Abstract: Methods of re-establishing a connection between a radio network node and a core network having a control plane entity and a user plane entity in a communication network and of detecting faulty communication paths or re-started entities in such networks are provided. A control-plane entity sends an event in accordance with a media gateway control protocol to the user-plane entity that orders the user-plane entity to notify the control-plane entity when user-plane traffic is received from another network node or when a faulty path or re-started peer is discovered. In response to an order by the control-plane entity, a connection between the radio network node and the user-plane entity can be re-established. Heartbeat messages and heartbeat acknowledgment messages are sent through a communication path, and if a heartbeat acknowledgment message has not been received, the control-plane entity is notified of the faulty path.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a call back option to a customer of a call center. According to one embodiment, the system includes a telecommunications switch and an automatic call distributor in communication with the telecommunications switch via first and second communications links. The system also includes means for providing the customer with a call back option in response to a first call from the customer, wherein the first call is routed to the automatic call distributor by the telecommunications switch over the first communications link, and means for establishing a second call between the automatic call distributor and the customer over the second communications link when the customer accepts the call back option.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for time based regulation of use of a telephone line are provided. An identity of a first caller requesting use of a telephone line is detected. Use of the telephone line by the caller is allowed only if a schedule for the telephone line indicates that the identity is currently allowed for the telephone line.

Abstract: An alert control method in telephone equipment allowing communication with a certain person to be ensured is disclosed. A last-communication time of day related to a name of a person to communicate with is stored in a phonebook database. It is determined whether a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the last-communication time of day without communicating with the person. When it is determined that the predetermined time interval has elapsed without communicating with the person, an audible or silent alert is made to alert the user to make a call to that person.

Abstract: A method for operating a telecommunications system comprises receiving over a computer network, a plurality of data packets from a first telecommunications system, in a second telecommunications system, determining a telephone number in response to a first set data packets from the plurality of data packets, determining computer network call-back data in response to a second set of data packets from the plurality of data packets, determining message data in response to a third set of data packets from the plurality of data packets, and storing the message data and the computer network call-back data in the second telecommunications system, the message data and the computer network call-back data associated with the telephone number.

Abstract: An automated, computerized voice message storage and redelivery system and method comprises a computer for executing software commands, a telephone connection operatively connected to the computer for calling and answering a telephone call from a remote location, and signal recognition capability operatively connected to the telephone connection and to the computer for determining if a telephone called from the telephone connection has been answered by a human voice or by a digital voice. Memory is operatively connected to the computer for storing voice messages for remembering the number of each remote telephone, programs for operating the computer for receiving, recording, and redelivery of voice messages.

Abstract: A method for operating a telephone server includes receiving an incoming call from a first user for a second user at a telephone extension, prompting the first user to speak a message, receiving a spoken message from the first user, receiving a spoken telephone call-back number from the first user, recognizing a numeric telephone call-back number in response to the spoken telephone call-back number, associating the numeric telephone call-back number with the spoken message, and storing the spoken message and the numeric telephone call-back number in a memory.

Abstract: A server for controlling telecommunications and/or computer equipment having a digital transmission link to the equipment. The server can receive and interpret short messages (SMS or UUS messages) including commands and send the commands to the telecommunications or computer equipment through the digital transmission link.

Abstract: There is disclosed an expandable multiline dialing controller which is connected to a computer hosting a database of telephone contact records. The controller is rendered expandable by a capacity expansion interface which allows the connection of second or subsequent dialing controllers in a chain, all of the dialing controllers in the chain sharing the connection to the single computer in telephone contact database. Available operators and available outside lines could be shared between the dialing controllers in the chain. A multiline dialing control system comprising a plurality of such dialing controllers is also disclosed. Also disclosed is the method of conducting a telephone contact campaign in such an expandable hardware environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for establishing a cellular mobile call. If no radio traffic (voice or data) channels are available for a calling Mobile Station (MS), then a test is made to determine the expected wait time before a channel becomes available. If the expected wait time is less than a first threshold, then the call request is queued. If a channel does not become available before a second time threshold, then the caller is notified that the call has been queued and is expected to be established in a short time. A control message is sent to the MS to trigger an indication of the queued status to the user. The indication may be one or more tones, a data display, or the playing of a pre-recorded announcement. If the expected wait time is more than the first threshold, the caller is given the opportunity to be called back when a radio channel becomes available. Advantageously, the number of failed calls because of unavailable traffic channels is reduced, and the caller's annoyance level is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and system for providing online information in a networked user environment in which an end-user runs an application program and transmits data to an online server while running the application program. It is proposed to provide a request-button at the end-user application program dedicated to requesting information, and in particular help-information. When a help request is received at the communication server, a communication channel is promptly established between end-user and an agent. Information about the user activities sent in one or more transaction parts of an end-user intended business process and performed in the current application program session is read from the storage in the application server and is provided to the terminal of said agent in the help center. Advantageously, the same communication channel as used for performing the transactions is used for voice transmission for providing help or other information to the end-user.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatic call connection. A call back request is initiated by a first user and then sent to a second user. After the call back request is received by the second user, the second user is given the option of accepting or rejecting the call back request. If the second user accepts the call back request, then the first user is automatically connected to the second user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a calling number of an incomplete call, and in more detail, a method and apparatus for providing a calling number of an incomplete call for a receiving terminal when the incomplete call, which cannot receive a call, occurs. A calling number providing system provides the calling number of an incomplete call, wherein the system comprises a TCAP connector, a TCAP message receiver, a TCAP message analyzing unit, an incomplete call logging unit, a message informing unit, a controller, a message searching unit, a short message creator, a database broker, and SMCI/SMPP message constructing unit, a short message dispatching unit, and an SMCI/SMPP connector.

