Abstract: Personal information related to calls is protected from disclosure. Mobile location data may be useful for profiling users of mobile devices. However, information related to calls may need protection from disclosure. Any mobile location data related to calls is thus excluded from profiling efforts.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium by-passing the public switched telephone network when routing a call from a carrier network to an enterprise network are provided. A carrier gateway server is communicatively coupled with an enterprise gateway server. The enterprise gateway server is adapted to publish direct inward dial numbers assigned to enterprise extensions to the carrier gateway server. Once published, call setups originated in the carrier network may be routed directly to an enterprise network having a terminal assigned the dialed number of the call setup. Advantageously, the carrier network operator does not incur any inter-connect fee from any public switched network operator.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes a first node, a second node and a network. The first node is configured with a set of predefined functions and a group of addresses of the telecommunication network such that a session setup request targeted to any address in the group of addresses is routed to the first node, and each address in the group of addresses is associated with at least one of the predefined functions. The second node is configured to send a session setup request to a target address that corresponds to an address in the group of addresses. The first node is configured to determine the function to be performed on the basis of the target address in the session setup request. Information delivery from the second node to the first node is implemented quickly. In the second node the power consumption may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for providing PBX-like functionality at a mobile location includes the capability of maintaining a network session with a mobile number associated with a remote worker. The system utilizes a remote office platform interposed between a data communications network and a conventional PBX switch. A remotely located individual (such as a telecommuter) “logs in” to the remote office platform and, once the individual is authenticated, PBX-like communication with the mobile device is established. If the device is a computer-enabled device and includes a display, the platform can enable a graphical user interface emulating a PBX station set to the device. Alternatively, the remote worker can enter either spoken commands or series of DTMF sequences to utilize the PBX-like features. For these applications, the remote office platform includes a speech recognition module and a translation table for converting a sequence of DTMF tones into a PBX-like call feature (e.g., transfer, hold, mute, etc.).

Abstract: A system includes a switching device. The switching device is configured to process a call request as a 12-digit telephone number in a first situation. The 12-digit telephone number includes an area code and 9 digits after the area code. The switching device is further configured to process the call request as a telephone number including less than 12 digits in a second situation.

Abstract: A programmable in-the-skin or intelligently connected message on hold delivery system is disclosed which comprises a message storage system and a processor for generating prompts which are transmitted to a control device. The prompts are received at the control device and allow an operator to select from a number of options in order to select, among other things, certain ones of the messages stored on said message storage system for playback, as well as the sequence in which said messages are to be played back. The message playback devices are each provided with one or more libraries of messages, and comprise at least one or more audio and/or visual advertising messages. Said system enables the user to start a pre-recorded audio or visual message at the beginning each time a caller is placed on hold in the telephone system.

Abstract: A method for setting up a communication connection between a calling communication terminal and another communication terminal belonging to a group in a communication network selected by the calling party dialing an allocated group telephone number, the other communication terminal being selected by an exchange unit of the selected communication network by means of availability information, and the connection initiated through the exchange of a start message and a number of connection confirmation messages between the calling communication terminal and the selected other communication terminal. A private branch exchange with a server which comprises an exchange unit and to which a plurality of communication terminals combined in groups is connected, carries out the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for realizing direct dialing to an extension across Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs), in witch firstly a calling terminal of a PBX seizes a PBX circuit; secondly the calling terminal initiates a call to a called extension terminal in a PBX cluster by dialing a called extension terminal number directly; then a exchange system resolves the number of the PBX switchboard to which the calling terminal belongs according to a calling terminal number, and obtains a number of the PBX switchboard to which a called extension terminal belongs according to information of the called extension terminal number; and then the exchange system initiates a call to the PBX switchboard to which the called extension terminal belongs, and, when receiving an answer to the call from the PBX switchboard, sends the called extension terminal number, to connect the calling terminal with the called extension terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for establishing a call from a calling party to an extension of a PBX. By providing the calling party with a graphical display of information of extension of the PBX the user may easy and fast select a desired extension.

Abstract: Called party information is provided during survivable processor mode operation of a branch included in a distributed private branch exchange communication system for support of features that require information identifying the called party. More particularly, a coverage path for use during survivable processor operation is enabled that establishes contact with an extension or coverage point over the public switched telephony network such that operation of system appears normal to a caller. Furthermore, for a given coverage point, the same coverage path can be used for a number of extensions, reducing administrative burden.

