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 to detect a call trigger during a call without requiring a service platform to remain connected to the call. A first communication device transmits a call having call signaling and user communications. A signaling processor receives the call signaling from the first communication device and selects a connection to a second communication device. An interworking unit receives the user communications from the first communication device and converts the user communications from a time division multiplex format to asynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected connection to the second communication device and transports the user communications to the second communication device. The interworking unit detects a call trigger in the user communications. The interworking unit transmits call trigger data to the signaling processor.

Abstract: A method of introducing a feature during a communication between subscribers of a telecommunications network. The first step of the method is executing, at each predefined trigger point during the communication, an operation to activate a particular requested feature. The method then requires accessing data stored in a network memory for use in the activation operation. The data is arranged in the memory in table and bit map format so as to enable the features to be customized. The method then requires executing the particular requested feature upon activation. The method may also include repeating the method steps for each feature available to be activated at a respective trigger point in an order determined by the stored data. The method is independent of the type of requested feature.

Abstract: A new method for initiating a telecommunication service is specified, which is independent of a call being set up after initiation by a service user. The application protocol (also called the IN Service Logic) is initiated by a so-called external trigger, or else a virtual trigger.

Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.

Abstract: A local conferencing exchange subscriber line conferencing method using a series of input signals from the phone of a subscriber, such as a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) sequence of key inputs starting with a star key input, to initiate the conference by enabling a termination attempt trigger. The conference is set up in a bridge and the phone of the subscriber is connected to the bridge. All subsequent callers to the subscriber's phone number at the local exchange carrier are routed and connected to the conference at the bridge. When the conference call ends, the subscriber's phone is returned to normal service.

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 telephone system for undetected provision of an auxiliary service during a telephone conversation between at least two participants over a communications network. The system includes a handset, having an input mechanism operable by a requesting participant to submit a request for an auxiliary service to be provided during the conversation, and a service processor, adapted to receive the request over the network and to provide the requested auxiliary service responsive to the request, such that at least one of the other participants receives substantially no indication of the request.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a storage device, which receives a telephone number and stores the telephone number. A customer premises equipment (CPE) device includes a three-way calling feature such that the stored telephone number is enabled to be called from the CPE over a switched network and a connection is made by the CPE over the switched network between the telephone number and a user at a location remote from the CPE.

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

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for preserving caller privacy in an advanced intelligent network comprising a service switching point and a second service switching point. The service switching point is adapted to suspend calls directed to a predefined number and forward signaling information associated with the call to the service control point. The service control point is adapted to alter the signaling information if a privacy restriction indicator in the signaling information is activated and to forward the altered signaling information to the service switching point.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network, a customer account identity is communicated to a platform used, for example, for cashless calling. A call is initiated via the platform. Network signalling is monitored, and if call setup is not successfully completed then the customer is automatically offered a message forwarding service. The call setup process may continue while the message forwarding service is offered to the customer, allowing the call to be completed directly if in the meantime the called party picks up the phone.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mute status reminder is provided for a communication device.

Abstract: A multi-stage data logging system comprising a telecommunications stage for receiving, processing, and compressing data from one or more input channels, a recorder stage for storing said data to a memory device, a distribution stage for retrieving said stored data and distributing said data to one or more output channels, and a plurality of interface paths linking said three stages to one another. Different stages of the system can be located wide distances apart and the interface paths linking the three stages can be automatically switched to achieve fault tolerance of the system.

Abstract: A method and intelligent network service switching point for transferring the execution of IN service related functionality from the originating half-call to the terminating half-call. For the functionality to be transferred, the service of a portion thereof is determined as a transferable service in the originating half-call. When the transferable service is encountered, information thereon is sent to the terminating half-call in which the is triggered.

Abstract: A method for delivering person to person services to a telephone subscriber. An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented on an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). A telephone number of a buddy of the subscriber is associated with a buddy rule on a buddy list. The buddy list is accessible by a service control point. When a call intended the subscriber is received by a service switching point from a calling party, a query is launched by the service switching point to the service control point. The query comprises the calling number of the calling party and the called number of the subscriber. Using the called number, the service control point retrieves and reviews the buddy list. If the calling number matches the telephone number on the buddy list, the service control point instructs the service switching point to terminate the call using the buddy rule.

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

Abstract: Calling name presentation services are provided by maintaining a local cache of requested information. When a called destination is determined to subscribe to calling name presentation, the local cache is queried to determine if the calling number is in the local cache. If the calling number is in the local cache, information corresponding to the calling number is retrieved from the local cache. If the calling number is not in the local cache, a remote database is queried for the information. The information retrieved from the remote database is stored in the local cache. In either case, the name information is sent to the call destination. A Signaling System 7 architecture may be used to implement local caching.

Abstract: A do not disturb system and method in a computer system at which communications such as voice calls and text messages are received. A user or process may set a computer system into a do not disturb mode, in which any communication routed through the machine will be evaluated against a set of rules to determine how that communication is to be handled, based on criteria such as the source of the communication and the type of communication. A notification and outgoing action is selected and performed in accordance with user-configurable settings. The outgoing action may include a return communication to the source of the communication indicating that the do not disturb mode is in effect.