Abstract: A method for call center to processing inbound call from a caller during a busy time is disclosed in which the caller will be assigned a place in the queue, an identification and a time window. The call center will keep the place of the caller after the first call is disconnected. The caller shall call back within the time window assigned to him to claim his place in the queue. The caller may place the second call in any moment convenient to him within the time window, or even from a different telephone.

Abstract: A communications system for general business environments that exploits knowledge of user state to provide advantages of efficiency and control for individual users and for the business. The communications system also provides particular advantages in environments where users have multiple communication devices and for communications of a business with external parties. In other aspects, the communication system provides features of application flexibility and system fault-tolerance with broad applicability to communication systems.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to generate a dynamic contact list of contact and presence information about contact events in a communication system when a calling entity unsuccessfully attempts to communicate with a called entity. When such a contact event occurs, a routing processor or call agent generates contact information about the contact event, including the calling party, called party, time of the contact event, and purpose of the contact event. A presence management processor also generates the presence information about the calling party's subsequent availability for return communication, including if a calling party is available for return communication, when the calling party is available for return communication, how long the calling party is available for return communication, and how the calling party is available for return communication.

Abstract: A system for conferencing callers includes a time division multiplexed (TDM) bus. A public switched telephone network (PSTN) interface node that is coupled to the TDM bus receives PSTN signals from a PSTN caller and communicates corresponding information in a first timeslot using the TDM bus. An Internet Protocol (IP) interface node coupled to the TDM bus receives IP packets from an IP caller and communicates corresponding information in a second timeslot using the TDM bus. Also coupled to the TDM bus is a conference bridge node that receives the information for the IP caller and communicates it to the PSTN interface node in a first conference timeslot, using the TDM bus. The conference bridge node also receives the information for the PSTN caller and communicates it to the IP interface node in a second conference timeslot, using the TDM bus.

Abstract: Appointments for a professional are captured and placed on an “electronic” waiting list (e.g., database of scheduled appointments) in an appointment system. When available, the professional (e.g., a physician) communicates with the appointment system and announces his availability. The appointment system begins contacting individuals (e.g., patients) on the waiting list (e.g., in an order specified by the professional), and then bridges the physician and patient for the appointment. The communications are preferably telephone calls, but may be telephone, electronic chats, e-mail, pages, etc. The appointment system includes a billing interface that charges the patient/patients insurance for the appointment. The Appointments themselves may be scheduled, for example, via a touch tone phone response system, a web interface, or other communication devices, etc.

Abstract: An IP telephony gateway and a voice mail resource enable a voice mail subscriber to place an outgoing call to a destination party from a voice mail session according to the voice over IP (H.323) protocol, and resume the voice mail session upon completion of the outgoing call with the destination party. The IP telephony gateway establishes a voice mail session for the voice mail subscriber with the voice mail resource across a first Real Time Protocol (RTP) data stream. The voice mail resource initiates a second RTP data stream to a destination party in response to reception of a prescribed command from the voice mail subscriber. Although an RTP bridge connecting the first and second RTP data streams can be maintained by the voice mail resource, the voice mail resource may also use the Empty Capability Set feature in the H.323 standard to cause the IP telephony gateway to close the first and second RTP data streams to the voice mail resource.