Abstract: A method of managing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls with an Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange (IP PBX) is provided, including: receiving at an IP PBX device an incoming call directed to a target telephone number, said IP PBX device storing a contact list parameter including one or more rule fields, each rule field including a telephone number identifier and an associated target extension identifier; searching the contact list parameter to identify the telephone number identifier corresponding to the target telephone number; and routing the incoming call to one or more target extensions corresponding to the target extension identifier associated with the identified telephone number identifier.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a camera configured to obtain first image information, and a receiving unit configured to receive second image information from outside. A display unit is configured to display at least one of a first image and a second image. A display control unit is configured to receive a first request for displaying the first image after the first image information is obtained by the camera, and to receive a second request for displaying the second image after the second image information is received from outside. The display control unit is configured to perform control to update a display on the display unit if the first request or the second request is received, at a predetermined updating time, which occurs at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a local number for an overseas caller. The system comprises a service provider unit; an interface unit for communication between a callee and the service provider unit, wherein the service provider unit receives a communication from the callee via the interface unit instructing to allocate a DDI number to a caller and creates an association between the DDI number and both the caller and the callee; and a communication device for communication between the service provider unit and the caller for providing the DDI number to the caller.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDO connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: When an incoming call to a wireless communication apparatus is detected, a wireless control apparatus uses a wireless link, which has been established by previous communication, to perform succeeding communication. Examples of communication include communication of audio or data already completed, or, when there are a plurality of wireless communication apparatus, communication of control information by a wireless link established when notification of an incoming call is given to the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telecommunication switching system for switching incoming and/or outgoing calls with several or different branch exchanges, comprising at least one input channel and at least one output channel which is connected to a branch exchange. The output channel provides both a voice connection and a control connection giving direct access to the operator-relevant PBX functionality of the branch exchange which is connected via the output channel.

Abstract: A Web server provides the following service when being accessed by a telephone with a browser via the Internet, the server transfers a list of extension groups and the persons in charge belonging to the groups to the telephone. After the desired person in charge is selected from the list on the telephone, the server notifies the telephone of an outside-line telephone number direct-dialing-connectable to the telephone used by the person in charge. The server informs a private branch exchange of information including the telephone number of the telephone and the extension number of the extension telephone used by the person in charge. Thereafter, the private branch exchange, when receiving an incoming call from the telephone, directly calls up the extension telephone with the extension number previously notified by the server.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDU connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: A method for interface an IPABX and a local exchange includes the steps of: processing a call originated from an IPABX by a local exchange having one discernible individual by binding a plurality of data transmission lines, that is, a data transmission line trunk group; and processing a call destined to the IPABX through the local exchange. Since the directory number can be managed by a group name, stepping up from the method for fixing the directory number to the line, the expense for the line can be reduced. In addition, the problem of separation between the origination line and the destination line as in the conventional method that the trunk line and the PRI line are together used is settled. Moreover, since there is no need to allocate an additional signaling point, an expense possibly incurred for the allocation of a signaling point and consumption of the signaling point resource can be prevented.

Abstract: A virtual private communications network (VPCN) and method of managing calls on the network. Stations on a private communications network are identified by an unique private network identification (ID) code or dial in direct (DID) number. Remote communications devices (e.g., cell phones, analog phones, etc.) are virtual client devices connected from a public communications network to the private communications network. One or more DID numbers are shared DID numbers, dedicated for the virtual client devices. Calls from the virtual client devices may be placed to network stations by dialing shorthand (e.g., 5 or fewer digits) numbers. Each call has a dedicated DID number temporarily assigned to it for placing the call as an in network call. Once the call reaches its final destination, the shared DID number is released for temporary assignment to other virtual client device calls.

Abstract: There is provided an announcing method for a notification message in a PBX. The PBX stores the index of a predetermined hold notification message for a corresponding DID (Direct Inward Dialing) number upon incoming a call from a DID office line in a call processing buffer, connects the call between the office line and a corresponding extension line, then announces the hold notification message corresponding to the stored index when the call is placed on hold during the call.