Abstract: A conference speakerphone comprises a conference telephone host and a plurality of separate microphones. A DSP, a control unit, a telephone interface and a microphone interface are disposed in the conference telephone host. The telephone interface is used to achieve signal connection with a telecommunications network. The control unit is responsible for control of interface and logic action. The DSP is used to cancel echo signals of communication and detect the loss of echo signals. The DSP will send an indication signal to the control unit once detecting abnormal echoes. The control unit will then send out a control command to the microphone via the microphone interface for adjusting the microphone according to the control command. Thereby, automatic detection of abnormal echoes and maintenance of communication quality can be accomplished, and the cost can also be lowered.

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 alternative method to the existing manual service creation exploits the properties of genetic programming (GP) to produce service logic programs for an intelligent network. For GP to be of benefit to an intelligent network, it must be able to reduce the time to create a service and reduce the number of implementation errors in the resultant program.

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 system configured to deliver wireline messages to terminating stations, such as telephones, using a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN). The wireline messages may be composed of text, ring tones, or other items. The wireline messages may be created using modified conventional telephones, mobile telephones, personal computers and the like. The wireline messages are stored within a wireline message database associated with a conventional service control point (SCP) contained in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The wireline messages are delivered to a terminating station, such as a wireline telephone, after a trigger has been actuated. Wireline messages composed of text are displayed on a display screen incorporated within the terminating station or electrically coupled to the terminating station. Wireline messages composed of ring tones are played to alert a called party that an incoming call has been placed from a particular directory number.

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: Techniques for associating a call appearance with data associated with the call are provided. In the techniques of the present invention, the association of the call appearance with the data is based upon matching of non-dialed number identification data.

Abstract: A system and method is described for entering a voice messaging system when a telephone set goes off-hook. If no voice message is waiting, a dial tone is provided to the telephone set. If a message is waiting, a prompt is activated by a telephone system indicating that such message is waiting, and the subscriber is then prompted to listen to the waiting message. If the subscriber does not wish to listen to the waiting message, he can place a conventional telephone call. If the subscriber chooses to listen to the waiting message (e.g., by entering “*” or saying “yes”), control is passed to the voice messaging system and the message is delivered to the subscriber.

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 communication system for use in accessing switch functionality from an external endpoint is provided.

Abstract: A telephone call recording and recorded call retrieval system records telephone conversations and stores the recorded conversations for later retrieval. The system includes on one or more servers coupled to the PSTN, but preferably separate from mobile and land-based telephone company switches. A first server includes telephony, call recording, and call conferencing functionality. A subscriber calls an access telephone number for the first server and is routed to the server by the PSTN. The subscriber has several options with respect to the type of recording: dictation-type recording, automatic recording upon dialing and answer by a called party, or selective recording of any portion of a conversation upon activation of pre-assigned keys on the telephone. The recorded calls are then stored for later retrieval by the subscriber, e.g., on a storage server. The system may be used from both land-based and mobile telephones.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for switching between two network lines, such as telephone subscriber lines. Households and offices are increasingly equipped with multiple network lines for voice and data communications. The line switching unit of the present invention has a first terminal for receiving a CPE line from a CPE device. First and second switches of the unit each connect a common terminal to a first switched terminal responsive to a first value of a control signal received at a control terminal of each switch and to a second switched terminal responsive to a second value of the control signal. The first switched terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal and the second switched terminal of the second switch is connected to the first terminal. The common terminal of the first switch is connected to a first network line and the common terminal of the second switch is connected to a second network line.

Abstract: An enhancement to AIN fault handling that allows SSP triggers to access an alternative treatment application when fault handling is invoked. If an alternative treatment application is referenced in the BCM fault handling attribute, then the application is called when AIN fault handling is invoked. If the alternative treatment application is not successful in completing the service function, then one of the traditional fault handling options is applied, (i.e., routing to a specific directory number, voice announcement then terminate call, continue, or final treatment). The present invention allows a last attempt at completing the service function by the alternative treatment application after fault handling is called, but before default handling or final treatment is invoked.

Abstract: A system and method for providing call information query stores modified call information associated with a telephone number within the local databases of a service provider's local network. The modified call information enables a service provider to unilaterally alter how calls are routed and rated. The service switching points (SSPs) located within a same local network are equipped with modified intelligent network or advanced intelligent network software that enables the local SSPs to receive remote call information resulting from a remote query performed by a remote SSP. The local SSPs analyze the remote call information and generate queries to their local databases to obtain modified call information. New services requiring modified call information can then be implemented based upon the modified call information received as a result of the queries.

Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and processing armed triggers associated with specific call functions in an intelligent network, using a distributed intelligent network triggering architecture. The complex trigger profile is removed from call processing at the service switching point to a trigger processing server, so that a much simplified and reduced profile can be sent to the service switching point associated with a roaming subscriber, which overcomes the problem of lack of support for long messages within the signalling infrastructure, and the problems associated with wide variation in the capabilities of service switching points. The reduced processing at the service switching point means that the detection points for armed triggers residing therein need only have a minimal triggering capability and a generic trigger for each detection point, and therefore do not need to be upgraded as new triggers are defined or as new criteria are defined for existing triggers at a given detection point.