Abstract: Techniques for using the Internet to establish an international telephone call using a callback service where there is a rate difference between the source and destination countries are disclosed. In one approach the customer sends the call information to the callback service by connecting to their website and by completing an Internet based form. Alternatively call information can be provided in an e-mail. The callback service database places the call soon after the call information is received.

Abstract: A method for incorporating functions of an automatic call distribution system into an interactive voice answering system wherein the interactive voice response system coupled to an automatic call distribution system is influenced by communication terminal equipment such that a request for reserving an available agent to the automatic call distribution system is communicated. Given the reservation of a requested agent, the allocated communication system is influenced such that the communication terminal equipment is transferred to the reserved agent communication terminal equipment.

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 method and system for notifying a non-published customer of a telephone network the number and possibly the identity of callers who have been attempting to obtain their non-published number from directory assistance. When a calling party calls for directory assistance, it is determined whether the telephone number sought is a non-published. If so, the call is forwarded to a service package application on a service node where at least a telephone number, and preferably also the name, of the calling party is obtained. A notification call is then placed to the non-published customer and the customer is provided with at least the telephone number and possibly the name of the calling party.

Abstract: A method for operating a telephone server includes receiving an incoming call from a caller, coupling the incoming call to a voice mail server, coupling the incoming call to a voice mail mailbox with the voice mail server, receiving a request from the caller to initiate an outbound call, saving a state of the voice mail server in response to the request, receiving dialing instructions from the caller, processing the dialing instructions to make the outbound call, and restoring the state of the voice mail server after the outbound call is terminated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a subscriber to interrupt a review of messages in a voice mail system (VMS), to make a call or take some other action, and to return to the same position as occupied at the time of interruption in the review of messages in the VMS. In response to an indication from the SSP subscriber's communic ation to leave the review, an identifier is created to mark the position of the subscriber's communication in the review. The identifier is stared in the VMS. The VMS transmits a release message with respect to the subscriber's communication, the message including a copy of the identifier. The message may be a GR-1129 message including a remote operations (RO) parameter with the copy of the identifier. In response to the release message, a service control point (SCP) stores the copy of the identifier and causes whatever action is indicated in the message to be taken with respect to the subscriber's communication.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automated call back of a first telephone station that has been placed on hold by a second telephone station in an advanced intelligent network. The system comprises a service switching point connected to the first telephone station, a service node adapted to connect the second telephone station with the first telephone station when the second telephone station becomes available, and a service control point containing a database identifying the service node as adapted to connect the second and first telephone stations.

Abstract: When a terminating call is forwarded by a CTI-enabled switch to an off-switch destination, the associated CTI controller is notified of the delivery of that call and in response the controller records that destination number as busy and invokes a call back when free request in respect of the destination number. When a notification is received at the CTI-enabled switch that the destination number has become free, the controller is notified, and in response records the destination number as free. The CTI-enabled switch may comprise a switch in combination with a telephony card.

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: A system and method for providing a call back option to a customer of a call center. According to one embodiment, the system includes a telecommunications switch and an automatic call distributor in communication with the telecommunications switch via first and second communications links. The system also includes means for providing the customer with a call back option in response to a first call from the customer, wherein the first call is routed to the automatic call distributor by the telecommunications switch over the first communications link, and means for establishing a second call between the automatic call distributor and the customer over the second communications link when the customer accepts the call back option.

Abstract: A system and method provides an automatic telephone call back to a telephone line being used to access a computer network. A call back is made in response to a request by an inquiring party at a remote data terminal connected to the computer network using a telephone line. The inquiring party provides call back data at the data terminal connected to a computer network, such as the Internet, by way of a telephone line. The call back data is transferred over the computer network to the automated telephone call back system. A computer network interface at the automated back system provides a gateway between the computer network and an automated dialer system. The automated dialer system retrieves telephone numbers provided by the inquiring parties, schedules the call backs, and automatically dials the telephone numbers using a predictive dialer. If a telephone number is scheduled for an immediate call back, the call status is monitored by the dialer to detect a busy signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processing calls to busy telecommunications lines. In one embodiment, the presence of a subscriber accessing a computer network over a first telephone line via a first computer terminal is detected, wherein the subscriber also has a first telephone station connected to the first line. When a caller calls the first line and the first line is busy, the call is forwarded to a second telephone line associated with a call manager system. The call manager system determines when the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network. At least partly in response to determining that the subscriber is no longer accessing the computer network, the call manager system transmits a text message to the caller, the message including the subscriber's phone number. The caller can then call back the first line using the transmitted phone number.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for handling answers at a telephone. The arrangement includes a connection device; an identification device identifying an A number belonging to a caller; and a processing device arranged to create at least two answering alternatives, where each answering alternative includes a respective point of time when a called party at the telephone intends to call back. The answering alternatives are displayed on a display together with an indication of the A number. An input device is utilized to select one of the at least two answering alternatives, whereby the processing device is arranged to transmit the selected answering alternative to the A number. The selected answering alternative and indication of the A number is displayed on the display as a reminder for the called party.