Abstract: Method for operating a private telecommunications network which is connected via at least one multichannel private branch exchange or a comparable device, in particular a call server or a voice-over IP Gateway, with a plurality of real call numbers to a public telecommunications network, the private branch exchange or comparable device for a multiplicity of real call numbers being assigned a common virtual call number for access from the public network to which a call via a free real call number to the internal terminal of the direct dialing number is switched through.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication system for integrating audio and visual messaging. The communication system includes a mobile communication device for receiving visual messages and for transmitting voice messages to a recipient, a base station system in communication with the mobile communication device, an electronic mail gateway for delivering visual messages to the base station system for transmission to the mobile communication device, and an integrated mail gateway for receiving from the base station a voice message and addressing information that were both transmitted from the mobile communication device. The integrated mail gateway is programmed to create an e-mail message comprising the voice message. The integrated mail gateway is also programmed to use the addressing information to address the e-mail message, and to send the addressed e-mail message to the recipient.

Abstract: A method of handling incoming calls directed to a virtual communication subscriber is disclosed. An incoming call intended for the virtual communication subscriber is received at a first communication device. A call is placed to a second communication device using contact information provided by the virtual communication subscriber. Extension information is provided to a guest PBX when the call is answered which corresponds to a communication line associated with the second communication device. Upon connection to the second communication device, the incoming call is bridged with the call placed to the second communication device.

Abstract: A private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch processes a call to determine if an identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The switch directs the call to an external port of the switch for delivery to a given one of the external endpoints if the identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in the stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The given external endpoint does not have a fixed external port assignment in the switch. Instead, the switch dynamically selects from a set of external ports an available external port over which the call is directed to the given external endpoint. The dynamic selection of the available external port may be implemented using an automatic route selection (ARS) algorithm.

Abstract: An incoming call received in a private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch at an external port of the switch is processed by the switch so as to appear to a destination terminal as if it were originated by an internal extension associated with the switch. The incoming call may be from a mobile telephone or other originator terminal that is utilizable external to a premises serviced by the switch and does not have an extension associated with any internal endpoint serviced by the switch. The switch attempts to map an identifier associated with the incoming call to a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. If the identifier has a corresponding entry on the list, the switch processes the incoming call such that it appears to the destination terminal as being originated by an assigned internal extension. For example, an internal alerting indicator and associated station display may be provided at the destination terminal.

Abstract: A method for creating a telephone digital switching platform to provide conversion and routing of telephone calls arriving on a number of telephony interfaces to a number of outbound telephony interfaces, based on in parameter and out of parameter call setup information. Receiving and transmitting interfaces can include, but are not limited to, Integrated Services Digital Network (“ISDN”), Digital Transmission Carrier System (“T-1”), DID (“Direct Inward Dial”), Loop Start, (“E & M”) and Direct Outward Dial (“DOD”). Conversion and routing is performed by the steps of capture of call setup information, conversion to “dial number” via database lookup, selection of outbound pathway based on database information, and placement of outbound call and switched connection to inbound call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for placing a telephone call using a telephone number and an extension. The system includes an origination device that receives a telephone number and an extension associated with a destination device and initiates the establishment of a communication path to the destination device by issuing the telephone number. In addition, the origination device determines whether a condition to issue the extension has been satisfied and issues the extension to complete the establishment of the communication path if the condition has been satisfied. The destination device includes a first destination device and a plurality of second destination devices. The first destination device can be contacted based on the telephone number and also receives the extension to complete the establishment of the communication path by selecting the appropriate second destination device to which to place the telephone call.

Abstract: A system for establishing a voice and signaling link through a PBX system from an remote telephone device includes a PBX system, a setless gateway, and an remote telephone device. The PBX system is coupled to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) via a trunk connection. The PBX system is also coupled to the setless gateway via a digital phone port, which includes a first bearer channel B1 and a second bearer channel B2. DTMF tone sequences from the remote telephone device are decoded by the setless gateway, which acts as a proxy to the PBX system. The setless gateway routes voice and signaling from the second bearer channel B2 to the first bearer channel B1, so as to extend the remote telephone device from the PBX system.

Abstract: A direct inward-outward dialing (DIOD) trunk circuit having a DIOD detecting/sending circuit connected to tip and ring terminals connected to a central office line and a primary coil of a transformer, for detecting a polarity of the voltage potential at the tip and ring terminals and the current flowing therethrough to determine reception of one of an incoming and outgoing telephone call, and a switch, controlled by a relay driver responsive to an interface circuit used for interfacing the DIOD trunk circuit with a switching circuit of a private branch exchange (PBX), for enabling the current to flow between the tip and ring terminals through the DIOD detecting/sending circuit via one of a low or high impedance path, wherein the low impedance path is used to establish a speech path between a central office line subscriber and a corresponding extension subscriber of the PBX.

