Abstract: A method is provided for resolving a call collision in a communication network. The method comprises, at a network node of the communication network: receiving a first call request message from a first user device to set up a call from the first user device to a second user device; checking whether the second user device has in turn sent a second call request message to set up a call from the second user device to the first user device; and in the affirmative, routing the first call request message to a conference bridge.

Abstract: An IP-based node in communication with IP-based gateway devices is configured for executing circuit selection for a prescribed trunk group having multiple sets of connected trunk groups, the multiple sets of connected trunk groups managed by the respective IP-based gateway devices. The prescribed trunk group is configured for connecting with a two-way trunk group of a switch, for example a PSTN-based switch, having substantially more circuits than any one of the multiple sets of connected trunk groups for the IP-based gateway devices. The IP-based node executes circuit selection at least based on a first message, received from one of the IP-based gateway devices via an IP connection and specifying circuit availability for at least a portion of the corresponding set of connected trunk groups.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for providing an Alert With Information Message signal between a mobile switching center and a base station in a cellular communication system. The invention recognizes that current provisions of the IS-634 standard lack support for certain required functionality on the interface between a mobile switching center and a base station, or the A-Interface. An Alert With Information Message signal is introduced on the A-Interface to support the required functionality. Introduction of the Alert With Information Message provides support for reliable call processing on the A-Interface for the call waiting procedure, the hard handoff procedure, and the resolution of a glare condition.

Abstract: A system for providing a backup network is disclosed that includes a glare detection circuit, an arbitration circuit, and a line control circuit. The glare detection circuit receives a dial signal associated with the call control circuit and a cause value from a backup circuit, and asserts a glare present signal responsive to the dial signal and the cause value being asserted. The arbitration circuit receives the glare present signal and produces an arbitration signal responsive to an arbitration procedure. The line control circuit receives the arbitration signal and determines whether the call control circuit will discontinue an outgoing call on the backup circuit and wait a specified period of time for an incoming call on the backup circuit or wait for the outgoing call on the backup circuit to be answered. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unified overlay dialing enables simplified telephone dialing to occur within a standard overlay area and eliminates disruption dealing with area code saturation. Each three-digit area code within an overlay area is associated with a single-digit suffix, with the parent area code obtaining the suffix “0”. Intra-overlay area dialing then proceeds on the basis of a seven digit number plus a one-digit suffix, rather than a full 10 or 1+10-digit number. For dialing to the parent area code from within the overlay area, the suffix may be omitted entirely, and the expiration of a suitable timing delay causes the seven digit number provided to be dialed into the original (parent) area code. This method can be implemented in connection with a telephone company central office switch, a modified custom calling service or be made accessible to individual telephone subscribers using computerized customer premises equipment.

Abstract: A method for directional distribution of allocation in two-way alternate line bundles which are switched between computer-assisted exchange facilities in voice and data networks. This traffic management method makes it possible to ensure full capability of a two-way alternate line bundle, while on the other hand, when traffic in one direction is temporarily dominant, traffic flow in the other direction is not impaired or displaced. A ratio for dividing the traffic in the outgoing and incoming directions is entered into the exchange facilities for the two-way alternate line bundle connecting them. The division ratio depends on the normal traffic flow in the outgoing and incoming directions. The allocation and direction of allocation of each line of the line bundle are constantly monitored by each of the two exchange facilities. As long as more than one line of the bundle is free, both exchange facilities can access the lines as required by the incoming connections.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating trunks in order to minimize glare. Trunk groups between switches are subdivided and each subgroup uses different allocation algorithms. A first switch hunts a first subgroup using a first algorithm and the second subgroup using a second algorithm. The switch on the other end of the trunk uses the second algorithm to hunt on the first trunk subgroup, and the first algorithm to hunt on the second trunk subgroup. In order to minimize glare, a determination can be made that one of the two algorithms will have precedence, i.e., if both switches seize the same trunk, then the switch using the algorithm of higher precedence to set up its call.

Abstract: A telephone exchange apparatus having a memory for storing the status information of extensions and outside lines. Upon reception of a predetermined setup message from an extension ISDN telephone, if there is a held line, the apparatus connects the line with the extension ISDN telephone which has transmitted the setup message. Thus an extension ISDN telephone can respond to a held call.

Abstract: A communicating method between two processors in a decentralized multi-node exchange system comprising a central processing module for controlling the system by processing events related to a call process, and a signal processing module having a common memory, for transmitting/receiving a signal message generated in the exchange system to/from the central processing module through the common memory. In order to transmit a message through the common memory, the message is transmitted to a message transmitting buffer when the message transmitting buffer is emptied, and an interrupt is generated to a counterpart receiving the message when the transmitting buffer is not emptied. Meanwhile, in order to receive a message, the number of receiving messages is set during a period of time when the interrupt is received or when it is set to receive a message, and a message corresponding to the number of the receiving message is read from the common memory.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for communicating, monitoring, and gathering data from and with a plurality of electrical devices connected to predetermined points on a network of equipment. The present invention is particularly suitable for x-ray and vascular systems which have multiple pieces of equipment which require maintenance, repair, and adjustment. The apparatus of the present invention provides for faster repair and maintenance of vascular or x-ray systems through the use of an expert system which provides diagnostic and troubleshooting assistance to the field service engineer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for establishing a virtual private line with automatic ring down is provided. The virtual private line uses the SS7 switching network of present telephone systems coupled between the customer premises equipment of two virtual private line customers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for establishing a virtual private line with automatic ring down is provided. The virtual private line uses the SS7 switching network of present telephone systems coupled between the customer premises equipment of two virtual private line customers.

Abstract: This application discloses a system for eliminating a busy line condition and completing a call over a virtual private line when the stations at each of the lines attempt to initiate a call simultaneously. The system is implemented in three phases. In a first phase, the busy line condition is detected by either the communication switching system which sets up the virtual private line or by two signal converters, each connected to a station set at each end of the line. In a second phase, the switching system or the converters send terminating supervisory signals towards each station to terminate the attempted initial calls while the stations are still off-hook. In a third phase, a predetermined signal converter or a selected switch in the communication switching system initiates a new call by emitting an originating supervisory signal while the stations are still off-hook.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telephone apparatus and a method of controlling the telephone apparatus, wherein, where a calling operation conflicts with a call-receiving operation, calling processing and call-receiving processing are performed so that an intention of an operator at a calling side may be respected. A timer is caused to start to operate in response to an incoming signal detected by an incoming signal detecting unit. Where an off-hook operation is detected by an off-hook detecting unit before the expiration of a timer time set at the timer, a line control unit treats the off-hook operation as an off-hook operation for a calling operation. Where an off-hook operation is detected by the off-hook detecting unit after the expiration of the timer time, the line control unit treats the off-hook operation as an off-hook operation for a call-receiving operation.

Abstract: A switching system having two-way lines connected between a primary office and an opposite office for communicating through a selected one of the two-way lines, and having a control unit for selecting one of the two-way lkines to be used for communication. To reduce double hunting of a two-way line, the control means comprises an outgoing connection process controlling unit for detecting a release of a two-way line activated by the primary office, an incoming connection process controlling unit for detecting a release of a two-way line activated by the opposite office, and a two-way line managing unit for deciding the priorities for selection of a plurality of two-way lines. The two-way line managing unit provides a different priority for selection to a released two-way line depending on whether the released two-way line had been activated by the primary office or by the opposite office.