Abstract: A telephone call is originated in a reverse direction, i.e., from a called party to a calling party, using a packet switched network. According to one embodiment of the invention, a calling party located in a first country may wish to place a call to a party in a second country having cheaper telephone rates. To benefit from the cheaper telephone rates of the second country, the calling party sends a data message—via a packet switched network—to a service provider in the second country requesting reverse call origination. The request message may be sent to an electronic mailbox maintained by the service provider and located on a global computer network, such as the Internet. The service provider of the second country, upon receiving the message, dials the destination number of the called party supplied in the request message. After reaching the called party, the service provider of the second country dials the calling party and bridges the call between the two parties.

Abstract: A reservation system and method are provided that allow a user, who wants to receive a telephone inquiry or consultation service but cannot get through because an operator's line is busy, to reliably receive the service by making a callback reservation with a time or condition specified over the Internet without needing further telephone calls. The user enters customer information, such as a customer ID, name, and telephone number, and a reservation time or a reservation condition and makes a reservation. A reservation acceptance unit accepts the reservation from the user and notifies the user of reservation completion. When a user-specified time has come or a user-specified condition is satisfied, a reservation monitor unit notifies an operator of the reservation request to prompt the operator to call up the user. After the operator starts request processing, a reservation-request-processing update unit updates a processing status of the reservation request.

Abstract: An interaction manager system and method are provided to aid a caller in communicating with a callee. An interaction space is provided to a caller's communication device. This interaction space can include visibility information that informs the caller about the status of the callee, accessibility information that provides the caller with a list of communication channels available to the caller, and continuity information that includes information and action facilitation data that reflect the ongoing interaction between the caller and the callee.

Abstract: A method for operating a telephone server includes receiving an incoming call from a first user for a second user at a telephone extension, prompting the first user to speak a message, receiving a spoken message from the first user, receiving a spoken telephone call-back number from the first user, recognizing a numeric telephone call-back number in response to the spoken telephone call-back number, associating the numeric telephone call-back number with the spoken message, and storing the spoken message and the numeric telephone call-back number in a memory.

Abstract: A method for processing a transaction. The method includes receiving validation requests, automatically initiating one or more callbacks to an authorized transactor, and validating one or responses from the authorized transactor. The automatic initiation is in response to the validation requests, and according to pre-selected authorized transactor information. The responses from the authorized transactor are in reply to the callbacks.

Abstract: To provide a transfer control system that allows a call to be retransferred by a command from a source communication terminal and is capable of improving the convenience of a user issuing the command. In-communication information describing that a second terminal and a third terminal are now in communication with each other after a call is transferred in a state where a first terminal and the second terminal are in communication with each other is stored in a call state storage device. When a retransfer command is issued by the first terminal, the call is transferred to a fourth terminal by referring to the in-communication information stored in the call state storage device, thereby establishing communication between the second terminal and the fourth terminal.

Abstract: In case that a call connection request message is transmitted from an originating call side and in case that a user on a termination call side cannot make a response over the telephone due to his or her absence, the call connection request message is stored on the termination call side, and in case that the user on the termination call side returns to his or her seat and selects folded communication processing of the received call connection request message, the call connection request message is transmitted by return by means of an address on the companion originating call side, which is included in the received call connection request message, and on the originating call side, in case that call connection cannot be established due to absence of the user on the termination call side, an address of the originating call side is stored, and in case that a folded call connection request message is received from the originating call side, a previously selected response processing is conducted.

Abstract: A call center system for enabling communication between callers and subscribers. The call center system includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a virtual call center operable to receive calls from callers via the PSTN. The virtual call center performs Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Automated Call Distributor (ACD) functions to the callers on behalf of subscribers of the virtual call center for enabling communication between the callers and the subscribers. The virtual call center performs IVR and ACD functions to callers on behalf of each subscriber based on a service level agreement between each subscriber and the virtual call center. The virtual call center performs IVR functions associated with a subscriber for a caller to access information from the subscriber and for a caller to provide information to the subscriber. The virtual call center performs ACD functions associated with the subscriber to connect the caller with an agent of the subscriber.