Abstract: A pager communications system which allows a pager message to be delivered to a pager from an initiating telephone without incurring long distance or time dependent charges, where an autopage switch having direct inward dial numbers delivers a particular preprogrammed message to a particular preprogrammed pager number in response to receipt of a call to one of the direct inward dial numbers.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a data record associated with a transferred telephone call which is not dependent on the hardware of the particular telephone network and systems involved. In the preferred embodiment, to transfer a telephone call from a first call center to a second call center, the application server of the first call center sends a transfer request which includes the data record associated with the telephone call and the destination directory number (DDN) to which the call is to be transferred by the application server of the second call center. The application server of the second call center responds by sending a transfer response which includes a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) telephone number selected from a pool of available members to be used to establish the call transfer. The application server of the second call center also stores a transfer coordination record which contains the data record, the DID number and the DDN.

Abstract: For external terminals, telephone number information is provided internally in a private branch exchange. Upon call setup, signalling information is checked to determine if telephone number information is internally present in the private branch exchange to a user of a B-channel in an ISDN system. As warranted, dialing of the telephone number is initiated by a system controller in the private branch exchange.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDU connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: A telecommunications system incorporates a switch based private network having a transparent network signalling system and having a plurality of nodes interfacing each via a switch with an intelligent public network. The public network incorporates a service control point having associated therewith a database containing destination addresses corresponding to call numbers received from the private network. The database provides routing data for call independent signalling information in response to requests from a node on behalf of a private service provided to a user of that node and from a public network switch on behalf of a private service provided to a directly connected user of that switch.

Abstract: In a communication system (KS), communication terminals (KA) provided for a legitimacy check are allocated to at least one inhibit dial evaluation routine (SWABE). In the framework of a call (ar), the call numbers (zrn) communicated to the inhibit dial evaluation routine (SWABE) as well as the call number (rnr) of the respective communication terminal (KA) are acquired and call numbers (zrn) or, respectively, call number combinations (rnr,zrn) that cannot be evaluated are reported to an application means (PC) via an application interface (acl). The calls (ar) are held in the communication system (KS) until the communicated call numbers (zrn) or, respectively, call number combinations (rnr, zrn) have been checked in the application device (PC) in view of their legitimacy and a legitimacy result (acl-amo) has been communicated from the application device (PC) to the communication system (KS).

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided for controlling the start of alerting of multiple leg telecommunication sessions, such as for providing concurrent alerting of outgoing call legs for a flexible alerting service. The preferred system includes a home location register coupled to a mobile switching center. The home location register has, stored in a memory, a plurality of secondary directory numbers associated with a primary directory number, such as an ANSI compatible pilot directory number, and for each secondary directory number of the plurality of secondary directory numbers, further stored in the memory a corresponding timing delay parameter. The mobile switching center has an interface for receiving an incoming call leg designating the primary directory number and for differentially processing and routing each outgoing call leg associated with each secondary directory number, of the plurality of secondary directory numbers, according to its corresponding timing delay parameter.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided for controlling secondary treatment of multiple leg telecommunication sessions, such as for providing secondary treatment of outgoing call legs for a flexible alerting service, by an originating switch rather than a distant or terminating switch. The preferred system includes a home location register coupled to a mobile switching center. The home location register has, stored in a memory, a plurality of secondary directory numbers associated with a primary directory number, such as an ANSI compatible pilot directory number, and for each secondary directory number of the plurality of secondary directory numbers, further stored in the memory a corresponding originating no answer time parameter.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDU connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: A telephone call setup technique, based on an expanded originating subscriber dialing procedure, utilizing existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) facilities, provides a remote control means to directly instruct a customer premise switching module at the end of the terminating subscriber loop, which automatically routes the call to a terminating subscriber's station specified by the originating subscriber. This technique essentially expands the definition of PSTN's automatic switching system boundary to the end of every subscriber loop. Not only individuals on a residential premise can be reached separately, but also the on-demand switched data communications can be routed through PSTN to specific terminals without the concern of disturbing occupants on the premise. The architecture of this system also provides PABX functions to residential single line telephone services. This technique replaces the basic auto-attendant functions on PABX's.

