Plural Exchange Network Or Interconnection Patents (Class 379/219)
  • Patent number: 6771763
    Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for transmitting and receiving VoDSL voice traffic that avoids, where possible, the transcoding of a speech signal multiple times. The invention advantageously provides enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) by opportunistically avoiding signal degradation where VoDSL to VoDSL gateway communications may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan Hagirahim, Francis Waldman
  • Patent number: 6768732
    Abstract: A communication system (PBX) is connected via a local computer network (LAN) and an ADSL-oriented communication network (DSL-KN) to a communication terminal (DV-E). The communication system (PBX) has a teleworking module (HLB) which is in the form of a subscriber line module and is connected to the local computer network (LAN). After a communication terminal (DV-E) has logged on to the communication system (PBX), the teleworking module (HLB) controls data transmission between the communication system (PBX) and the communication terminal (DV-E) via the local computer network (LAN) and the ADSL-oriented communication network (DSL-KN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ralf Neuhaus
  • Publication number: 20040131169
    Abstract: System comprising a notification server (6) for notifying unsuccessful calls from first terminals (1) via a telecommunication network (2) to a second terminal (4) temporarily not accessible. The notification server is fit to register an identifier of first terminal (1) and to transmit the identifier to the second terminal (4) after the second terminal has become accessible. Monitoring means (5) monitor the accessability of the second terminal. The notification server (6) registers e.g. the calling line identifier of the first terminal (1) and calls, after the second terminal (4) has become accessible, the second terminal (4), transmitting an artificial calling line identifier having the value of the calling line identifier of the first terminal, registered by the notification server. The call to the second terminal (4) is aborted as soon as the identifier has been transmitted to the second terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Gerard Snip, Herman Pals, Marcus Everarda Wilhelmus Eggenkamp, Jeroen Verdonk
  • Patent number: 6760427
    Abstract: An enhanced computer telephony (CT) network design for a private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system network improves the computer telephony interface (CTI) capabilities of the network. Bi-directional data from remote telephone switching nodes of different PBX systems, each using a common software application, is combined into a single data stream by the network to simplify control of the remote PBX systems. Commands to, and events received from, the different PBX switching nodes are combined by use of a gateway to automatically and transparently route digital information for control of the correct remote system node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Inter-Tel, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura S. Schultz, Mark J. Dancho, David Mello
  • Publication number: 20040127211
    Abstract: To protect the privacy of a user subscribing to a mobile telephony operator, the operator produces an isolating identifier by which the user can link up anonymously with a content provider. The operator/producer is the only entity capable of relating the isolating identifier to the user on request. An isolating identifier is, furthermore, either an isolating session identifier, hence one that changes at each connection of a user to a provider, or an isolating context identifier, hence one that persists over several connections. Furthermore, a context identifier is proper to a user/provider pair. This even further isolates the user. The format of the isolating identifier is compatible with the format of the NDS field, defined in the telephony standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Wary
  • Publication number: 20040120500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement, for operating a telecommunication network (14), with a control computer (66), which controls a network element (12c) of a network node in a telecommunication network (14). In addition to the operating system thereof the control computer (66) has at least one first interface programme (80) and a signalling programme (76, 78), which carries out signalling processes between the control computer (66) and further control computers (34, 36, 38) in the telecommunication network (14). An applications computer (72), connected to the control computer (66), has, in addition to the operating system thereof, at least one second interface programme (82) and at least one application programme (84 to 92). Data is transmitted to the first interface programme (80) by means of the second interface programme (82) and received by the above, which contains signalling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Hinderberger
  • Patent number: 6754327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for exchanging control information between a automatic call distributor and a public switched telephone network. The method includes the steps of identifying a subscriber channel between the automatic call distributor and public switched telephone network for use during a communication transaction and exchanging control information regarding the identified data channel over any of a plurality of available control channel between the public switch telephone network and automatic call distributor using nonassociative signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Electronic Commerce Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel F. Baker, Thaddeus Rafacz, Daniel L. Greene
  • Patent number: 6754332
    Abstract: An automatic call distributor (ACD) system, which includes an object-oriented system for defining one or more call treatments is provided. The system includes a first graphical user interface including a plurality of data record fields, which define data applicable to handling an incoming call. Also included is a second graphical user interface, which is configured to accept one or more tests based on the data included in the data record fields applicable to the handling of an incoming call. The first and second graphical user interfaces include a plurality of icons and data entry fields, which are manipulated by a system user to create and modify a call treatment. Once created, call treatments are displayed in a graphical format on a third graphical user interface, which allows one or more portions of a displayed call treatment to be altered by selecting the graphical representation of the relevant portion using a computer mouse or other point and click device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Concerto Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kneipp, B. Scott Smith, Judith A. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20040114731
