Abstract: A system and method for redirecting incoming calls is disclosed. When the status of a wireless or mobile phone meets a predetermined condition or set of conditions, the LNP database is updated to redirect an incoming call to a phone number, such that the incoming call is redirected to the wireless or mobile phone.

Abstract: An inbound traffic allocation module is configured to store, in a database, data received from a plurality of site-services, and to determine a route capacity based at least in part on the received data, data received from each of the site-services including data related to at least one of a health and a busyness of the site-service. A traffic manager module is configured to retrieve the data from the site-services and to provide the data to the inbound traffic allocation module. A service selection engine module is configured to receive a request to route a call, and to route the call to one of the site-services based at least in part on the route capacity associated with the site-service.

Abstract: The invention provides location information indicating the geographical location of a mobile station via a core network node serving the mobile station. The method includes the steps of initiating a communication between the mobile station and the network by calculating the geographical location, supplying corresponding location information indicating the geographical location to the core network node, and subsequently routing the communication between the mobile station and the network.

Abstract: A method for providing advanced intelligent network (AIN) supplementary services between an ITU H.323 endpoint and a service control point (SCP) having service logic programs (SLPs) and transaction capabilities applications part (TCAP) protocol support is described. The method preferably includes providing an ITU H.450 interface in the SCP, the ITU H.450 interface being capable of communicating with the ITU H.323 endpoint, and utilizing an ITU H.225 FACILITY message and an ITU H.450 application protocol data unit (APDU) to carry one or more of call-related information, operation codes and AIN messages between the ITU H.323 endpoint and the SCP. In a case in which the AIN supplementary services are not related to an existing ITU H.323 call, the ITU H.225 FACILITY message is empty. Alternatively, in a case in which the AIN supplementary services are related to an existing ITU H.323 call, the ITU H.225 FACILITY message is one of a variety of user-to-user information elements (UUIEs).

Abstract: A service control point (SCP) (140) associated with a public-switched telephone network (PSTN) (110) includes a service logic module (210-N+1) and a network interface (215). The service logic module (210-N+1) enables the service control point (SCP) (140) to establish a connection with an Internet Protocol (IP) application server (120) via a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) network (105). The network interface (215) communicates via the connection to integrate telephony services between the PSTN (110) and the TCP/IP network (105).

Abstract: PSTN functionality is enhanced by the addition of an external service bridging device (ESBD) between one or more devices, e.g., signal switching points (SSPs), and a service control point (SCP). The ESBD serves as a coupling device to one or more control devices, e.g., other SCPs or IP servers, in addition to the SCP. To support the passing of messages between the SS7 network and the control devices, the ESBD includes message reformatting capabilities. The ESBD monitors for messages directed to SCPs and/or replies to messages directed to an SCP. In response to detecting a message the ESBD checks to determine if the detected message is to be processed or simply forwarded to the SCP. Messages to be processed are intercepted, duplicated, modified, replaced, broadcast, redirected, etc. Replies to broadcast query messages are detected and processed so that a single reply, in the format of an SCP response, is returned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use on a computer for the automated generation of commands or other data to populate tables of a database. The automated generation process of the present invention entails separating business logic from device specific logic, defining the organization of incoming data, identifying and setting default data parameters, defining the format for the output data, and implementing the command generating object oriented classes in program source code, to generate device specific commands.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for selectively performing global title translation based on message type at an SS7 network node. A message is received indicating route-on-global-title. A message type of the received message is determined. Global title translation is selectively performed based on the determined message type.

Abstract: A method for distributing incoming telephone calls among inbound links of a service platform is provided. First information is accumulated regarding routing of the incoming telephone calls during a previous time period to the inbound links of the service platform by a network call processor. Second information including a number of the inbound links of the service platform allocated to the network call processor for a future time period is generated based on the first information. A number of the incoming telephone calls are routed to the inbound links of the service platform during the future time period based on the second information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing automatic route selection (ARS) services through the use of advanced intelligent network (AIN) functionality are described. AIN based ARS services are provided through the use of a route selection table implemented outside a switch, e.g., at the service control point (SCP). Alternatively, ARS functionality is provided using conditional logic at the SCP or a combination of conditional logic and an ARS table. The AIN based ARS service can be provided in addition to switch based ARS services. Methods for selecting the ARS method to be used based on switch type and/or the complexity of the ARS service to be provided are also described. The ARS functionality identifies the route, e.g., physical trunk or other line, over which a call is to be routed. The selection may be between trunks corresponding to different telecommunications carriers, services or privately owned lines.

