Abstract: A method for soft switch call control and a soft switch device therefore are provided. The soft switch device acquires an initial address message (IAM) at a calling side, analyzes information of the calling party and the called party based on the acquired initial address message (IAM), and informs the media gateways to create a context and to add TDM semi-permanent physical terminations of time slots corresponding to the calling party and the called party into the context when the calling party and the called party are controlled by the same media gateway. Thus, it can implement a local loop of TDM voice, reduce IP loop of RTP streams and efficiently reduces network resources such as steps for digital signal processing, echo elimination and etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling multiple services to be invoked in a specific precedence per call are disclosed. For example, the present method allows a subscriber to interact with a plurality of services provided by a service provider on a single call.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes identifying a service provider based on information received from a requesting party at a networked communications apparatus. The method also includes determining whether a plurality of predefined service areas have been defined for the identified service provider. When the plurality of the at least one predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider, determinations are made as whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. When the requesting party is in a predefined service areas, information specified for a service location for the predefined service area is forwarded to the requesting party.

Abstract: A forwarding telephone number in a programmable telephone number list associated with a called number is dialed in response to a busy or no answer signal at the called number. The programmable telephone number table may include preferred caller telephone numbers. The system and method may be may be implemented on an AIN based wire line system.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to a communication in an Advanced Intelligent Network from a caller to a subscriber's directory number where the communication has been terminated to a voice mail system (VMS) instead having been terminated to the subscriber's directory number. The methods and systems transfer the communication from the VMS so the VMS is no longer involved in the communication. A message indicating a release of the communication by the VMS is generated. The message also indicates an action to be taken regarding the communication such as a transfer to a different number. The action and related information may be provided in a remote operations parameter of a GR-1129 message. In response, directions are provided to carry-out the action. As a result, the communication is released from the VMS, and is acted upon without further involvement of the VMS.

Abstract: A method and structure for the invention forwards a request for voice instructions from the XML browser to a call control protocol to CCXML/Voice XML converter. The invention converts the request for voice instructions to the call control protocol using the converter and forwards the request for voice instructions from the converter to the control point. The control point returns voice instructions to the converter, and the converter, in turn, converts the voice instructions from the call control protocol to CCXML/Voice XML. This process next returns voice instructions from the converter to the CCXML/Voice XML browser and the XML browser executes the voice instructions using the XML browser. Then, the invention runs an application on a CCXML application server connected to said CCXML/Voice XML browser.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of providing service data towards a set of two or more network elements (31 to 35) of a telecommunication network (1), as well as a service provisioning system (2) and a computer program product for executing this method. The service provisioning system (2) receives a plurality of change requests for said service data, the change request concerning one or more of the network elements of the telecommunication network (1). The service provisioning system (2) analyzes the dependencies of two or more received change requests and/or corresponding network elements specific update requests with respect to service data. Then, it aggregates independent change requests and/or update requests and transmits one or more concurrent update commands that force a parallel execution of the aggregated change requests and/or update requests to one or more network elements of the telecommunication network (1).

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the various functions of the telecommunications network, such as call processing and routing, automatic fault detection and correction, providing services to customers in an interactive manner, fraud detection and control, identification of patterns of abuse of the network, collecting data regarding call activity at each network element, and producing a record of each call placed within the network.

Abstract: A system that implements the display of the well-recognized MLPP keypad generated by a computer-based application adaptable for any authorized user. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for emulating an MLPP telephone. The exemplary system comprises a data entry portion that accepts telephone call initiation information, including MLPP priority information, from a user, and an information display portion that displays information relating to the data entry portion. In one form of the invention, the data entry portion comprises a visual representation, on a display device, of an MLPP telephone keypad, and a data input device. The visual representation, on a display device, may be a visual representation on a video display terminal associated with a personal computer.