    Abstract: A telephone system is described in which subscriber telephones store appearance models for the appearance of a party to the telephone call, from which it synthesises a video sequence of that party from a set of appearance parameters received from the telephone network. The appearance parameters may be generated either from a camera associated with the user's phone or may be generated from text or speech signals input by that party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin James Gillett, Charles Stephen Wiles, Mark Jonathan Williams, Gary Michael Sleet
  • Publication number: 20040114748
    Abstract: A method for providing softswitch failure protection in a communication network is provided that includes assigning an alias point code to a first softswitch. The alias point code is also assigned to a second softswitch. A message is generated that comprises a destination point code that is operable to identify a destination for the message. The destination point code comprises the alias point code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Copley
  • Patent number: 6751672
    Abstract: An efficient and improved dynamic home agent discovery algorithm and system to be used in a protocol for network communications. The present invention encapsulates and integrates communications of the home agents into a single home agent communication. Communication between a mobile node and the home agents is simplified to a single home agent communication. Dynamic home agent discovery processes are performed, based on the single home agent communication. Encapsulation is achieved by having each of the home agents maintain a home agent list that contains information about each of the home agents coupled to the home link. A designated home agent receives and processes home agent discovery requests from the mobile node on behalf of home agents coupled to the home link, and a designated home agent sends home agent advertisements to and communicates with the mobile node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Mohamed Khalil, Emad Qaddoura, Haseeb Akhtar
  • Publication number: 20040109552
    Abstract: Within a network environment, redundant capabilities for exchanging call-processing signals enhance reliability of telephony support for telephony endpoint devices. A data network, such as a telephony-over-local area network, provides primary support for the telephony endpoint devices, which may be telephony-enabled computers or Internet Protocol telephones. A second network has a first mode in which it is inactive with respect to telephony traffic to the telephony endpoint devices, but has a second mode in which call-processing signals are routed through the second network in response to a determination that the data network is disabled. As a result, telephone features such as call deflection may be continued when the primary support is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Beyda
  • Patent number: 6748070
    Abstract: Network resources for a call between a calling party and a called party are allocated. The network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation request. The network resources are reserved before any one network resource from the reserved network resources is committed. The reserved network resources for the call are committed when a called party indicates acceptance for the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Charles Robert Kalmanek, Jr., William Todd Marshall, Partho Pratim Mishra, Douglas M Nortz, Kadangode K Ramakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20040105537
    Abstract: An advanced intelligent network for use with a telecommunication service can include a service logic execution environment (SLEE), at least one service application executing in the SLEE, and at least one message formatting generic service component communicatively linked to the service application. The message formatting generic service component can include an interface to an application which is external to the SLEE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Creamer, Joseph H. McIntyre, Victor S. Moore, Glen R. Walters
  • Patent number: 6745244
    Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention perform enhanced services for wireline and wireless subscribers in an integrated wireline and wireless switching system. The enhanced services may include, for example, group dialing plans, message waiting indicator activation, call forwarding, simultaneous ringing, call conferencing, calling line identification, automatic call back, automatic recall, speed dialing services, and/or any other services that may be provided by a switching system to wireless and/or wireline subscribers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barbara Cosgriff, William Gentry, R. Emery Hanzel, Patrick Lee Price, James Ziesig, Chandrakant Gundecha, Gary Steven Franks
  • Publication number: 20040101122
    Abstract: A method of administering a voice server can include, within the voice server, receiving a call from a system administrator. Call control data of the received call can be matched with a system administration application of the voice server. The system administration application can be executed. Responsive to the executing step, communications between the system administration application and a resource management system of the voice server can be established such that the system administrator can interact with the resource management system to request administrative functions over the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William V. Da Palma, Ricardo dos Santos, Victor S. Moore, Wendi L. Nusbickel
  • Patent number: 6738471
