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: 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 system and method for voice activated dialing (VAD) using an intelligent peripheral (IP), such as a service circuit node (SCN) in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). This invention preserves subscriber preferences for certain attributes including preferred interexchange carrier (PIC) and billing information, without the need for data replication within either the IP or the service switching point (SSP) hosting the IP. Additionally, call routing within the network is optimized and the need for double trunking is eliminated because the IP drops the call back to the originating SSP, from which the call is then routed.

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 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: 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 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: System access modules and a method of enabling a communication session. In one embodiment, a system access module includes a call manager that establishes a communications path through the system access module from a telecommunications switch and maintains the communications path therethrough for a duration of a call and a call coordinator, coupled to the call manager, configured to extend a portion of the communications path from the system access module to at least one intelligent peripheral and release the portion before the duration of the call.

Abstract: A method for providing a service over a communications network includes interacting, by a first networked communications apparatus, over the communications network with a remote requesting party according to a script. The method also includes interacting, by the first networked communications apparatus, with a second networked communications apparatus according to the script based on information received from the remote requesting party.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing computer readable program code, the code configured to provide caller identification information to a called party when standard Caller ID cannot be provided. If standard caller ID information cannot be provided for a call, the call is interrupted by the present service and the calling party is prompted for audible caller identification information. In one embodiment, when the audible caller identification is provided, the call is presented to the called party with a distinctive ring at the called telephone station. In another embodiment, the calling party may enter a personal identification number (PIN) to bypass the requirement for audible caller identification information. In still another embodiment, when the PIN is entered, the call is presented with a distinctive ring at the called communication station. In still another embodiment, the called party may send the incoming call to a voice mail system.

Abstract: A system and method to allow telephone subscribers to schedule calls for future placement on a telephone network using a telephone interface. In an illustrative implementation, a telephone subscriber part of an AIN telephone network is offered a call scheduling service whereby the subscriber may schedule future placed calls according to various parameters (e.g. telephone number(s) to call, the time of the scheduled call, and the frequency of the call, i.e. every day, month, week, or year) by inputting parameters using a telephone interface of a telephone station that is connected to the AIN telephone network. In operation, a participating user would connect to the service switch point (SSP) of the AIN telephone network using his/her telephone station. The SSP communicates this request to a service control point (SCP) having an administrative application and a call scheduling application.

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: Methods and apparatuses for routing emergency calls originated from mobile wireless devices in a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) system are described herein. In one or more embodiments, emergency calls are routed in a VoIP system by receiving incoming emergency calls originated from dual-mode mobile devices connected to the VoIP system through wireless access points (WAPs), determining locations associated with the incoming emergency calls, and redirecting callers to a cellular network. In other embodiments, emergency calls are routed in a VoIP system by mapping WAP identifiers to emergency answering points (EAPs), receiving an incoming emergency call from an originating WAP, identifying an EAP relating to the originating WAP, and directing the emergency call to the identified EAP.

Abstract: An efficient and effective method and system for providing to a customer an audible call notification of a current call and a subsequently received call waiting call. The present embodiments notify the customer that a current call is waiting in an effective manner that reduces confusion. Confusion is reduced by the combination of audible call waiting indicators and audible caller identification information associated with the calling telephone station. Additionally, both the indicator and the representation of the information can be provided automatically without significant delay. The indication is provided even when standard caller identification information is not available by prompting the caller to provide spoken caller identification information. The spoken caller identification information is provided to the called party along with call disposition options, such as options to accept or reject the call, route the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message.

Abstract: An inexpensive alternative for call queuing is provided by queuing calls at an intelligent peripheral within an AIN telecommunication system. A call to the subscriber line is detected at a local switch supporting the subscriber line. If the subscriber line is busy, the call to the subscriber is queued in the intelligent peripheral.

