Abstract: This method comprises a preliminary phase for realizing services that includes breaking down, at least partially, each service to be provided in service elements that bring together processing sequences common to several services or interacting with other services, processing the call originated from a telephone network customer including transmission of a service request through the telephone network up to a service control point adapted for realizing a requested service, and execution of the requested service by the service control point, which includes setting up an initial information message and transmitting this message to other invoked services during the telephone call, the message containing a list of service element identifiers subjected to a preliminary authorization demand, a list of unauthorized service element identifiers, and a list of identifiers of information types that must be notified to the service from other services that were invoked during the telephone call.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing communication services such as voice dialing services are described. In one Centrex based voice dialing embodiment, voice dialing service subscribers are given access to personal voice dialing records including calling entries via the Internet as well as via telephone connections. Each calling entry normally includes the name and, optionally nickname, of a party to be called. It also includes one or more telephone numbers associated with each name. Different telephone number identifies, e.g. locations, can be associated with different names. A user can create or update entries in a voice dialing directory using text conveyed over the Internet or speech supplied via a telephone connection. In order to facilitate updating and maintenance of voice dialing directories over the Internet speaker independent (SI) speech recognition models are used.

Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

Abstract: The inventive system and method provide an integrated information and communication network to any number of associated communication terminals. The invention includes at least one home system or server containing a plurality of applications for performing communication and information services. The home system allows the associated communication terminals to connect and access the applications to receive any of the variety of information and communication services directly from the home system. Communication information in the form of communication signals, data, or any combination of the two may be sent between the communication terminals and the home system. Such information may be provided by the user, by the home system, or may be obtained or processed by any of the available applications.

Abstract: An apparatus in an intelligent type for filtering a disturbance for an incoming phone call includes a phone call data bank, a user's interface device, a register module, and a filtering module of incoming phone call. The phone call data bank stores at least one phone call data, and the phone call data includes an identification type. The user interface device receives a filtering flag set by the user to the phone call data, having the similar identification type. The register module stores a phone number of the incoming phone call when a request for signal connection is received. The filtering module of incoming phone call compares the phone number of the incoming phone call with the filtering flag of the phone call data bank, so as to judge whether or not the phone number of the incoming call needs to be screened. The present invention also provides a method in an intelligent type for filtering a disturbance for an incoming phone call.

Abstract: A telecommunications network for the automated switching of calls according to predefined user preferences has a plurality of computer platforms (100, 200, 300) at spaced locations, each platform including call receiving means (130, 230, 330), switch control means (120, 220, 320) for controlling the switching of incoming calls, and a Global data server (150, 250, 350) for maintaining real-time call destination status information. The switch control means of each platform is in communication with the Global data server of all of the other platforms. Call Destination Status information for a given user, is maintained on only one of the available Global data servers, with users being spread across the platforms to approximately equalise the loadings at each site.

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: A method of identifying an other party associated with identifying information engaged in communication with a called party, includes the steps of: receiving a call for the called party, receiving an indication that the called party is engaged in communication with the other party, receiving a request for the identifying information; and receiving the identifying information. An apparatus for identifying a third party engaged in communication with a called party may include a node for receiving a call for the called party, receiving an indication that the called party is engaged in communication with the other party, receiving a request for the identifying information, and receiving the identifying information. The apparatus may also include a timer associated with a preselected timeout period.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating server-based call processing services and call control may employ service triggers transported via a standard protocol. A service trigger may enable a service provider to modify or otherwise to customize the behavior of a call processing server arrangement; some or all of the functionality of the call processing server arrangement may be controlled or influenced in accordance with parameters set by the service provider and defined by the service trigger. A service trigger may enable a full range of customization options, ranging from simple modifications to complete service creation and implementation, interrupting and altering call control logic at any point during call control operations.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting wireless telephone users whether a call is a toll call. This invention provides communication subscribers with a notification when placing a toll call to either other wireless or landline subscribers. The notification may be a toll notification informing the subscriber that a long distance call is about to be placed. The notification means may be a pre-recorded message, tone alert, e-mail message or any other means of alerting the user. Advantageously, the caller may terminate the call upon notification that he has engaged in a toll call, prior to the call being connected to the called party. The result is that the user is fully aware and in control when placing calls that he may not recognize are toll calls, due to impacts from local number portability or roaming of the wireless user.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a local call from a payphone by a customer through long distance carrier switches. The payphone customer dials a long distance provider primary intralata carrier (PIC) code followed by a number sequence. The local call is routed to a long distance provider switch using the long distance provider PIC code. The payphone call is then routed to a voice response unit (VRU) using the number sequence. The VRU prompts the payphone customer to select local calling from the VRU menu, enter a destination number, and to enter their long distance calling card information. The system then verifies that the customer's calling card account is active and connects the call.