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for ensuring a PSTN protocol restart procedure as defined by the V5 standard after a failure of a first data link carrying PSTN protocol signalling messages. In the method, a first time-out (TC3) for starting the restart process is observed and, if the time-out has tripped, the restart procedure is started by sending a start message using a Control protocol signalling message consistent with the V5 standard. According to the invention, after the first data link carrying the PSTN protocol has been restored to working order, a check is carried out to establish whether a second data link intended to carry Control protocol signalling messages is in order, and this check is repeated until the second data link intended to carry Control protocol signalling messages is in order, and when the second data link is in order, a message for starting the PSTN protocol restart procedure is sent in the Control protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Arto Rukajärvi, Toivo Lallukka, Timo Juntunen, Mika Haapea
  • Patent number: 6735621
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for messaging between disparate networks. A service control gateway (SCG) provides the capability to extend advanced intelligent network (AIN) services transparently between circuit switched and packet networks. In one embodiment, the invention works by translating signaling system 7 (SS7) transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) messages into session initiation protocol (SIP) INVITE messages. SIP messages, which may be responses to the translated messages referred to above, are translated back into TCAP messages. Data from messages is stored in an interaction database, a data structure maintained at the SCG. The SCG uses the interaction database to properly format translated messages for each network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: John H. Yoakum, James E. Reaves, Paul D. Alluisi
  • Publication number: 20040086102
    Abstract: A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kathleen A. McMurry, John Kenneth Gallant, Mariafranca Gregorat
  • Patent number: 6731743
    Abstract: A method of AIN query redirection is performed by a first SCP in a telecommunication network. The first SCP receives a query from an originating SSP and determines that a second SCP should service the query. The query is then populated with information from the originating SSP as well as appropriate routing information to send the query to a second SCP where a response is generated by the second SCP. The query response is sent back from the second SCP to the originating SSP without passing through the first SCP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P.
    Inventors: James D. Kovarik, Duane M. Figurski
  • Patent number: 6731738
    Abstract: A communication hub for providing call tones in a communication network proximate the calling device. The communication hub comprises an interface coupled to a processor and a tone generator. The tone generator is configured to generate call tones. The processor is configured to process an in-band call tone request message to direct the tone generator to provide the call tones to a call device. The interface is configured to receive the call tone request message and provide the call tones to the call device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chaoxin Charles Qiu, Shannon P. Silvus, Richard N. Kennedy, Michael J. Gettles, William Douskalis
  • Publication number: 20040082300
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a digital imbalance correction device, comprising input means adapted to receive first input signals I-in, Q-in containing a plurality of channels from an I/Q converter stage at respective input terminals, each input terminal being associated to a respective signal branch, a time-to-frequency-domain-transforming means FFT adapted to perform a transformation of said first input signals from time-domain into frequency-domain, the transformation result being represented as a power spectrum of said respective first input signals, a subtracting means arranged to receive at its inputs second input signals which are represented by the power spectra of said respective transformed first input signals and to output the gain difference as a function of frequency at its output, a cross-correlation means arranged to receive at its inputs third input signals based on said input signals, and to output a cross-correlation of said third input signals, said cross-correlation output being proporti
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Otto Scheck
  • Publication number: 20040081308
    Abstract: A network element management system which can exploit the customized interface features of a variety of versions of a variety of complex system products from a variety of manufacturers. This is done by maintaining a meta-model, which is not itself a model until instantiated, of the possible known product configurations to be interfaced to. Once the meta-model is instantiated, it provides configuration parameters which the interface program uses to build a correct configuration for the management and/or monitoring interface. This is particularly advantageous in the preferred embodiment of a telecommunications network element management system, but also has potential applicability to other large “supersystem” applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc., a California corporation
    Inventors: Dharmendra Naik, Salim Galou, Gilbert Levesque, Rick Zaeh
  • Patent number: 6724881
    Abstract: A method for optimizing an established call routed across a network from an originating exchange to a destination exchange over a first connection path. The first connection path features a path metric of interest, such as administrative weight. A second connection path is identified which features an improved path metric, the path is made operative and the call is directed over the second connection path. Thereafter, the first connection path may be dismantled. The second connection path is preferably identified by signalling a call set-up message over the network, wherein the message incorporates a reporting field and each transiting exchange propagating the message updates the reporting field until it specifies the path metric of the replacement connection path traversed by the call set-up message. A connect message incorporating the reporting field back is signalled back to the originating exchange from the destination exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn McAllister, Jonathan L. Bosloy
  • Patent number: 6724879