Abstract: A selective menu system which enables callers to enter a voice or other menu hierarchy at different levels is presented. Groups of customers are assigned access numbers, which is forwarded into the system as called-number identification, along with other call information. The system discriminates desired voice menu services, according to the assigned called-number information and translates the user's entry into the voice menu presentation hierarchy, to an entry point appropriate for their desired service. Illustratively, banking customers with an interest in securities transactions can enter the overall bank menu specifically at the level relating to the securities activity.

Abstract: In an incoming call service by which an extension can be directly called when a call comes in from another office, a dedicated terminal for selecting an extension to which the incoming call is connected is installed to enable the user to select it as desired, thereby increasing usage of call incoming lines for effective use. An exchange which connects an incoming call from another office directly to an extension, an input device for accepting specification of an extension corresponding to a specific incoming call, and a controller which includes a definition device for defining the correspondence between the specific incoming call and extension are provided. Upon receipt of an incoming call, the exchange connects the call to its corresponding extension in response to the correspondence defined in the definition device.

Abstract: The method of in-session activation of the present invention gives Telcos the ability to offer callers a menu of call completion services when the call encounters a busy or no-answer condition. It provides in-session activation capability from DTMF and dial-pulse sets enabling callers to activate the services without having to hang up. The method is intended for residential and business end-users with RES, business lines, or PBX lines.

Abstract: A method for the establishment of a connection from a first network to a second network. During call set-up, a part (N3) of the call number assigned to a subscriber (B) is transmitted from a first network (PUBNET) to a second network (PRNET) using a method different from that used to signal address information. In particular, the dialing of an IN service transports a part of the call number, in the area intended for the ISDN subaddress, to a private branch exchange (EX4) associated with the called subscriber (B).

Abstract: In a designated channel terminating method and apparatus, a B channel to which a call is to be terminated is determined by referring to a registration table in terminating processing of the call. Telephone numbers are registered in the registration table upon registration/designation by subscribers via subscriber circuits or registered by a registering operation through a terminal in a switching center. The method includes a permission/exclusion selecting step and a preferential/absolute selecting step. In the permission/exclusion selecting step, it is checked whether a purpose of registration with respect to said registration table is to designate a B channel to which a call from a specific calling party is to be terminated or designate a B channel to which the call should not be terminated. In the preferential/unconditional processing selecting step, it is determined whether B channel designation is to be preferentially or absolutely processed.

Abstract: A message management system comprising apparatus for producing a multi-media message, including a visually sensible portion and an aurally sensible portion, control apparatus for transmitting the multi-media message to a selected subscriber and apparatus for providing notification to the selected subscriber of the arrival of a multi-media message.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intercept system for integrating the personalized services of switchboard attendants associated with on-premises PBX switching systems, with the capabilities of the intercept system for allowing calling parties the opportunity to complete their own calls to the on-premises switching systems when the telephone extension numbers of the called parties are known to the calling parties. Depending on the mode of system operation selected, the intercept system either presents all incoming calls directly to the switchboard attendants, or intercepts all incoming calls and presents the caller the opportunity to complete the call, or a combination in which incoming calls are first offered to the switchboard attendants for assistance and then after a time wherein attendant assistance is not gained, the call is intercepted and the caller is given an opportunity to complete the call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the load on a communications link in a common channel signalling system connecting an exchange in a telephone network to regional equipment such as a remote subscriber switch or a remote cellular base station. The length indicator field of each signal unit transmitted over the reserved channel of the communications link is monitored by the exchange to determine the number of bytes of message data being transmitted over the link during a predetermined time period. The load on the communications link is identified by taking the ratio of the determined number of bytes to the number of full value bytes capable of transmission over the communications link during an identical time period.

Abstract: A connection control equipment can connect a plurality of calls originating from a terminal to a private side terminal by identifying the calling terminal. Each of the user terminals sets a calling number and a calling sub-address or a user-to-user information for identifying the terminal in a call-setting message. A switching system of the connection control equipment receives the call-setting message and stores the calling number and the calling sub-address or the user-to-user information of the message, and connects the call to a private side terminal with which the same user terminal issuing the just received call is communicating. The switching system can connect calls from the same user terminal to the same private terminal, allowing for any user terminal to freely transmit a plurality of calls without considering how to access a host computer.

Abstract: A method of connecting an incoming call to one of a plurality of call responsive apparatus all of which are associated with a single directory number, comprised of determining which one of the call responsive apparatus answered an immediately preceding call, and ringing the one call responsive apparatus as a signal to respond to the incoming call.