telephone upon placement of the mobile telephone into said CPE cradle.

Abstract: A method for providing a feature in a telecommunications network is disclosed. Signals representing a call are received at a call agent to generate a detection point. The call is associated with a service identifier corresponding to a set of features. A feature server is identified from a number of feature servers. The identified feature server is notified of the detection point. The signals are processed in response to the detection point to provide a feature from the set of features.

Abstract: A call processing method during terminating BUSY states (busy, power down, and paging failure) of a terminal in a radio intelligent network system. The method includes detecting the terminating BUSY state of the terminal from an HLR (Home Location Register); performing an OBUSY operation between a SCP and a T_Busy DP in a T_SSP when the terminating BUSY state is detected; generating an O_BCSM as a result of the operation; and re-attempting a call connect to a termination switch number transmitted to the generated O_BCSM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service node capable of coordinating call processing for incoming calls intended for any one of multiple telephony devices of a given entity, such as a business or individual user. Switching devices, such as traditional telephony switches or internetworked gateways controlling call routing, are configured to interact with the service node to determine how to handle incoming calls to the telephony devices that they serve. Through a variety of techniques, the entity can dynamically instruct the service node how to route incoming calls, and preferably, upon putting those instructions into effect, the service node will send an alert to the entity. The instructions are used by the service node to create call processing rules for the switching devices to apply to an incoming call intended for any of the entity's telephony devices.

Abstract: A mobile phone with fat measuring function including a mobile phone control module, a display device, a fat measuring control circuit, a constant current electrode pair and a voltage measuring electrode pair is provided. Both the display device and the fat measuring control circuit are coupled to the mobile phone control module, while both constant current electrode pair and voltage measuring electrode pair are coupled to the fat measuring control circuit. When the user touches the constant current electrode pair and the voltage measuring electrode pair, the fat measuring control circuit firstly applies a predetermined current to the constant current electrode pair. The predetermined current causes the voltage measuring electrode pair to generate a measured voltage. The user's body fat percentage is then generated according to the measured voltage and the user's weight data, and the body fat percentage is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDU connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing privacy screening service during telephone calls. One method monitors a telephone call for a call screening request. The telephone call is from a calling telephone number to a called telephone number. An action is taken in response to the call screening request. The action could be playing an announcement, terminating the connection, forwarding to voice mail, storing the calling telephone number in a database, adding the calling telephone number to a Do Not Call list, updating a subscriber's profile with the calling telephone number, and/or storing the calling telephone number in a subscriber's blocked call list. The call screening request may comprise a Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency, a softkey entry, and/or a data message.

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 for call answering in a distributed communications system having a plurality of communications devices, in which a subscriber can be registered on communications terminals associated with the communications devices in the distributed communications system. In this case, incoming calls are allocated to the communications terminals according to prescribable criteria. If a subscriber called by an incoming call is not available, an announcement function is performed which prompts activation of an announcement on a central communications device in the distributed communications system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.

Abstract: An INAP processing method for communication between a SSP and TCAP. When an INAP message is sent from the INAP of the SSP to the TCAP, a TC component to be transmitted is generated, an invoke ID and dialogue ID are allocated to the generated TC component, and a TC primitive corresponding to the state of an allocated dialogue is created and encoded, to be sent to the TCAP through the TCAP interface block. When the INAP of the SSP receives an INAP message from the TCAP, the received INAP message is decoded based on the type thereof and a corresponding SCP relationship object is found using the dialogue ID included in the decoded INAP message. When the IC component and IC primitive are contained in the decoded message, the IC primitive is executed first and then the IC component is processed. When a corresponding call has been processed, the found SCP relationship object is deleted, finishing the dialogue with the SCP.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network system for managing and routing telephone calls from a calling party to a subscriber to a privacy screening service. The system routes the calls according to whether the calling party number is known and public, in which case the call is terminated in a routine manner; unknown, in which case the system plays an announcement asking the calling party to record his or her name; or known and private, in which case the system asks the caller for permission to override his or her privacy before routing the call to the subscriber. The advanced intelligent network system stores the subscriber's number in a display text field, thus enabling termination of the call to the subscriber irrespective of whether the subscriber number is private or public.