    Abstract: Procedure for the transmission of operation control functions in a telecommunication system comprising a local exchange, a user interface provided in the system, an access node connected to the local exchange via a V5 interface, a wireless local loop system connected to the access node and a terminal device connected to the access node via the wireless local loop system. In the procedure, the operation control functions are generated in the access node on the basis of input supplied via the user interface, and transmitted in the form of short messages directly from the access node to the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Pasi Peltonen, Jussi Sarpola, Hannu Asujamaa
  • Patent number: 6724880
    Abstract: Splitting circuitry receives external telecommunications lines and splits them into corresponding primary and secondary lines for implementing an N:l sparing arrangement in an associated telecommunications system. Sparing circuitry receives the secondary lines and includes selection circuitry and a sparing bus, where the selection circuitry selectively connects a desired group of secondary lines to the sparing bus in response to a selection control signal. Preferably, the telecommunications system routes communications traffic between subscriber equipment connected via the external telecommunications lines and a larger communications network using N primary line interfaces coupled with the primary lines. When desired, the telecommunications system controls the sparing circuitry such that secondary lines corresponding to a group of primary lines associated with a given primary line interface connect to the spare line interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventor: Franklin A. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6721413
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for observing and controlling a multi-layered communication network, comprising steps of: storing control contents for each layer; observing traffic information of each link which belongs to an upper layer; storing the traffic information observed and related information for each link; altering a route in a lower layer and capacity for each link based on the observed traffic information for each link, related information for each link and the control contents for each layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20040066930
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a computerized provisioning environment for a service agent performing provisioning of intelligence network services is provided. The method includes grouping the identity information of the service agent, a plurality of navigation links directed to information pages, and a plurality of task links directed to a task pages into separate sections. The method also includes displaying the separate sections on a same single layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Aaron W. Bangor
  • Publication number: 20040066929
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating analog voice service and derived POTS voice service in a DSL environment are provided. One embodiment is a system comprising: a first communication path for carrying plain old telephone service (POTS) voice signals between a telephone-type device and a subscriber line of a telephone network; a second communication path for carrying derived POTS voice signals between the telephone-type device and the subscriber line; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the telephone-type device between the first communication path and the second communication path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon Bremer, Joe Chapman, Bob Scott, Ed Thoenes
  • Patent number: 6718027
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automated system for retrieving, delivering and modifying subscriber line settings through requests from a maintenance technician to a telephone service provider's (“telco's”) systems. The system and method disclosed utilizes standard AIN queries, call setup messages and information delivery services thereby avoiding the need to use a terminal interface into the telco's systems. The technician enters data in response to prompts from a service node communicating with the technician via a telephone call. The service node sends the technician's request to a service control point which forwards the call to the switch serving the subscriber's line to be analyzed or modified. The switch responds to instructions provided by the service control point to effectuate the technician's request and sends the results to a telephone line designated by the technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Dale W. Mailk, Robert A. Koch
  • Patent number: 6718031
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a call trace system and method that is simple to establish in a short amount of time. The call trace is implemented through a Web browser page which remotely programs central offices to trace calls to particular number. When a trace is established a message is sent back to the Web browser which displays the calling number, the called number and the central office detecting the call. Also, a page is sent to a pager which displays the traced information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ameritech Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Fellner, James F. Langdon
  • Publication number: 20040062375
    Abstract: Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) information from an Signaling System 7 (SS7) network (11) is provided, in response to an original SIP-compatible request by an SIP entity (17) in an SIP network (10), to the SIP network where the TCAP information is then used to facilitate call setup and routing of the call. In one embodiment, the SIP network locally stores the TCAP information upon receipt (at least temporarily) such that the TCAP information is available for subsequent local use without requiring a correspond inquiry to the SS7 network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Guanglu Wang, Michael Homeier, Anoop Tripathi, David Grabelsky
  • Patent number: 6714978
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: WorldCom, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelvin R. Porter
  • Patent number: 6711159