Abstract: A method for routing, which includes: accessing call and sending call information to a intelligent call routing device, receiving routing information returned from the intelligent call routing device, the routing information being obtained by the intelligent call routing device according to a presetting routing script corresponding with the call information, according to the said routing information, routing the call to an objective device, and a device and system for routing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a call to a telephone number are disclosed. Generally a first network element is queried regarding treatment of a call. A telephone number is associated with a second network element, and the call is routed to the telephone number when the first network element determines the call has been previously treated at the second network element based on an originating telephone number of the call.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for a computer protocol that facilitates provisioning services to client devices. The computer protocol includes discovery transactions that allow a client device to retrieve information regarding services available to the client device from a provisioning server. A service comprises a plurality of content files capable of being installed on the client device. The computer protocol also includes subscription transactions that allow the client device to manage content in service directories. A service directory comprises a plurality of services. Further included in the computer protocol are delivery transactions that allow the client device to downloading of data related to services.

Abstract: In a telephone network, an intelligent peripheral (IP) provides a variety of auxiliary call processing functions, such as announcement playback and digit collection. In response to each call, the IP queries a service control point (SCP) over a data network, for instructions as to processing of the call. The IP runs software to select one SCP for control of each call, from a number of SCPs on the data network, and obtain the requisite instructions for the call from the identified SCP. For each call, the IP software identifies the telephone number of the subscriber and uses the NPA-NXX and D digits from that number to access a first mapping table and obtain a CLLI code identifying an SCP. Using the CLLI code from the first table, the IP software accesses a second mapping table to obtain the CLLI code for the mate to the identified SCP. Using the two CLLI codes, the IP also goes through the second table to obtain all of the Internet Protocol addresses for the two SCPs.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing a service to a telephony device. A call is routed to a virtual number in a service-providing network. The call is directed to a dialed telephone number in a native transport network, wherein the virtual telephone number is associated with the dialed telephone number. An advanced telephony service is received from the service-providing network.

Abstract: Pass code security is provided for a teleconference call in an AIN-based telecommunications network. Participants to the conference call dial in to a bridge at a Service Switching Point (SSP). If a trigger is detected on the line associated with the bridge, a Service Control Point (SCP) is queried, which in turn causes an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) to generate a voice message asking the caller for a pass code. If a valid pass code is entered by the caller and received at the IP, the SSP connects the caller to the bridge.

Abstract: A communications management network for managing subscribers' communication sessions. The management network includes multiple sets of session management modules or servers (e.g., Intelligent Service Control Points), a services hub and a data warehouse. The network may also include a gateway for routing text messages. Each set of session management modules includes a plurality of modules, and each subscriber is assigned to one set of modules with one of the modules as a primary and another as a secondary or backup. Subscribers are grouped according to geographical area (e.g., by zip code, by area code), service area or other criteria, and all subscribers within a group are assigned to the same primary and secondary modules. Management of subscribers' communication sessions is load balanced by reassigning groups of subscribers to different sets of session management modules. Each module tracks account statuses (e.g., prepaid services balances) for its assigned subscribers.

Abstract: A method for determining a regime to be applied to a connection in a communication system by means of which connections may be made to terminals associated with any of a plurality of operators, each terminal being addressable by means of a subscriber identity formatted to include a first field and a second field, the first field being, for at least some of the subscriber identities indicative of the operator with which a respective subscriber identity is associated, the method comprising: transmitting to an operator determination function of the network a first message requesting a regime for a connection and including a subscriber identity field comprising an indication of the subscriber identity of the terminal that is to terminate the connection; receiving the first message at the operator determination function; determining by means of the operator determination function the operator to which the subscriber identity of the terminal that is to terminate the connection is assigned, and content of the first

Abstract: A method and system for determining, through voice recognition, the geographic location of the initiator of a telephone call. The initiator dials a specified telephone number and is connected to a computer system. The telephone number dialed is used in a system that requires knowledge of the initiator's location to determine the recipient of the call. The system asks the initiator one of a series of questions, those questions designed by the user of the system (client) to determine which one of a plurality of recipients should receive the call. The initiator's verbal response to each question is digitized using speech recognition technology. The system uses each digitized response to either assign a locational designator to the call or to ask more definitive questions. At the point where the answers have satisfied the client's location determination, the point of call origination is determined and a locational designator is assigned to the initiator.