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: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: A method for invoking the service in the intelligent network includes realizing the communication between the different service control points in the intelligent network and providing various intelligent service to the users by the cooperation between the communicating service control points according to the service request information of the user. The method for invoking the service in the intelligent network of the present invention enables the process of invoking the intelligent service to have better application and extensibility. The process of various service invoking needn't limit to the service control point of the same manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of visually or auditorily indicating spam status or a spam class for a calling number through a called terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for resuming the evaluation of initial Filter Criteria (iFC) at a specific point. Two new parameters are defined for inclusion in the service logic of application servers and serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) servers. The first parameter, an iFC index parameter, is a number which indicates an index to a current specific position in the iFC evaluation. The S-CSCF may insert the iFC index parameter into route headers of SIP messages that originate from the S-CSCF to the application servers. The second parameter, an iFC resume parameter, is based on the iFC index parameter or another number along with an original dialog identifier, which the application servers may insert into route headers of SIP messages that originate from the application servers to the S-CSCF to indicate a desire to resume operations at the specific position in the iFC evaluation.

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: A method for setting up a call to a subscriber station. The method comprises, at a first telecommunications platform, receiving a first request to set up a call to a subscriber station. The first request is processed at a second telecommunications platform. The second platform provides a second request to set up the call to the subscriber station, where the second request includes a non-loop parameter. The second request is received at the first platform and the first platform responsively sends a service request including the non-loop parameter to a third telecommunications platform. The third platform detects the non-loop parameter and, in response to at least the non-loop parameter, directs the first platform to set up the call to the subscriber station.

Abstract: A communication network element determines a service provider's routing preference for routing communications and routes these communications from an originating connection address to a destination connection address over a network. The communication network element includes a receiver configured to receive a signal, which comprises the originating connection address and the destination connection address. The communication network element also includes a processor that determines the service provider associated with at least one of the originating connection address and the destination connection address of the received signal. The processor also determines the routing preference associated with the service provider using routing data.

Abstract: A service control point comprising multiple interfaces configured to receive multiple query messages from requesting devices using multiple different protocols, wherein all of the interfaces provide access to the call processing applications within the SCP. The service control point is configured to process the query messages and generate response messages, which are transmitted back to the requesting devices using their respective protocols.

Abstract: A method for protecting incoming calls in coloring ring back tone service, wherein comprising: the service switching point device sends a message for triggering intelligent networks service to the service control point device; the service control point device instructs the service switching point device to connect the call to the intelligent peripheral; the service control point device reports the connect result and reason to the service control point device; the service control point device analyzes the connect result as well as its reason, if there is a need to protect the call, the service control point device will instruct the service switching point device to connect the called number directly; again, the service switching point device sends a message for triggering intelligent network service to the service control point device; the service control point device sends down the continue message, and the service switching point device will connect the called number.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method display incoming and outgoing call log data associated with telephone calls to and from a plurality of subscriber telephone numbers from one or more telephone networks. The system includes a switch in one network that receives a telephone call from the subscriber's telephone and launches a query in response to an AIN trigger to a service control point. In response, the service control point forwards associated call data to a call log gateway that translates the message into an asynchronous message containing call log data. The call log gateway forwards the asynchronous message to a unified communication platform where it is placed in subscriber mailbox and made available as a call log to a subscriber via a graphic user interface over the internet. A web server retrieves the call log and displays it to the subscriber at a web client.

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: 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: A method of providing telephony services can include receiving a request to query a subscriber information data store to determine service description information for a call. The service description information can specify at least one telephony service associated with a subscriber for use in processing the call. The method further can include querying the subscriber information data store to determine the service description information, receiving the service description information from the subscriber information data store, and providing the service description information to a telephony service node to implement a telephony service specified by the service description information with respect to the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for implementing feature interactions between an AIN-based service and a switch-based call-forwarding service. In the present invention, the switch-based call-forwarding generates an Off-Hook Delay (OHD) trigger. In response, the SSP suspends call processing and sends the forward-to number to the SCP. Based upon the SCP's determination of whether the forward-to number is for voicemail and other criteria such as time of day, day of the week, etc, the SCP determines whether the switch-based call-forward should be permitted or inhibited.

Abstract: An Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR) is provided that includes a menu structure comprising a plurality of menus, each menu comprising a plurality of options that are selectable by a user, wherein the plurality of menus and each menu's respective plurality of options define a plurality of potential navigation paths for the user through the menu structure and a processor operable to receive, from the user, a request to change the menu structure; effect the requested change to the menu structure; and associate the changed menu structure with the requesting user.

