Abstract: The invention relates to a packet generating method for multiplexing one program composed of digital image, digital sound or digital data, or multiplexing and transmitting plural programs, a data multiplexing method using the same, and an apparatus for coding and decoding such transmission data, and the invention further relates to a packet generating method for generating a packet row of digital data, containing a change identifier for identifying change of digital data in the packet row, and multiplexing so that the packet containing this change identifier may be disposed closest to the packet containing the changed digital data, among packets containing various change identifiers in the packet row, a data multiplexing method using the same, and an apparatus for coding and decoding such transmission data.

Abstract: A call processing apparatus incorporates a robust database supporting both autodialing and autoattendant functions. Incoming calls not directed to a specific telephone extension and any call to a dedicated autodialer function are answered and the caller prompted to speak the name of the desired person or department. A speech recognition platform analyzes the spoken name to provide one or more searchable text strings representing the various spellings associated with the spoken name. The database is searched to retrieve corresponding terminal address instructions such as the telephone number or extension of the named party and call routing to the address is initiated. Alternatively, in an autoattendant mode, a subscriber calls a telephone number associated with a specified service such as a hotline and is asked to identify himself by name. The speech recognition platform again provides a corresponding searchable text string used to retrieve subscriber-specific information for handling the call.

Abstract: A generic access service is provided in a telephone system to enable users to get dialup access to different network access services. User profile data showing which network access services a user subscribes to is held on a database accessible to the service control subsystem of the telephone system. Upon detection of a particular phone number assigned to the generic access service an authentication procedure is initiated in the service control subsystem to identify the user. Once identified, the service control subsystem uses the user profile data to determine what access services are available to that user. Thereafter, a particular access service is selected and the number of a corresponding network access server derived.

Abstract: A routing table enables a particular long distance carrier for a particular long distance or international destination at a particular time. Different entries in the routing table correspond to different days and times for different long distance and international destinations. If a subscriber dials a number corresponding to the information in the routing table, the carrier corresponding to that information is used to carry the call, instead of the subscriber's default carrier. If the subscriber dials a number that does not correspond to an entry in the routing table, then the default carrier is used to carry the call.

Abstract: A systems and methods described herein may be incorporated into a “service marketplace” system that matches users with potential information or service providers and establishes a real-time communications connection between the user and a selected information provider. In one embodiment, an alternate is selected for the user when the service provider that the user is trying to connect with cannot be reached. In an alternative embodiment, the alternates can be used in conjunction with the service provider that does connect with the user in order to provide a second opinion or possibly deeper background information. In one embodiment, the service providers can either be a live person at the other end of the connection or a recording.

Abstract: In a method of routing digital signals based on criteria defined by the user all messages receive a prioritization based on the criteria defined by the individual user. Based on this guidance, each digital message is Tagged so that Overlay software can determine the prioritization that will be applied to the message and subsequently which media or route will be used and when a message should be sent. The Overlay software uses embedded look-up tables, which define available routes so that prioritization decisions can be made, real-time, based on route status or cost, and prioritization algorithms or a combination of both to determine the most appropriate media or route to send a message. The Overlay software also counts each message, the route used, and the time sent to enable accounting verification at an appropriate time in the future.

Abstract: Re-distribution servers are installed at the branch points of a network for distributing streaming data, and route costs between two re-distribution servers are collected. Then, a distribution route tree from a source to a plurality of clients is automatically generated based on the cost information.

Abstract: A method of and system for telecommunication are disclosed, in which a service provider establishes a point of presence with a plurality of telephone numbers in at least one first vicinity. The service provider receives telephone calls to those numbers and relays each such call over a wide-area network (WAN) to a recipient in a second vicinity to which the telephone number in question is not local. Each said telephone number is assigned to a specific recipient, and each call is directed to its recipient on the basis of the telephone number to which it was made, so that each number can be presented to potential callers as if it were a local number in the first vicinity for the recipient, even though the recipient may have no physical presence in the first vicinity. The recipient thus has a “Virtual Telephone Number” (VTN) in the first vicinity.