Abstract: Computer-supported method for building and/or synchronising a second database from/with a first database, accesses by work units being carried out at least on the first database from at least one application workstation, to generate, change or delete contents of the database, with at least one first server to guide and maintain the first database, said server being connected to at least one application workstation, at least one second server to guide and maintain the second database, at least one data connection which connects the two servers, a software program component being provided by which, in the case of a transaction which is initiated from one application workstation on the first database, a sister transaction can be called up on the second database and vice versa—in which case, from the point of view of the application workstation, the sister transaction on the side of the second database behaves analogously to its counterpart on the side of the first database.

Abstract: A cellular system for handling outgoing calls from a mobile station (1) including a network element (8) being capable of recognizing voiced commands and names, and has in memory a database of telephone numbers corresponding to an array of names. The mobile station (1) connects to the network element (8) and the mobile station user communicates the desired outgoing call function to the network element (8) by voice. This desired outgoing call function may be communicated while the mobile station (1) is engaged in using supplementary services provided by the network element (8), at any operation point in those services. The network element (8) evaluate the voice communication, retrieves any corresponding information, including telephone numbers, and communicates the necessary information need by the mobile station (1) to carry out the desired function to the mobile station (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for modifying at least one connection parameter of a circuit switched terminal device, wherein the at least one connection parameter can be modified at a called terminal by a corresponding input operation after the receipt of a setup signaling message. The connection parameter is incorporated in an answer signaling message to be transmitted in response to the setup message, and compared with a negotiated connection parameter. Based on the comparison result, a parameter modification is initiated. Thereby, a discreet and fast slip from an offered to a wanted service can be offered at little message traffic.

Abstract: System and methods for alleviating the signaling system number 7 (SS7) network by routing WNP data queries for a number's Service Provider ID (SPID) from the SS7 network to a database that resides within the IP network and processed therein for many applications, including inter-carrier SMS and MMS. The WNP data is maintained by the carrier internally, and the query is an IP query for a Service Provider ID (SPID). The system includes an intelligent routing server connected to a messaging service center. The intelligent routing server determines: (i) if the originator subscriber is a valid user of a particular service; and (2) whether the remote receiver is one of its own carrier subscribers. If it is determined that the remote receiver is one of the carriers own subscriber's service provider, then the intelligent routing server routes the SMS to an appropriate messaging service center for delivery of the message to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for numbering plan area (NPA) split processing is disclosed. In one implementation, a query is received during a permissive dialing period. The query comprises a destination location that is associated with a first NPA. It is determined whether a first call processing record identifies a service that is NPA sensitive. The first call processing record is associated with a destination location that is undergoing a NPA split. The first call processing record is identified by the destination location and the destination location is associated with a first NPA. A second call processing record is then used for processing in place of the first call processing record when the first call processing record identifies a service that is NPA sensitive. The second call processing record is associated with the destination location that is undergoing an NPA split. The second call processing record is identified by the destination location and the destination location is associated with a second NPA.

Abstract: A method and structure for providing a voice dialogue in a telephone network that includes initiating a telephone call, routing the telephone call to a voice processor based upon a call control protocol, and converting the call control protocol to a voice extensible markup language. More specifically, this process first directs a telephone call to a switch. The switch requests routing instructions from a control point and routes the telephone call to a voice extensible markup language (XML) browser according to the routing instructions. Next, the invention forwarding a request for voice instructions from the XML browser to a call control protocol to voice XML converter. The invention converts the request for voice instructions to the call control protocol using the converter and forwards the request for voice instructions from the converter to the control point.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing message flow control in a signal transfer point are described. One method includes receiving, at a source card in a signaling message routing platform having a distributed internal processing architecture, a message requiring a service. The method also includes maintaining, on the source card, a local memory table containing a list of service cards and corresponding flow control status of each service card. The local memory table on the source card is also queried to select a service card capable of performing the service. The message is transmitted to one of the service cards with an available flow control status.