Abstract: A communication monitor for transferring a communication to a second recipient from a first recipient includes an identifier receiver that receives at least one subscriber-defined transfer identifier that can be invoked by the first recipient to redirect the communication from the first recipient. The communication monitor also includes a communication transferor that monitors the communication and coordinates transferring the communication to the second recipient from the first recipient in response to the communication monitor monitoring a signal from the first recipient after the first recipient invokes an elective communication-transfer function using at least one subscriber-defined transfer identifier.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.

Abstract: The invention provides a modification to the operation of the intelligent network instruction set whereby on transmitting an Initiate Call Attempt message between the SCP 7 and an SSP 4 an instruction is included which forces the SSP 4 to send a response message whereby the identity assigned to the actions requested is known to the SCP 7 prior to the occurrence of a BCSM event at the SSP.

Abstract: A method of providing IP telephony services maps a telephony signaling protocol called party number nature of address indicator to an Internet signaling protocol nature of address indicator and a telephony signaling protocol called party number numbering plan indicator to an Internet signaling protocol numbering plan indicator.

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: Apparatus, and an associated method, for redirecting telephonic calls. Calls are directed to a user based upon the user's presence on a packet network. An indexer indexes together a forwarded call location together with dialing digits associated with a called location. When a calling party subsequently places a call to the called location, selected redirection of the call is effectuated pursuant to redirection procedures. A telephonic switch, through which the call placed by the calling party is routed, accesses the index formed by the indexer, located, for example, at a service control point. Responsive to the values contained in the index, the call is routed, to be delivered to the called party. In a work-from-home scenario, a TDM call placed to a worker's work location is redirected to a secondary location with the only effort required by the worker being his log on to the worker's corporate network.

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: A switch for use in a telecommunication network is provided that includes a plurality of call control agent functions and a call control function. At least two of the call control agent functions are associated with different signaling protocols. The signaling protocols define a plurality of signaling control primitives. The call control function is operable to control routing of telephone calls through the switch. The call control function is accessed using an application programming interface (API). The API includes a plurality of classes defining objects representing the signaling control primitives.

Abstract: A method for implementing a ring back tone, including: receiving, by a first Service Control Point, an intelligent service request triggered by a Service Switching Point, based on a call of a calling party; obtaining personal ring back tone information of a called party and/or group ring back tone information of a group, which the called party belongs to; acquiring first ring back tone information according to the personal ring back tone information and/or the group ring back tone information delivering a connect message containing the first ring back tone information to the Service Switching Point the connect message being used to instruct the Service Switching Point to connect the call to an Advanced Intelligent Peripheral for playing the ring back tone to the calling party according to the first ring back tone information.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing telecommunications network resources using a feedback control system. In particular, a call screening device is used in conjunction with a signal switching point to accept or reject incoming phone calls based on far-end capacities of terminating carriers or invalid calling codes in the calling numbers as indicated by signaling messages from terminating carriers.

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: 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: A method for location-based communications routing includes determining a location of a requesting party in accordance with an address of the requesting party. Whether the location of the requesting party is in a first subscriber service area is determined and, when the location of the requesting party is not in the first subscriber service area, whether the location of the requesting party is in a second expanded subscriber service area larger than and including the first subscriber service area is determined. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the first subscriber service area, data corresponding to the first subscriber area is forwarded. When the location of the requesting party is determined to be in the second expanded subscriber service area, data corresponding to the second expanded subscriber service area is forwarded.

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: 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: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.

Abstract: A network node in a communications network collects communication information. The network node collects, when an attempt is made to establish a network connection between a source and a destination, information related to the network connection and either or both of the source and the destination. A report is generated based on the information and at least a portion of the report is forwarded to a user. The report includes information for established network connections and information for unsuccessful attempts to establish network connections.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing a low cost mechanism for remotely re-routing queries in a telecommunications network. A service control point (SCP) executes an application which causes a queries to be launched over a LAN or WAN to a remotely located data center. A primary and secondary data center are defined, in which the secondary data center operations on a ‘hot-standby’ basis. Based on a manually provided indication, maintenance personnel may telephone and interact with a voice response unit or a web-based interface, which indicates that the SCP or SCP application should route queries to the secondary data center. Similarly, the same mechanism can be used to indicate that queries should be re-routed back to the primary data center. This allows remote management for controlling the queries without having to extensively modify the related infrastructure.

Abstract: A method of providing telephony services can include receiving a request to query a subscriber information data store to determine service description information for a call. The service description information can specify at least one telephony service associated with a subscriber for use in processing the call. The method further can include querying the subscriber information data store to determine the service description information, receiving the service description information from the subscriber information data store, and providing the service description information to a telephony service node to implement a telephony service specified by the service description information with respect to the call.

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.