Abstract: A method for permitting transparent handling of signal messages and voice information of a subscriber to a desired network operator through at least one local exchange of a network operator physically allocated to the subscriber.

Abstract: A point-of-presence (POP) call center system capable of answering, servicing, queuing and routing of calls at local points of presence to reduce communications costs and enhance operational efficiency for toll-free inbound call centers. The POP call center system includes a set of point-of-presence call center gateways distributed at points of presence close to the point of call origination that are connected by a virtual private network to premises call center gateways at business locations where the call centers reside.

Abstract: Because of technological and regulatory changes, telecommunication service is becoming more of a commodity, with competition between service providers for traffic. The herein disclosed invention stimulates this competition and facilitates a service provider's and a consumer's ability to make economic choices between competing telecommunication carriers. In this method and system, telecommunication switches route calls in accordance with economic incentives (e.g., least cost routing) resulting from a bidding process between participating telecommunication carriers (Carriers), administered by a bidding service provider through operation of a central processor, a computer referred to as a bidding moderator (Moderator). Some of these switches may be provisioned to treat every call attempt presented to them as a call attempt to be routed to the low-bidding Carrier.

Abstract: A method and system for routing calls to a wireless platform uses local number portability searches to achieve advanced intelligent network capabilities. The method and system of the present invention “ports” wireless subscriber numbers to a number for a platform providing a specific service. When a caller dials the subscriber's wireless number, a switch determines whether the number is portable. Since the number has been ported, the switch launches a query to a local number portability service control point to obtain additional routing instructions. The service control point accesses a local number portability database to determine the proper routing number. The new routing number allows calls to be routed to a service platform in the wireless network. The service control point transfers the routing number to the switch which then translates the routing number to a directory number for the platform. The call is then routed to the platform.

Abstract: A system and computer program for routing a call to a dedicated number through an AIN-based network. The system improves the probability that a call based on a dialed dedicated number will be routed through a node to one of a plurality of interexchange carriers, said node having a predetermined sequence of preferred carriers assigned thereto. The system of the present invention ncludes a system for recognizing said dedicated number, a system for assigning primary, alternate and secondary interexchange carriers responsive to said system for recognizing. Also provided is a system for sequentially routing said dedicated number from said node to said interexchange carrier corresponding to said primary, alternate, and secondary carriers until a connection is established.

Abstract: The programmable device connects an initiating telecommunications device with a destination telecommunications device through one of a plurality of telecommunications carriers based upon information stored in a database in the programmable apparatus. The programmable apparatus includes input and output devices, a processor, a memory and various databases. The system accesses and obtains information from the database and establishes a telecommunications link between the initiating telecommunications device and the destination telecommunications devices via one of a preferred low cost call carrier or a least expensive low cost call carrier. The database includes access telephone numbers, clearance code data (i.e., PIN numbers), cost of call rate data for specific destinations, specific days of the week, date and time of day for a plurality of telecommunications carriers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for transferring service of a local loop from one local exchange carrier to another competing local exchange carrier. A first local exchange carrier has a first switch connected to an distribution frame, which is connected to subscribers. A second local exchange carrier sets up a second switch and an interface in proximity to the distribution frame, and “half-taps” the interface with the connection between the first switch and the distribution frame. The second local exchange carrier has control over the first switch to connect or disconnect it from the distribution network.

Abstract: A calling party (12) may enjoy IP network routing of a call to a called party (14) simply by dialing the called party's number. Upon receipt of the call, a network (22) accesses a service database (24) containing call routing instructions. Each record is identified by a particular attribute of a call that may include: (1) the originating number, (2), at least a portion of the destination number, (3) a Carrier Identification Code (CIC) associated with the network originating call, and/or (4) at least one characteristic of a trunkgroup on which the network received the call. If the network matches a data base record to a call attribute, the network routes the call in accordance with the instructions in the matching record, including routing the call over an IP network 16 when the record so specifies.