Abstract: A method and system include routing telephone calls from multiple private networks via public lines and trunks in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a host switch, at which the connections would begin to run parallel. The host switch routes the telephone calls via a private trunk group to a private facility, such as an electronic tandem network (ETN) node or an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. If the private trunk group is full or unavailable, the host switch routes the telephone calls over alternate private or public trunk groups and selected carriers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony, wherein the system includes a location manager and an IP telephony proxy server. The location manager includes an interface to a legacy telephony service control entity and the IP telephony proxy server includes an IP interface to the location manager. If the IP telephony proxy server requires intelligent network services, then the IP telephony proxy server sends an IP telephony session initiation request to the called party at the location manager. The location manager uses the information to query the legacy telephony service control entity for routing information. When the location manager receives a routing response from the service control entity, the location manager maps the response to an IP telephony session control message back to the IP telephony proxy server.

Abstract: In accordance with an improved call routing methodology, a call is routed within a communication network by reference to one or more databases. In response to receiving a local number portability request at a service control point (SCP), the SCP accesses one or more databases to determine whether or not to apply custom call routing to a call directed to a called telecommunications number. In response to determining to apply custom call routing to the call, the SCP performs at least a second access to the one or more databases to obtain a local routing number (LRN) associated within the one or more databases with a calling telecommunications number associated with the call. The SCP thereafter provides the LRN to a service switch point in the communication network so that the call is routed to a called station associated with the called telecommunications number.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method for accessing and interacting with an interactive telecommunications service system is disclosed. The method can include activating a programming mode, entering a plurality of keystrokes to create a keyed sequence where the keyed sequence can include a telephone number and a menu response sequence. The menu response sequence can control the menu driven portion of the telecom service system after the device is connected via a telecommunications network. The keyed sequence can include delays between each of the plurality of keystrokes. The delays can be recorded and a session identifier can also be recorded. The keyed sequence can be associated with the delays and the session identifier in response to the activated programming mode. Access to the service and results from a service request can be automated by the disclosed arrangements.

Abstract: A system may install a trunk between a first switch and an end office, where the trunk is a trunk home for the end office. The system may further identify Numeric Numbering exchanges (NXXs) that home to the end office. Traffic for at least one of the identified NXXs is routed to the end office through a second switch that is different than the first switch. The system also causes traffic for the identified NXXs to be routed to the first switch.

Abstract: A system has a first entity and a second entity. The first entity and second entity are arranged to have a control interface therebetween. At least one of said first and second entities is arranged to associate a resource with at least one connection. At least one of said first and second entities has means for checking the status of the connection and to release an associated resource if the connection is terminated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signaling connection control part (SCCP) loop detection and prevention are disclosed. A signal transfer point (STP) receives a message and performs global title translation (GTT) for the message. The STP compares the originating point code (OPC) in the signaling message with the post-GTT destination point code (DPC) in the message. If the incoming message OPC matches the post-GTT DPC, SCCP looping is detected and the message is discarded. If the incoming message OPC does not match the post-GTT DPC, the STP may correlate the incoming message OPC or the DPC to one or more additional point codes to identify the presence of SCCP looping.

Abstract: A switching system receives a first message for a call and transfers a second message. A centralized processing system processes the second message to identify first route information and redirect capability for the first called party, and transfers a third message indicating the first route information and redirect capability. The switching system processes the third message to initiate first communications between the caller and first called party. The switching system receives and processes a fourth message from the first called party indicating redirect information for a second called party to transfer a fifth message indicating the redirect capability and the redirect information. The processing system receives and processes the fifth message to identify second route information, and transfers a sixth message indicating the second route information. The switching system processes the sixth message to initiate second communications with the second called party.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing location information associated with a calling party are disclosed. Generally, a query is received from a network element. A location associated with a calling party is identified in response to receipt of the query, and an indication of the location is transmitted for delivery to a called party.