Abstract: A telecommunications system provides a telecommunications service to a calling party. The telecommunications system includes a first intelligent peripheral that receives a call from the calling party. The first intelligent peripheral interacts with the calling party and determines whether to contact a second intelligent peripheral based on the interaction with the calling party. The first intelligent peripheral establishes a call connection with the second intelligent peripheral so that the second intelligent peripheral can interact with at least one of the calling party and the first intelligent peripheral to provide the telecommunications service.

Abstract: An automatic call distribution system is adapted to connect a telephone call of a caller to an agent station through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) where call information identifiers received from the PSTN are repopulated. The method includes the steps of receiving the incoming telephone from the PSTN, transferring the incoming call to a voice response unit (VRU), requesting, by the VRU, predetermined data from the caller, receiving, by the VRU, the requested predetermined data, repopulating a portion of the call information identifiers with repopulated data corresponding to the predetermined data, transferring the incoming telephone call back to the automatic call distribution system from the VRU along with the repopulated data retained within the call information identifiers, routing the transferred call to the agent station, displaying the repopulated data.

Abstract: A system and method allow PBX features to be extended through the public network. A teleworker calls into a PBX system and is assigned a fictitious port. The fictitious port is controlled by a telework server and appears to the PBX to be a local device. PBX features are invoked by particular sequences of DTMF tones or by voice prompt, or another data input system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an advantageous SAS Service Architecture. The inventive SAS service architecture has a layered structure including a set of software modules, at least: ASTP dispatcher, SCCP transcoder, TCAP, TCAP user service distributor, at least two TCAP user services; ASTP=specific advanced signaling transfer protocol including routing information, etc. Within the SAS service architecture at least two different types of interactions can be configured: interaction Type A between ASTP dispatcher and TCAP user service, interaction Type B1 between TCAP user service 1 and TCAP user service 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to user access device to intelligent services of an intelligent network (IN) comprising a service control point (2) that communicates with at least one group of physical entities (4, 6, 8) designed to provide at least one initial service element, and with several auxiliary platforms (10i) designed to provide users with additional service elements for completing the initial service element. According to the invention, the device also comprises a communication interface (12) that allows an auxiliary platform (10i) to send the service control point (2) service element execution queries in real time, and receive the data for executing these additional services from this service control point (2) as a response.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for playing an advertisement to a telephone subscriber prior to call completion in a telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to provide an advertisement. A switch in the telecommunications network detects an off-hook condition at the subscriber's telephone and interprets the digits of the telephone number of a called party dialed by the subscriber. The switch then retrieves an advertisement and plays the advertisement to the subscriber instead of generating a ringing tone prior to call completion. The switch may also play the advertisement instead of a dial tone. The advertisement may be stored in an advertisement module in the switch or in a network component in the telecommunications network. The period for playing the advertisement may be extended by delaying call processing at the network component. Once the advertisement begins playing, the subscriber may terminate the advertisement by depressing a key on a telephone keypad.

Abstract: A system and method to allow telephone subscribers to schedule calls for future placement on a telephone network using a telephone interface. In an illustrative implementation, a telephone subscriber part of an AIN telephone network is offered a call scheduling service whereby the subscriber may schedule future placed calls according to various parameters (e.g. telephone number(s) to call, the time of the scheduled call, and the frequency of the call, i.e. every day, month, week, or year) by inputting parameters using a telephone interface of a telephone station that is connected to the AIN telephone network. In operation, a participating user would connect to the service switch point (SSP) of the AIN telephone network using his/her telephone station. The SSP communicates this request to a service control point (SCP) having an administrative application and a call scheduling application.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed which allows attachment of a standard telephone to a computer as a standard peripheral. The adapter converts analog signals of the telephone to digital signals of the computer and vice versa. The adapter can also be a stand-alone device allowing the telephone to be attached to a computer network. The adapter, in this case, contains the computing power to support the necessary data network protocols, and PSTN signalling protocols. In this way voice communication is enabled over a computer network without requiring the computers to be equipped with sound cards.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an advantageous method to process a SAS Application Service request. An inventive method to process a SAS Application Service request includes the steps of: performing an Inbound Message Analysis, performing a Service Decision, performing an Outbound Message Synthesis, wherein the Inbound Message Analysis includes an Application Specific Inbound Protocol Check, an NoAI (Nature of Address Indicator) Analysis and an Inbound Digit Analysis, wherein the Service Decision includes a Database Search and an Application Specific Evaluation of Database Search Indications, and wherein the Outbound Message Synthesis includes generating an Output Digit String making use of an application specific Output Digit String Configuration Table, which includes the parameter SAS Application Service Id and at least one of the following parameters: Output Digit String Id, Auxiliary Number Name, Nature of Address Indicator, Auxiliary Number Presence, Auxialiary Number Position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing enhanced network security for network management messages and subsystem management messages are disclosed. A network security function receives a network or subsystem management message from a first location in a network. The network security function determines whether one or more predetermined parameters in the network management message are not associated with the originating location. In response to determining that are not associated with the originating location, a network security action, such as discarding the message and/or notifying a network operator, is performed.