    Abstract: A telephony system and method having a switch for analog voice and data signals that is connected to a first network, and a router for routing Internet Protocol packets that is connected to a second network using Internet Protocol addressing. The telephony system and method also includes a telephony gateway that is connected to both the switch and the router for converting analog voice signals into Internet Protocol packets and for converting Internet Protocol packets into analog voice signals, the telephony gateway being connected, and a remote access server that is connected to both the switch and the router for converting analog data signals into Internet Protocol packets and for converting Internet Protocol packets into analog data signals. The switch may have a switch matrix capable of being connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network, a line rack with a plurality of line cards connected to the switch matrix, and a trunk rack with a plurality of trunk cards connected to the switch matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Grabelsky, Michael S. Borella, Sudhakar Ramakrishna
  • Patent number: 6711240
    Abstract: A calling party dials a called party, leaves a message on a voice messaging system after either receiving a busy status or a no-answer status, and the messaging system dials the called party at intervals until receiving an answer status and then plays the message. Prompts for delivery options and message options may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Sunil Contractor
  • Patent number: 6711249
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supporting intelligent call routing (ICR) systems multiple vendors, in a vendor neutral fashion using a computer is described. One embodiment has a voice program send a call routing request using an HTTP format to a call routing program. The call routing program decodes the HTTP request and identifies the appropriate vendor-specific communication format and communications method for talking to the ICR system specified in the HTTP request. The call routing program sends the request and receives the answers from the ICR system in the vendor specific formats. The call routing program provides the ICR system response back to the voice program in a vendor neutral fashion. This approach allows voice programs to easily be written that work with multiple ICR systems and allow component reuse of call routing code amongst programs that end up working with multiple systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Tellme Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry R. Weissman, James R. Everingham
  • Patent number: 6704408
    Abstract: A method and system for connecting a wireline telephone to a wireline switch in a wireline telecommunications network having a plurality of remote terminals and wireline switches includes a processing platform having a database associated therewith. The processing platform is operative to receive identification of a subscriber in response to a call attempt and determine a preferred connection between the wireline telephone and one of the plurality of wireline switches based on predetermined data stored in the database and associated with the subscriber. The remote terminal connects the wireline telephone to one of the plurality of wireline switches based on the preferred connection as directed by the processing platform so as to complete the call attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Smith, Don E. Gillespie, Gary R. Duffy, Charles I. Cook
  • Publication number: 20040042608
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: MCI COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Zey
  • Publication number: 20040042613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically translating the dialed string entered by a calling party to identify a called party into another dialed string. The string translation may be based, for example, on characteristics of the telephone number or telephone terminal of the calling party or characteristics of the call itself. Translation rules translate the dialed string entered by the calling party to another dialed string. Each translation rule contains one or more conditions and a corresponding action item that should be performed to translate the dialed string when the rule is satisfied. The improved abbreviated dialing feature allows a shorter sequence of digits dialed from any telephone connected to a compliant switch to be replaced by a longer dialed string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert V. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040032941
    Abstract: Automated call routing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a speech recognition directory system facilitates the routing of callers based upon stored results of recent disambiguations, which may be stored in heuristic profiles that are associated with callers. Instead of requiring a caller to process a series of disambiguation attempts, in which secondary information is presented for the caller's approval, this call routing scheme leverages the fact that the user is likely seeking a person they've previously contacted. In large directories, this call routing scheme improves the speed of the transaction and eliminates the frustration of the disambiguation process. Rather than pursuing a disambiguation process with the caller, the call routing system may immediately announce the transfer. The caller may abort the process if the selected call destination is incorrect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Graham, Marie Josee-Labine, Richard A. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040032942
    Abstract: A system for providing termination information for an international telephone number includes a centralized database of terminating characteristics. The system may also include request processing logic that receives an international telephone number from a user. In response to receiving the telephone number, the request processing logic may automatically query the centralized database to obtain information that indicates whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. In response to obtaining the information from the centralized database, the request processing logic may automatically transmit to the user a response that indicates whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. The system may also include a database engine that uses a tree structure of linked nodes to perform a longest matching prefix search on the telephone number in response to the request processing logic querying the centralized database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: SBC Properties, L.P.