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 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: A method, comprising the steps of receiving a communication originally directed to a POTS line by a service platform, the communication including ANI information and DNIS information, identifying a customer of the service platform using the DNIS information, accessing a customer profile to determine a type of service to be provided to the customer and routing the communication to a device connected to the original POTS line to which the communication was directed.

Abstract: The present invention allows a single trigger, such as a Termination Attempt Trigger, to invoke multiple feature service logic programs (feature SLPs) through the use of a Feature Interaction Manager service logic program (FIM-SLP) installed at a service control point (SCP). A database, accessible by the service control point, contains subscriber information such as the type of services subscribed and the order in which the services are to be invoked. The Feature Interaction Manager service logic program invokes individual feature SLPs based on the information contained in the database that specify how the feature SLPs will interact. In one embodiment, the present invention allows multiple services to be deployed within a common service control point. In a different embodiment, the Feature Interaction Manager service logic program located in a first service control point can also invoke features SLPs that are located in other service control points.

Abstract: A method of providing a user the option to accept an incoming call, play a prerecorded message to the incoming party, ignore the incoming call or forward the incoming call to a separate telephone number is disclosed for use when the user is connected, via the same telephone line, to the Internet. The disclosed invention reduces the number of times the incoming call is transferred which reduces the number of reserves used in processing the incoming call. This reduction frees up system resources and allows overall system resources to be used more efficiently.

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

Abstract: A network-based announcement and message delivery service for providing a landline customer with information of interest such as weather, financial market data, time/temperature, sporting event results, etc. The information is provided to the subscriber by way of information displayed on a caller-ID display and/or by way of talking caller-ID.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently utilizing resources in a switched telephone network by providing call treatment at the closest available resource to the calling party preventing holding up network connection through to the terminating location if resources are not available at call termination equipment to handle a call. The selected calls are locally parked pending the availability of service termination resources to handle the call. The availability of service resources at the termination is determined before a selected call is extended through the network. Advantageously while the call is parked call treatment discrimination can be performed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for telephonic querying of a receiving center (2).

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating server-based call processing services and call control may employ service triggers transported via a standard protocol. A service trigger may enable a service provider to modify or otherwise to customize the behavior of a call processing server arrangement; some or all of the functionality of the call processing server arrangement may be controlled or influenced in accordance with parameters set by the service provider and defined by the service trigger. A service trigger may enable a full range of customization options, ranging from simple modifications to complete service creation and implementation, interrupting and altering call control logic at any point during call control operations.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automatically terminating a call in a communications system involve a first subscriber unit originating a call to a second subscriber unit and terminating the call when the second subscriber unit rings.

Abstract: A method and system for treating telephone calls at a services node prior to completing the telephone call. The services node may provide a variety of services to treat the telephone call such as a Personal Access Service or playing a pre-recorded message. After treatment at the services node, the system recognizes that the telephone call has already been treated at a services node and the call is completed.

Abstract: A database is formed for providing two intelligent network services in connection with the same call, the database comprising data on the mutual compatibility of the different intelligent network services. In connection with each such call which involves at least one first intelligent network services and one second intelligent network service, an exchange receives the data on the first intelligent network services. If this data is sufficient for arming detection points, the exchange arms the detection points from which the first intelligent network services will be activated if the activation criteria are met during the call. The exchange also determines the data for arming a second detection point from which the second intelligent network service will be activated if the activation criteria are met during the call.

Abstract: System and methods for real-time, interactive transmission of information about travel schedules and creation of travel schedules are provided. A user defines desired travel parameters, such as dates, times, costs and the like related to a travel component. Travel components are reviewed to determine if traveler parameters are triggered. If a travel component triggers traveler parameters, options for other travel components may be determined. A user may be contacted and communicated information about the travel component and options, thereby allowing a user to interactively create a travel schedule.