Abstract: Communication between a service switching point (SSP) and an external (or stand alone) Intelligent Peripheral (IP) has not been defined by any of the standard bodies. ITU-T Q.1600 and ETSI 300 374-1 defines the network configuration of SCP, SSP and stand-alone IP units using SS7 ISUP connection, but ITU-T Q.1600 and ETSI 300 374-1 does not specify in detail the SS7 ISUP messages for bi-directional communication between a SSP and an IP unit. This invention details the message flow between a SCP, a SSP and an ISUP IP unit, especially in the messages between the SSP and IP unit using SS7 ISUP protocol. With the signaling method of the present invention, SCP can send INAP operations, such as PA, PCUI to instruct an external IP unit to play an announcement or collect user information, then an IP unit can send back the related operations back to SCP. In this case, the resource of the IP unit can be shared by other switches and SSPs in the network.

Abstract: Call queuing is implemented in a telecommunications advanced intelligent network. After a call to a busy subscriber line is queued, information about the queued call is collected. Utilization statistics based on the collected queue utilization information are then generated and made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: A voice messaging platform utilizes resources from remote intelligent peripherals within the network system. The voice messaging platform preferably includes a voice mail module, an internal controller, and an internal storage device. Preferably, the voice mail module allows the voice messaging platform to provide a full feature voice mail system for the users wherein the voice mail module is configured to store incoming messages, play stored messages, play outgoing messages, place outgoing calls, and the like. The internal controller preferably directs the voice messaging platform to detect different types of resources available to the voice messaging platform from the remote intelligent peripherals. Further, the internal controller also directs the voice messaging platform to find addresses corresponding to each of the remote intelligent peripherals within the network system.

Abstract: The inventive SS7 signaling server for routing SS7 links, includes a signaling transfer point (STP) and a signaling application server (SAS). STP and SAS have different functionalities. The STP has at least one external interface to connect the STP via at least one SS7 link to at least one telecommunications unit, and an internal interface to connect the STP to the SAS. The STP processes incoming SS7 messages, e.g. in the SCCP layer. The SAS is capable to process at least one, advantageously at least two different application service requests. The STP identifies a single application service request in one incoming SS7 message and provides the identified single application service request to the SAS for further processing. The SAS has e.g. two TCAP processes to identify two different application services, e.g. INAP and MAP. STP and SAS are interconnected via an internal interworking protocol, e.g. using TCP/IP.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing user interaction functionality in connection with providing call services (e.g., toll-free calls, 900 calls, calling card calls, etc.) in an intelligent network, especially, but not necessarily only, an advanced intelligent network. More specifically, an apparatus is provided in association with a given service control point (that offers a given call service). According to the present invention, user information needed to set up or otherwise provide the call service (e.g., a calling card number) is collected and, if needed, feedback is provided to the user. In particular, the feedback is customized with respect to a particular user (e.g., using language and/or dialect corresponding to a geographic location of the user). Collecting user information can include speech recognition, including speech recognition across multiple languages and synonymous terms.