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: A multi-stage data logging system comprising a telecommunications stage for receiving, processing, and compressing data from one or more input channels, a recorder stage for storing said data to a memory device, a distribution stage for retrieving said stored data and distributing said data to one or more output channels, and a plurality of interface paths linking said three stages to one another. Different stages of the system can be located wide distances apart and the interface paths linking the three stages can be automatically switched to achieve fault tolerance of the system.

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: A call administration service for processing incoming calls during service activation times. One embodiment permits a subscriber to provision the administration service using configuration files, which provide the capability to establish flexible scenarios for the allowance, denial and routing of incoming calls. The present invention automatically routes authorized incoming calls, and permits unauthorized incoming calls to be routed in accordance with a caller's interactive responses. An embodiment provides multiple methods for interacting with the system, including file and speech input of subscriber provisioning information, and speech input of caller interactive responses.

Abstract: A network element, such as a service control point, in a telecommunication network controls the playing of promotional announcements to subscribers and provides for the collection of input from subscribers, such as a DTMF tone, in response to the announcements and action based on subscriber input. Stored subscriber records allow the selection and periodicity of announcements to be customized.

Abstract: A telephone session between a calling person and a called person uses a call-related information segment which has been prepared by the calling person to inform the called person of the calling person and the subject of the session. The call-related information is transmitted to the called person and outputted there by use of an output unit, alerting the called person of the nature of the telephone session without the called person entering into the telephone session.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the setting-up of a communication connection by a communication network (TELENET), as well as a service unit for implementing the method. During the call set-up a service request message (SR) for requesting an IN service is transmitted to a network server (SCP1 to SCP3) if the communication connection that is to be set up fulfils predetermined trigger conditions. The service request message (SR) transmitted to the network server (SCP1 to SCP3) is classified by a service unit (SSP; LLIN) as essential or non-essential. The operability of the network server is monitored by the service unit (SSP; LLIN).

Abstract: The invention concerns interworking between distributed services in a telecommunications network, especially in an intelligent network. The invention is based on the idea that at least one new Interworking Point is introduced to the call handling model and with the aid of this Interworking Point the interworking between the distributed services is implemented. The Interworking Point can be defined as either a point where instructions received from one service program are reported to interested service programs or as a point where a service to be carried out by the responsible service program is requested by some other service program. The interworking points are armed by the service programs, and the service programs which armed the interworking point are informed of the encounter with an interworking point.

Abstract: Providing call destination information to a caller includes receiving information related to a caller that uses a caller phone to make a call to a destination phone and receiving information related to a call recipient that uses the destination phone to receive the call. Call destination information is accessed based on both the information related to the caller and the information related to the call recipient. The caller is provided with access to the call destination information.

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: A method of providing telephony services can include receiving a request to query a subscriber information data store to determine service description information for a call. The service description information can specify at least one telephony service associated with a subscriber for use in processing the call. The method further can include querying the subscriber information data store to determine the service description information, receiving the service description information from the subscriber information data store, and providing the service description information to a telephony service node to implement a telephony service specified by the service description information with respect to the call.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing caller control of calls directed to a called party where the called party has forwarded incoming calls. A call forwarding control feature is selected at the local telephone switch of the calling party on a call-by-call basis. Alternatively, the call forwarding control feature may be provisioned at the switch for all outgoing calls. After a directory number of a called party is entered, a determination is made as to whether the called party has call forwarding service and whether the called party as activated call forwarding for incoming calls. If the called party has activated a call forwarding service for incoming calls, the caller's switch is instructed to terminate the call attempt. A message may be played to the caller to alert the caller that the call attempt is being terminated. If the called party's calls are not forwarded, the caller's call is connected to the called party.

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: Hands free voice dialing telephony devices that can perform relatively simple speech recognition, e.g., to recognize one or a few words corresponding to a command to initiate voice dialing, are described. Speech recognition models stored in the telephony devices can be relatively small and may be either of a speaker dependent or speaker independent type. In response to detecting a command to perform a voice dialing operation the telephony device establishes a connection with a voice dialing intelligent peripheral (IP). The IP includes far greater speech recognition capabilities than the individual telephone devices and is responsible for supporting voice dialing operations associated with a plurality of voice dialing service subscribers. The IP performs speech recognition on speech provided by individual telephony devices and outputs telephone numbers corresponding to recognized spoken names.

Abstract: A method for routing service calls in a telecommunication network, in particular those associated with the intelligent network of a network operator (TP), with a switching center recognizing the service call and a control facility controlling the service call. The call coming from the subscriber (TN) is recognized as a service call and the control facility receives an information signal (IDP) via the switching center. If the control facility can neither resolve the service number down to a physical address, nor determine the network operator in whose network the service is provided, the switching center receives a message via the control facility, and forwards the service call to a further switching center via the switching center.