Abstract: A method for location-based communicating includes defining at least one predefined service area for a service provider. A networked communications apparatus receives a communication including a first identifier that identifies the service provider based on input from a requesting party. A determination is made as to whether multiple predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider based on receiving the communication at the networked communications apparatus. A determination is made as to whether the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas, when the multiple predefined service areas have been defined for the service provider. A determination is made as to which of the predefined service areas the requesting party is in, when the requesting party is in one of the predefined service areas. Information specific to a service provider location is provided for the determined predefined service area the requesting party is in.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of content includes a terminal and a network entity. The terminal is capable of sending a content status including terminal status information having a listing of one or more pieces of content stored in a memory of the terminal. The network entity includes a content flow manager that is capable of receiving the terminal status information. Then, based upon the terminal status information, the content flow manager can control the flow of content to the terminal. More particuarly, for example, the content flow manager can be capable of controlling the terminal to delete at least one piece of content from a memory of the terminal, and/or download at least one piece of content from a source of content.

Abstract: An Intelligent Network (IN) switch for use in a communications network. The Intelligent Network (IN) switch comprises N call application nodes capable of executing a plurality of primary-backup group (PBG) applications. Each of the plurality of primary-backup group applications comprises a primary call process and a backup call process, wherein the each primary call process executes an originating half-call model application and a terminating half-call model application associated with a call connection. Each primary call process comprises a primary call instance data (CID) table for storing call instance data used by the originating half-call model call application and the terminating half-call model application. Each backup call process comprises a backup call instance data (CID) table capable of being updated to mirror the call instance data stored in the primary CID table.

Abstract: A method for enabling one or both parties of a telephone call to view contents of a source computer via a computer network during the telephone call. The method includes the following steps: (1) associating a telephone number of a telephone line with a network address of the source computer; (2) retrieving the network address when a call is received by or placed on the telephone line; and (3) establishing a data session between the source computer and one or more display devices associated with the telephone line during which contents of the source computer are displayed on the display devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing telephony services to customers. A metaservice is associated with a directory number. The metaservice is provisioned as a pseudo-service for advanced telephony services for the directory number. When a request is received for an advanced telephony service for the directory number, then the metaservice is provided to appear as the requested advanced telephony service.

Abstract: Gateway apparatus for facilitating communications using a stateful protocol (e.g., SIP or SIP/SIMPLE protocol). The gateway apparatus includes a plurality of gateway devices and a remote dialog store, wherein each of the plurality of gateway devices comprises export logic for causing dialog information associated with a first received message (e.g., a request or response) to be communicated to the dialog store, and retrieval logic for causing a lookup of the dialog information in response to a second received message, the second received message associated with the first received message. In one example the gateway devices are stateless, thereby relying on the dialog store for validating and routing messages. In another example, the gateway devices are stateful and rely on the dialog store for backup (e.g., if a gateway device crashes). The gateway devices may be configured for receiving and processing messages according to SIP protocol or SIP/SIMPLE protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of handling a telephone call initiated from a calling terminal in a circuit switched telecommunications network by providing called party identification data of a called party to said network. In the method proposed said call i s set up by obtaining answering party identification data from a service control point associated with said called party based on said provided called party identification data. Communication is provided through said network between said calling terminal and an answering terminal identified using said answering party identification data. Said answering party identification data is made available to at least one service control point in said network for identifying services associated with said answering terminal. The invention further relates to a switching device for use with said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data communications network and a method of operation thereof. A data communications network (14) is described which includes a call server (58, 60, 62, 64) for the purpose of signalling, and a routing server (66, 68) for the purpose of routing to permit communication between users of the network. The call server (58, 60, 62, 64) is operable to send a request to the routing server (66, 68) for the purpose of obtaining the identity of another call server (58, 60, 62, 64) to which it is required to communicate. The request is provided with a parameter which relates to the origin of the communication within the data network (14) to enable a desired routing of the communication through the network.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony, wherein the system includes a location manager and an IP telephony proxy server. The location manager includes an interface to a legacy telephony service control entity and the IP telephony proxy server includes an IP interface to the location manager. If the IP telephony proxy server requires intelligent network services, then the IP telephony proxy server sends an IP telephony session initiation request to the called party at the location manager. The location manager uses the information to query the legacy telephony service control entity for routing information. When the location manager receives a routing response from the service control entity, the location manager maps the response to an IP telephony session control message back to the IP telephony proxy server.