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 PSTN service control point including multiple subsystems, a memory storing inbound SS7 messages and a SS7 module which internally routes outbound messages directed to the same point code. On receipt of an inbound SS7 message, a SS7 controller stores the complete message in the memory. The SS7 module routes the message to a first subsystem which processes the message and adds new information to the stored message in memory. If the first subsystem needs to collaborate with a second subsystem, it routes the SS7 message through the SS7 module which checks the outgoing message point code. If the destination point code matches the first subsystem point code, the SS7 module treats the message as an inbound message and routes it internally to the second subsystem.

Abstract: A network for providing a telecommunications service with automatic speech recognition to a telecommunications user, including a switch in communication with a telecommunications device associated with the telecommunications user for detecting a trigger specific to the service in response to a communication from the telecommunications device and for routing the communication to an operator services system in response to detection of the trigger, and an intelligent resource server in communication with the switch for receiving via the switch the communication from the operator services system with a message including information regarding a party requested by the telecommunication user from the operator services system, for playing an audible message for the telecommunications user in response to receiving the communication, the audible message containing the information regarding the party and prompting the telecommunications user to place an outgoing communication to the party, and for automatically recogniz

Abstract: A personal Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system includes a plurality of IVR servers communicating personal IVR service node information in a network and a plurality of personal IVR service node clients coupled to the plurality of IVR servers communicating the personal IVR service node information. The plurality of personal IVR service node clients have a client-server relationship with the plurality of IVR servers. The personal IVR system further includes facilities for managing transmission of the personal IVR service node information using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

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

Abstract: A telecommunications system provides a telecommunications service to a calling party. The telecommunications system includes a first intelligent peripheral that receives a call from the calling party. The first intelligent peripheral interacts with the calling party and determines whether to contact a second intelligent peripheral based on the interaction with the calling party. The first intelligent peripheral establishes a call connection with the second intelligent peripheral so that the second intelligent peripheral can interact with at least one of the calling party and the first intelligent peripheral to provide the telecommunications service.

Abstract: A telephone network includes a service switching point, a service control point, and a service node. The service node determines whether a call to a telephone line is a voice call or a data call. Based on this determination, the telephone network may connect the call to the telephone line, redirect the call to a service line, or terminate the call.

Abstract: An intelligent network comprising service switching points (2) and at least one service control point (1), whereby for one or more call state models there are two or more service logic programs located at the service control point (1), the intelligent network being arranged to direct the call state model to a certain detection point or call phase in response to an operation sent by the intelligent network service, wherein at the service switching point at least one operation is defined, for the execution of which the service switching point can select from two or more alternative routes or detection points to which the service switching point can direct the call state model whereby the service control function is arranged to indicate the route or detection point to which the service switching point is to direct the call state model in connection with said sending of an operation.

Abstract: A system and method of call origination on behalf of a subscriber using a service circuit node (SCN) in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). An SCN provides assistance in the origination of a call on behalf of a subscriber. Upon completion of the assistance provided by the SCN, the SCN will attempt to originate a call to a third party on behalf of the subscriber. This invention preserves subscriber preferences for certain attributes including interexchange carrier (IXC) and billing information, without the need for data replication within either the SCN or the service switching point (SSP) hosting the SCN.

Abstract: A system for automated handling of call interactions includes an automated interrogation device, typically having interactive voice response (IVR) capability, with local memory for storing subset records. Each subset record corresponds to a master record that is remotely stored. The subset record contains sufficient information to allow a calling party to complete an identification process and to at least initiate an intended operation. For example, in a banking environment, the locally stored information may include customer names, account identifications, account balances, dates, and other information that is commonly requested by bank customers. In response to an incoming call, IVR queries are directed to the calling party and the appropriate subset record is accessed. Preferably, the subset record is retrieved to temporary storage, such as random access memory. Thus, there are temporarily three storages of record material specific to the calling party.