    Inventors: Jackie A. Halpern, Elias Berelian, Lesley A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6694313
    Abstract: A method for the compression of a telephone number database in a telecommunications system. The telephone number database contains a plurality of data records each having a specific dialing pattern, and each dialing pattern has a specific local network code number for a corresponding local network. According to the present invention, superfluous dialing patterns are eliminated or, as far as possible, are combined in a more general and shorter dialing pattern, in order in this way to obtain a compressed telephone number database which requires a smaller amount of memory in the telecommunications system and allows the time required to set up a call to be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wilfried Roemer
  • Publication number: 20040028206
    Abstract: A method for configuring an access device that is coupled to an Internet Protocol network enables the access device to apply a desired signal to an access line, which signal is requested by a local exchange. Upon receiving a V5 protocol message from the local exchange requesting the desired signal to be applied to the access line, a voice gateway or Internet Protocol Access Terminal maps the V5 protocol message into a text message in NCS format containing one or more parameters associated with the desired signal and sends the text message to the access device over the Internet Protocol network. Upon receipt of the text message, the access device or media access terminal adjusts its configuration in accordance with the received text message using the one or more parameters included in the text message and one or more default values stored in a management information base accessible to the access device that defines the desired signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Kent Freyman, Robert C. Stein, Michael Patrick Ryan, Haneef B. Charania
  • Publication number: 20040028207
    Abstract: An Internet telephone system is provided with an Internet terminal device capable of connecting with the Internet and transmitting and receiving audio signals for a voice communication. The Internet terminal has a communication unit through for transmitting/receiving the audio signals to/from the Internet. The Internet terminal device has a first interface for outputting/inputting the audio signals for the voice communication and a multifunction device having a telephone function and an Internet telephone function. The multifunction device has a sound input/output unit, a second interface that interfaces between the sound input/output unit and the first interface, a third interface that interfaces between the sound input/output unit and a public telephone network, and a switching system that switches the second interface and the third interface depending on whether the telephone function is used or the Internet telephone function is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tokunori Kato
  • Publication number: 20040028202
    Abstract: A method for performing a conference call between an Internet call and a telephone network call in a webphone system includes receiving a conference call key input in a point-to-point call state; checking whether there exists a held call in response to the conference call key input; adding a speech channel and forming a forming a speech path between subscribers, when there exists a held call; and performing a conference call when the speech path is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Jung-Ouk Lim, Jong-Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20040028220
    Abstract: An IP telephone apparatus for executing a telephone call through a computer network. The IP telephone apparatus includes: a main unit; a telephone line connection unit connected to a telephone network; an external telephone connection unit connectable to an external telephone; a dialing start command detection unit configured to detect an IP telephone dialing start command; an audio signal input/output unit that inputs/outputs an audio signal; a handset validation unit configured to selectively validate one of a handset of the main unit and a handset of the external telephone; an audio signal path switching unit that switches a connection target of the validated handset from the telephone line connection unit to the audio signal input/output unit when the IP telephone dialing start command is detected so that the audio signal input/output unit can be transmitted to the network terminal through the computer network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ouchi, Susumu Chida, Tokunori Kato
  • Patent number: 6687363
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing a signaling network of call coordinators (CCs) for internet telephony. The new method can be used to design a CC network of arbitrary size that satisfies, with high probability, limitations on the maximum number of sockets per CC and on the maximum number of hops between an arbitrary pair of switches in the network. According to the disclosed method, the network of CCs is treated initially as a collection of isolated points, one point for each CC. Then, links are added between pairs of CCs, excluding pairs lying within the same switch. The links are added randomly, but with a particular probability p, which may be different for different pairs. Thus, whether a given link is added depends, in effect, upon the outcome of a loaded coin toss in which the probability of a positive outcome is p.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Murali Aravamudan, Krishnan Kumaran, Kajamalai Gopalaswamy Ramakrishnan, Aravind Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 6687365
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for unified overlay dialing enables simplified telephone dialing to occur within a standard overlay area and eliminates disruption dealing with area code saturation. Each three-digit area code within an overlay area is associated with a single-digit suffix, with the parent area code obtaining the suffix “0”. Intra-overlay area dialing then proceeds on the basis of a seven digit number plus a one-digit suffix, rather than a full 10 or 1+10-digit number. For dialing to the parent area code from within the overlay area, the suffix may be omitted entirely, and the expiration of a suitable timing delay causes the seven digit number provided to be dialed into the original (parent) area code. This method can be implemented in connection with a telephone company central office switch, a modified custom calling service or be made accessible to individual telephone subscribers using computerized customer premises equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Gilbert J. Yablon
  • Patent number: 6687364
    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 and service is provided by starting a service program executing the desired service logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Pekka Lehtinen
  • Publication number: 20040013258
    Abstract: A communications environment includes a first end user unit configured for performing network-based communications and a connection device configured for establishing a connection from the first end user unit to a specific entity. A web site corresponding to the specific entity is also provided. The web site is configured for providing, upon an accessing of the web site, private communications between the first end user unit and the specific entity via the connection using the connection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: WEB. DE AG
    Inventor: Pierre-Alain Cotte