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

Abstract: A system to remind a user of calls he should make, to prevent protracted negligence, comprises a telephone service server that generates a call-to-make reminder page based on the urgency of reminder identified by multiplying a non-contact period from the last call made to the person to contact as derived from communication logs by the level of necessity to maintain a close relationship as derived from profiles of the person to contact; and a user's telephone 12a equipped with a display unit to show the call-to-make reminder.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network privacy screening service that allows callers provided with a bypass code to bypass the privacy screening. A termination attempt trigger is provisioned on the subscriber's line at a service switching point. When callers from private or unknown numbers call the subscriber, the call is routed to a service node that plays an announcement to the caller to start the privacy screening process. The caller can then enter the bypass code to bypass the privacy screening. A subscriber to the privacy screening service can change his or her bypass code by calling a system administration number, and entering his or her password and bypass code.

Abstract: A system for a caller to control a distinctive ring for a telephone call includes a service switching point and a service control point. The service switching point is operable to receive a feature code and a called directory number, and to issue a query in response to receiving the feature code. The service control point is operable to receive the query and issue a response to the service switching point. The response includes a distinctive ring parameter. Upon receiving the response from the service control point, the service switching point processes the call so that the distinctive ring parameter causes a distinctive ring signal to be applied to a called telephone line associated with the called directory number.

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

Abstract: 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: Apparatus and a method for controlling a conference bridge. In response to receipt of a first signal, such as Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency Signal (DTMF), muting a port of a speaker who has captured the bridge. In response to a subsequent signal or a time-out, the speaker's port is unmuted. Advantageously, this arrangement allows conferees other than the speaker to help control the allocation of the conference bridge among the conferees.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring the original calling number in a call routed through an out-of-network enhanced service provider to a forwarding destination. The system comprises a service control point, a service switching point in communication with the service control point, and an enhanced service provider service node in communication with the service switching point, wherein the service node is located outside of a network while the remaining components reside within the network, and wherein the service switching point is provisioned with two triggers: an incoming trigger for calls to the service node and an outgoing trigger for calls from the service node. According to the method, the service control point, in response to the incoming trigger, removes and stores the private call information of a call exiting the network and, in response to the outgoing trigger, restores that private call information to the call once the call re-enters the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method for a call-forward procedure in telecommunications, in which method calls placed on a user's home address are forwarded to a new target address. According to the invention, the final activation step of the target address is required to be accomplished from the registered target address only. Further according to the invention, the control method of telecommunications location resolution completes the update of location data only if the authenticated user verified to be situated in the location that according to the user's desire is to be registered as the new user location in the location resolution service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for putting through at least one call having a predeterminable priority (cpr) to at least one subscriber connection (TA1 n) allocated to at least one call distribution system (CDS). The distribution of the at least one call which is to be put through to the group (CDS) is controlled according to the respective priority (cpr) thereof. The inventive method represents a useful extension of the MLPP standard in the direction of the call centre, the triggering of calls being avoided by calls having a higher priority.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating server-based call processing services and call control may employ service triggers transported via a standard protocol. A service trigger may enable a service provider to modify or otherwise to customize the behavior of a call processing server arrangement; some or all of the functionality of the call processing server arrangement may be controlled or influenced in accordance with parameters set by the service provider and defined by the service trigger. A service trigger may enable a full range of customization options, ranging from simple modifications to complete service creation and implementation, interrupting and altering call control logic at any point during call control operations.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting wireless telephone users whether a call is a toll call. This invention provides communication subscribers with a notification when placing a toll call to either other wireless or landline subscribers. The notification may be a toll notification informing the subscriber that a long distance call is about to be placed. The notification means may be a pre-recorded message, tone alert, e-mail message or any other means of alerting the user. Advantageously, the caller may terminate the call upon notification that he has engaged in a toll call, prior to the call being connected to the called party. The result is that the user is fully aware and in control when placing calls that he may not recognize are toll calls, due to impacts from local number portability or roaming of the wireless user.