Abstract: An infrastructure for telephony is described, comprising a network (n) and a service provider (SP) coupled thereto. The network comprises a service switching function (SSFN) as well as a service control function (SCFN) for controlling said service switching function. The service provider comprises a service switching function (SSFS) as well as a service control function (SCFS) for controlling said service switching means. The service provider comprises an inter-working unit (IWU). In communication with a service switching function (SSFS) of the service provider, the inter-working unit (IWU) behaves as service control function. In communication with a service control function (SCFS) of the service provider, the inter-working unit (IWU) behaves as service switching function. In communication with the network, the inter-working unit (IWU) behaves as special resource point (SRP).

Abstract: A telecommunications network includes a service control processor and a plurality of network nodes, in which the network is arranged to operate under a programmable intelligent network protocol. The protocol incorporates a hierarchical control relationship in which the nodes incorporate a degree of intelligence.

Abstract: An industrial PC-compatible computer system for telecommunications applications is described. The computer system includes a plurality of peripheral boards, each of which includes a peripheral processor. A computer telephony bus provides communications among the peripheral boards. The computer system also includes a plurality of system processors. A serial telecommunications bus arrangement provides communications between the plurality of peripheral boards and the plurality of system processors. The computer system arrangement providing for greater reliability in the event of a failure of a peripheral board, a system processor or of the communications therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for providing simultaneous ringing service to a plurality of customer premises equipment. The method and system utilize a centralized database of subscriber information and a service node to make multiple outbound calls from the service node to multiple telephone lines assigned to a subscriber. The subscriber's telephone lines may include one or more wireless lines. Inbound calls to the subscriber's primary wireline are intercepted by the simultaneous ringing service and forwarded to the service node for processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing communication services such as voice dialing services are described. In one Centrex based voice dialing embodiment, voice dialing service subscribers are given access to personal voice dialing records including calling entries via the Internet as well as via telephone connections. Each calling entry normally includes the name and, optionally nickname, of a party to be called. It also includes one or more telephone numbers associated with each name. Different telephone number identifies, e.g. locations, can be associated with different names. A user can create or update entries in a voice dialing directory using text conveyed over the Internet or speech supplied via a telephone connection. In order to facilitate updating and maintenance of voice dialing directories over the Internet speaker independent (SI) speech recognition models are used.

Abstract: Intelligent network (IN), comprising at least one Service Switching Point, SSP (2), at least one Service Control Point, SCP (3), one or more Intelligent Peripherals, IPs (5), and/or one or more Voice Response Systems, VRSs (4), which IN is capable of interacting with a PSTN or ISDN (1). The essence of the concept is an additional interface, in the form of a control member (6), between the IPs and/or VRs on one side and the Service Control Point(s) on the other side. Such makes it possible that the (advanced) IPs and VRSs are capable of exchanging all sorts of information with the SCP, without the IPs or VRSs consequently being occupied for an extended period of time. As a result, the SCP may dispose of (additional) information which in a regular IN cannot be made available to the SCP(s).

Abstract: A system and method for intelligently caching Local Number Portability queries from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The apparatus may include: an intelligent communications platform connected between a switch and a Signaling System 7 (SS7) network to intercept Transactions Capabilities Applications Part (TCAP) messages between the switch and the SS7 network; and a communications control module connected to the intelligent communications platform via a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) link, the communications control module for providing management and communications to the ICP and providing access to the management and communication for a plurality of subscribers. The apparatus can also include: an SS7 I/O card for processing SS7 messages; and a CPU card for processing Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP) and TCAP messages.

Abstract: A telecommunications call routing and billing computer system includes a telecommunications network including a junction point including a call routing switching device, and including two call routing links meeting at the junction point and in communication with each other through the call routing switching device; and a call routing simulation network including a junction point simulation computer located at the junction point and in communication with the call routing switching device and the two call routing links.