Abstract: An intelligent remote caller identification system is provided that typically includes a central office, a service control point, and an internet call routing system. The central office typically triggers a query responsive to receiving a call request. The service control point is coupled to the central office, receives the query, and triggers an internet call routing query. The internet call routing system is coupled to the service control point and typically receives the internet call routing query, determines the presence of the called party with respect to a registered communication device, and sends an internet-based message to the called party at the registered communication device in response to the presence determination. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A service architecture for the rapid development of next generation telephony services that overcomes the limitations of the current closed PSTN architecture and service model. In this architecture services are provided by multiple cooperating distributed service providers. This architecture is built upon an object-oriented call model which is defined as a small set of extensions to the standard Java Telephony API call model. This new object-oriented call model hides the detail of the underlying call-state management protocols and hardware from applications.

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

Abstract: A 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: The invention relates to a method for providing services in a telecommunications network comprising at least a service switching unit able to access a service control plane comprising at least a service specific unit supporting services and at least a service infrastructure manager, a service being univocally determined by a service identification. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: triggering the service switching unit to request a service; sending a service request message from the service switching unit to the infrastructure manager comprising a service identification, identifying at the infrastructure manager, by means of the service identification, a service specific unit supporting the service; establishing a direct dialog between the service switching unit and the service specific unit.

Abstract: An away from home calling service allows users to use telephones other than their home telephone as if they were using their home telephone. When traveling away from home, subscribers access the service and are prompted to provide authentication and validation information, as well as call completion information. The away-from-home calling service obtains the services provisioned on the subscriber's home telephone line and completes the call according to the subscriber's home services.

Abstract: AIN based call routing, transfer and conferencing methods and apparatus are disclosed. In various embodiments initial call routing is based on the availability of a party to service a call as determined from a computer system associated with the party selected to service the call. The party's computer system supports a telephone application programming interface (TAPI) which allows a telephone network server to determine the availability of the party selected to service the call from, in part, TAPI obtained telephone line status information. The network server supplies call related data to the computer system of the party assigned to service the call. Call transfer and conferencing operations along with the transfer of call related data are also supported. AIN mid-call triggers are used in some embodiments to support call transfer and conferencing operations.

Abstract: A mobile phone with music reproduction function has a reproduction unit that reproduces music data and a ring tone which are recorded in a music data recording medium, and a communication unit 108 that detects an incoming call from outside. The mobile phone 100 has a control unit that instructs the reproduction unit to perform a fade-out process of reproducing the music data and to perform a fade-in process of outputting the ring tone when the communication unit detects an incoming call while the reproduction unit is reproducing music data.

Abstract: A system and method for re-terminating a call on demand. This allows a subscriber to cause a previously answered incoming call to be re-terminated to the subscriber's telephone line. A method for using the present invention involves the following sequence. First, a caller dials a telephone number of a subscriber and the call is answered by an answering member. Second, the answering member presses one or more keys on the keypad of a customer premises equipment before hanging up. Third, the call is re-terminated to the same telephone number. When the call re-terminates, there are a number of different options for the subscriber to pick up the re-terminated call. In one option, the call can be allowed to ring through to a voice mailbox associated with an intended member. In another option, the call be allowed to ring long enough to activate an answering machine. In still another option, the call can be picked up by a fax machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for providing information concerning incoming call disablement in which a call-making mobile telephone terminal (20), which serves as a call-making telephone terminal, may be provided with information concerning a reason for incoming call disablement and a time period of incoming call disablement when a call-receiving mobile telephone terminal (10), which serves as a call-receiving telephone terminal, is unable to receive incoming calls due to various circumstances. First, input of the reason for incoming call disablement and time period of incoming call disablement is received by the call-receiving mobile telephone terminal (10), whereupon the reason for incoming call disablement and time period of incoming call disablement are stored in the call-receiving mobile telephone terminal (10) or a computer (6) which serve as storage means.