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

Abstract: Intelligent network (IN), comprising at least one Service Switching Point, SSP (2), at least one Service Control Point, SCP (3), one or more Intelligent Peripherals, IPs (5), and/or one or more Voice Response Systems, VRSs (4), which IN is capable of interacting with a PSTN or ISDN (1). The essence of the concept is an additional interface, in the form of a control member (6), between the IPs and/or VRs on one side and the Service Control Point(s) on the other side. Such makes it possible that the (advanced) IPs and VRSs are capable of exchanging all sorts of information with the SCP, without the IPs or VRSs consequently being occupied for an extended period of time. As a result, the SCP may dispose of (additional) information which in a regular IN cannot be made available to the SCP(s).

Abstract: A communications interface system receives an initial address message for a call into a circuit process and transferring the initial address message to a call process. The call process processes the initial address message to generate and transfer set-up information to a bearer system. The bearer system receives user communications for the call and routes the user communications in response to the set-up information. The circuit process receives a release message for a call and transfers the release message to the call process. The call process processes the release message to generate and transfer tear-down information and a disconnect message. The circuit process generates and transfers a release complete message in response to the disconnect message. The bearer system terminates the routing of the user communications in the in response to the tear-down information.

Abstract: A user of an enhanced telecommunications service in accordance with the invention may invoke information assistance while the user is connected to a destination party. The information assistance may include, for example, a concierge-type service feature whereby the user may make restaurant reservations, purchase goods and services, etc. with an operator's assistance. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a first information assistance center which receives a concierge request from a user also provides information concerning fulfillment of the request to the user, even though the request may be fulfilled by an agent in a second information assistance center, located in a different region than the first information assistance center. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the operators who handle a user's calls may be rated by the user in terms of their performance.

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: 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: An apparatus and method for conducting a conference call between a wireless line and a land line using customer premise equipment, where a cordless telephone device connected to the PSTN includes a wireless telephone cradle for receiving a cellular telephone. Interface circuitry residing in the cordless telephone controls operation of the cordless telephone handset and the cellular handset when positioned in the cradle and connects a first call between a user and a first party via the PSTN and a second call between the user and a second party via the wireless telephone network toward establishing a conference call among the user, the first party and the second party. Echo cancellation and suppression is provided to minimize objectionable echo between the two far end parties.

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: An on-demand teleconferencing system and method for an Expanded Conference Call (ECC) initiated by dialing an ECC Access Code when originating a new call to a Conference System, or causes an active two party or three-way call to be connected to a Conference System to allow a greater number of parties to participate in the conference call. A subscribing party initiates ECC by dialing an abbreviated ECC Access Code consisting of a dialing sequence of less than seven digits. The original two or three-way call participants in an active call are automatically connected to the conference system after the subscribing party initiates ECC without having to disconnect and originate new calls.

Abstract: A network-based announcement and message delivery service for providing a landline customer with information of interest such as weather, financial market data, time/temperature, sporting event results, etc. In a first embodiment, information is provided to a subscriber who simply lifts the handset of the telephone. The subscriber instead of hearing a dial tone hears the information in the form of streaming audio. In another embodiment, information is provided to the subscriber by way of information displayed on a caller-ID display and/or by way of talking caller-ID.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to logical telephone numbers. In particular, dynamic number users are able to obtain dynamic numbers and to map those numbers to routable numbers of their choosing. The present invention provides a tool for protecting privacy while sharing and/or publicizing a number for public purposes. The present invention relates to a Dynamic Telephone Number Service (DTNS.) wherein users are provided with a logical temporary telephone number that is mapped dynamically to a physically addressable number. The use of the DTNS allows a dynamic number user to publish the logical number, thus avoiding the need to publish private information and phone numbers for public purposes. Further, the logical number is not permanently assigned, but rather is temporary and provided to the dynamic number user for a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: When a Service Switching Point (1,2) of a telecommunications network receives signalling from a first customer telephone (5) for a destination customer line equipped with a special divert response CPE, network signalling is used to request from the destination line specified by the digits signaled by the first customer, data defining a network destination to which the call is to be connected. The call may be diverted to another telephone or may be diverted to network apparatus arranged to provide voice information and/or data collection facilities to enable further decision on the ultimate destination of the incoming call.