Abstract: A method for performing automated telemarketing comprising receiving potential customer data including a telephone number. A telephone call is initiated to the telephone number using an auto-dialing device. Notification is received at a voice platform that the potential customer has answered the telephone call. The voice platform includes a text-to-speech device and a speech recognition device. In response to receiving the notification, a verbal greeting is sent to the potential customer. The greeting is provided by the text-to-speech device. The method further comprises conversing with the potential customer via the voice platform in response to sending the verbal greeting. The conversing includes receiving a message from the potential customer via the speech recognition device. Information is provided to the potential customer responsive to the message. The telephone call is ended responsive to the conversing and telephone call data is transmitted to a database in response to the telephone call ending.

Abstract: Communication system comprising one or more exchanges and a number of terminals (telephone sets, facsimile apparatuses, etc.

Abstract: A procedure to establish communication between two terminals for data transmission, designed to supply the identity of a calling terminal to a receiving terminal. The procedure includes memorization in terminals of a table with the numbers of the terminals of correspondents. At the time of a call, a command is given to the network to supply the identity of the calling terminal to the receiving terminal. In the receiving terminal, the identity of the calling terminal is compared against the content of the table. If the identities match, the receiving terminal calls back the calling terminal.

Abstract: A method for providing telephonic services comprises providing a toll-free access telephone number and receiving signaling or a call made to the toll-free number by a customer. The calling number of the customer number is determined and the signaling is terminated or the call is hung up. Thereafter, the customer is called-back and provided with a dialing prompt whereby the customer can select a desired service.

Abstract: The present invention provides a call-return process and system, wherein a called party can return a missed call to a caller's private number. A forwarded call is received by a call management system, wherein the forwarded call was originally directed by a caller to a first telephone line associated with a user. The call management system receives call signaling information, including a phone number, associated with the caller. The call management system then determines whether the phone number is a private phone number or a public phone number. If the phone number is private, the call management system notifies the user of the call, and without revealing the caller's phone number to the user, enables the user to return the caller's call.

Abstract: A communications network with callback completion to public network stations. An enterprise private network (EPN) includes a communications server, e.g., a private branch exchange (PBX) managing communications with communications devices located at EPN stations and is connected to a public communications network. A call completion (CC) server connected through a Parlay Gateway to the public communications network manages callback requests from connected communications devices to public communications network stations. Call completion to busy subscriber (CCBS) and call completion on no reply (CCNR) services are thus made available from the EPN to the public network or networks including a mixture of public and private telephones.

Abstract: At telecommunication service that takes caller mobility into account and allows the caller to connect to a destination on one attempt. The intelligent call connection service according to the present invention receives a call initiated by a caller/subscriber and dials the called party's number identified by the subscriber. If the called party's line is busy or unanswered, the connection service prompts the subscriber to hang up. Thereafter, the connection service continues calling the called party for a predetermined duration and, when the called party answers, calls the subscriber back at one or more of the telephone numbers supplied by the subscriber as part of the service subscription. Thus, the subscriber or caller mobility is not hampered when the called party's line is busy or unanswered. The service-doesn't require the caller/subscriber to reinitiate the call when the called party's line is busy or unanswered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a collect call originated through a packet based network is provided. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a system is described that facilitates voice communication between a calling party and a party to be called while the costs of the communication session are charged to the called party. In one embodiment, the called party is queried as to whether they wish to accept the costs associated with the pending voice communication session, prior to the two parties being placed in voice communication with each other.

Abstract: Advertising system for callers to busy data service providers. A caller to an ISP or similar service for which the number is busy can be automatically connected to a server which provides advertisements or other information while waiting for the number to become free. The connection to the server is dropped automatically when the ISP number is no longer busy, and a connection to the service provider originally dialed is automatically established. Software in a PSTN implements part of the invention, while software in a computer application or modem firmware implements the steps of the invention performed at the CPE. A user of the invention need not keep trying a busy number, and the feature can be paid for by revenue from selling the advertising.

Abstract: A reservation system and method are provided that allow a user, who wants to receive a telephone inquiry or consultation service but cannot get through because an operator's line is busy, to reliably receive the service by making a callback reservation with a time or condition specified over the Internet without needing further telephone calls. The user enters customer information, such as a customer ID, name, and telephone number, and a reservation time or a reservation condition and makes a reservation. A reservation acceptance unit accepts the reservation from the user and notifies the user of reservation completion. When a user-specified time has come or a user-specified condition is satisfied, a reservation monitor unit notifies an operator of the reservation request to prompt the operator to call up the user. After the operator starts request processing, a reservation-request-processing update unit updates a processing status of the reservation request.