Abstract: A method and system enable the automatic generation of a call processing control record. A user creates a schedule entry comprising a plurality of data entries on an electronic scheduler. The data entries are transmitted from the electronic scheduler to a call processing control record generator. The data entries are compared with stored data. In response to the data entries, the call processing control record generator generates a call processing control record which can be stored in a call processing control record database. The call processing control record can be used to forward calls or transmit an announcement to the calling party.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automated system for retrieving, delivering and modifying subscriber line settings through requests from a maintenance technician to a telephone service provider's (“telco's”) systems. The system and method disclosed utilizes standard AIN queries, call setup messages and information delivery services thereby avoiding the need to use a terminal interface into the telco's systems. The technician enters data in response to prompts from a service node communicating with the technician via a telephone call. The service node sends the technician's request to a service control point which forwards the call to the switch serving the subscriber's line to be analyzed or modified. The switch responds to instructions provided by the service control point to effectuate the technician's request and sends the results to a telephone line designated by the technician.

Abstract: One or more elements in a telecommunications network (10, 10? and 10?) receive a call hold-initiating message when a first party places a second party to the call on hold, and in doing so, triggers a call hold event in the network. In response to the call hold-initiating message, the network element may take one or more actions, including releasing one or more network resources and/or providing a service to the second party during the period the call remains on hold. Upon resumption of the call, the network will re-acquire the resources that had been previously released.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using Local Number Portability (LNP) and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunks as virtual loop-around trunks. Present invention LNP structures and processes redirect calls to avoid the creation of loop-around trunks from calls generated in the local exchange carrier (LEC) requiring services such as prepaid caller and calling party pays. A virtual trunk switch is created using a Switch Control Point (SCP). Telephone numbers requiring special services are ported and stored in a LNP database. Numbers requiring special services are flagged with a LRN that identifies a special service switch which is either an SSP or an SCP. The LRN initiates communication between the local exchange switch and the special service switch. Once engaged, the special service switch protocols create the trunk links. By monitoring these trunk links, the special service switch is able to monitor the in-band communications, and so provide the special services.

Abstract: A method and device for allowing dissimilar networks to transfer information is disclosed.

Abstract: AIN based call routing, transfer and conferencing methods and apparatus are disclosed. In various embodiments initial call routing is based on the availability of a party to service a call as determined from a computer system associated with the party selected to service the call. The party's computer system supports a telephone programming application interface (TAPI) which allows a telephone network server to determine the availability of the party selected to service the call from, in part, TAPI obtained telephone line status information. The network server supplies call related data to the computer system of the party assigned to service the call. Call transfer and conferencing operations along with the transfer of call related data are also supported. AIN mid-call triggers are used in some embodiments to support call transfer and conferencing operations.

Abstract: Communication control apparatus is provided for implementing a call relay service that makes it possible to construct and utilize a call relay network easily and reliably without relying upon special devices and a call relay list. A related communication control method provides a group composed of prescribed members with a call relay service having a communication control step. In accordance with this step, when a request to initiate the call relay service is received from an initiating member who is any member belonging to the group, control is exercised to cyclically connect a line between the members of the group, in an order starting from the initiating member.

Abstract: A telephone 12a connected to a local area network 10, comprising a means for requesting during communication a response from another receiver-side telephone 12b indicating its availability to receive a call, and a means for notifying the address of the receiver-side telephone 12b that responded to the caller-side telephone 22a.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a data flow in a multi-channel, multi-service environment is described. In one embodiment, a socket is dynamically allocated, the socket including a dynamically allocated service. Further, the server processes the data flow based upon the type of data being processed.