Abstract: A message conversion system comprising a first interface configured to receive a call signaling message for a call in a first format wherein the call signaling message includes a plurality of call information elements, a processing system configured to copy the plurality of call information elements from the call signaling message, insert a first group of the plurality of call information elements into a first group of a plurality of fields of a setup message, and insert a second group of the plurality of call information elements into a second group of the plurality of fields of the setup message, and a second interface configured to transmit the setup message.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony, wherein the system includes a location manager and an IP telephony proxy server. The location manager includes an interface to a legacy telephony service control entity and the IP telephony proxy server includes an IP interface to the location manager. If the IP telephony proxy server requires intelligent network services, then the IP telephony proxy server sends an IP telephony session initiation request to the called party at the location manager. The location manager uses the information to query the legacy telephony service control entity for routing information. When the location manager receives a routing response from the service control entity, the location manager maps the response to an IP telephony session control message back to the IP telephony proxy server.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein include a method and system for billing for the use of a service control point (“SCP”). In one presently preferred embodiment, an SCP receives a query from a service switching point (“SSP”) and accesses data in a database in response to the query. The accessed data is associated with a data owner. The SCP tracks that the SSP sent the query and that the data owner's data was accessed in response to the query. After a plurality of queries have been received and tracked, the SCP creates a billing record and sends it to a billing center. Using the billing record, the billing center can charge the SSP for the use of the SCP. These preferred embodiments provide an efficient way for charging for the usage of an SCP, especially when the SSP querying the SCP is owned by a different telecommunications company.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a general protocol for a service control point (SCP) in a network system. The network system comprises at least one first type network element (SCP) and at least one second type network element (SSP) for transmitting messages to the first type network elements (SCP), respectively using a specific protocol. The first type network elements (SCP) are able to process the received protocol-specific messages and to transmit messages to said second type network elements by using service logic programs (SLP). In addition, the system comprises a definition means (1) for defining protocol definitions related to one message into a general protocol definition for the message, and for providing general protocol definitions for all possible transmitted messages for each of the first type network elements (SCP).

Abstract: A communication system for remotely updating a registered user's status allows the user to make status updates using a uniquely dialed number to a feature server of the system. The unique number corresponds to a particular status state that the user desires to be shared with others.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a plurality of advanced telephony services using a metaservice are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a service provider installs a metaservice on the processor and associates the metaservice with a directory number on the switch. The metaservice acts as a pseudo service. When the service provider receives a subsequent request for an advanced telephony service, the service associates the requested service with the directory number through the metaservice, thereby avoiding many of the provisioning steps that are conventionally required to set up each service.

Abstract: A system and method for providing early warning notifications to telephone subscribers having calling number delivery service. The system uses an advanced intelligent network to initiate several calls in rapid succession to all calling number delivery subscribers located within a predetermined geographic area. A code identifying the disaster warning message is transmitted to the subscribers' calling number delivery systems in place of an actual calling line identification. Subscribers having calling name delivery service receive the disaster code and a text message briefly describing the disaster warning.