Telephone call control system and method for the public switched telephone network

territorially invention

The This invention relates to telephone services and in particular to a system that allows the subscriber, characteristics of the telephone service the subscriber select.

background

People Various means have been used to interruptions due the phone to limit. In the past they used Agencies and secretaries inbound or inhäusige to screen calls and sift. Voicemail systems took over some of these roles, both at home and in the central office. today there are web-based companies for call control Third by a paid switching network carry out, which allows users to enter Anrufkontrollinfomnationen through a web portal. There are also peripheral and terminal equipment in each of the central offices of the public Telephone companies, a local control provide, however, an extremely limited number of features offer and provide no real call control for third parties.

The Web-based charges Systems provide a good user interaction willing, but are not economical and can not the local number portability exploit advantageous because they do not provide local control and connectivity.

The public Switched telephone network (PSTN = Public Switched Telephone Network) is from a plurality of edge switches (border or connecting switches) on the one hand with the phones and on the other side with a connected switches network of Tandem. The tandem switch network allows connectivity between all edge switches, and a signal system of the PSTN used to provide a call and transmitting both of the call as well as the identity to allow the called party.

To now be on the local Service telephone company (telco) optional features through the border switch at the Central Office (CO) provided. It was not possible, optional to provide features by any other means available. Control of these characteristics carried out by the first party (the calling party) or the second party (the called party) or even worse, manually by calling the office.

in Past countless facilities were built, a Connecting two lines together on a border or connection switch allow. These devices can be used be to complement characteristics of a telephone network, in which a call is received on a line and then on a also selected other line becomes. The problem with these devices is that, since they are connected up by a connection switch, transmission losses and impairments occur that degrade the compound as a whole. additionally prevent signaling restrictions full control over the call by the subscriber or the system.

EP-A 0,898,431 discloses a telecommunication system for providing a number portability with a variety of networks, including a PSTN network, with a processor device, the mobile with a switch and a is connected up multiple databases. The processor means added Telecommunications signals with destination information.

The invention described herein connected up at Tandem and eliminated characterized the previously mentioned Problems.

in the terminals that are in the PSTN central offices, has the first Party (the calling party) countless features available (dialing options). The second party (called party) also has options like call transfer available, but these features typically require access from the device of the first or second party and are fairly cumbersome to program. User interaction is not only unwieldy, it is limited and requires interaction with the telephone company in order provide. In other words, the systems required in the past for the provision, meaning supplementation, modification or control of phone features that a subscriber feature selection by telephone office performs. Employees of the Central Office then implemented the Providing upon request by the office.

Forward is a popular Provision. When call forwarding takes a significant transmission degradation instead of. The calling party pays for the call to the terminal and the end user, the called party pays for the call to the forwarded number. To improve control of to achieve an incoming call is a direct call control agent for calls Third required.

A Variety of services has arisen to the above-mentioned problems tackle. Many of these systems allow the called Par<?page 3?>tei changes to his / her attributes make the call forwarding that no direct control for calls allow third parties. These services provide a good user interaction to disposal, some about the Internet, but they are on the toll network by the use of "800" he numbers instructed. This makes it the participants required for Payable every minute and does not allow the participant to Advantage of number portability exploit to keep a check on to receive calls from third parties. There are other toll network mechanisms for Forward from far. For example, MCI offers a service where Consumers can change remotely the forwarding target number "800" he numbers. The contacting of the last end user before the first incoming call is terminated, is similar to the way in which "800" calls and credit Collect calls are processed, but they occur. not on the local level participants

in complement these paid services there are edge devices or terminal equipment for which some of them Services perform. Terminal equipment such as telephones and PBXs or multiple connections, the a voicemail, interactive voice response, call forwarding, Speed ​​Dial include, etc., were used to provide additional call control. These facilities allow the phone users an immediate control over incoming and outgoing calls. The disadvantage of the terminal equipment is that they increase costs, worsen the voice and transmission quality, can be difficult to program, not easy remote programmable are there for the participants needed make for to pay two lines, provide poorer quality of service provide and not the same level of functionality as a system, the PSTN directly controlled. Nag products with Voice Over Internet (voice over internet protocol = VoIP), which better user interfaces filters and control available, which, however, do not take advantage and voice quality of the PSTN exploit.

Summary

The This invention adds direct control of Control features of Call Mom, but does not suffer any of the above Disadvantages and allows the participant, his / her telephone system in a dynamic and exceptionally useful manage way through the existing public switched telephone networks (PSTN) Currently not available is. The invention allows improved features for the immediate Call Routing of calls third parties such as a selective call forwarding (Call routing) and remote dialing which the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is added using a local call control and provision a dynamic monitoring of the system by the subscriber. Direct control of the third Party means that the ability provide the features of the third party, directly to the subscriber accessible is, and thereby eliminating the need, by the office the telephone company (telco) to go.

in one embodiment the system comprising a processor (herein as a tandem access controller taken in terms), which is connected up to the PSTN, and any allowed to make the configuration of his or her telephone line, ie to set up or make immediate changes to it. In another embodiment, is a tandem access controller (TAC) subsystem internal to the PSTN connected up in a local service area. The TAC provides features, the selected participants from were all limit switches or edge switches available that are connected to the PSTN tandem switch. The immediate konnektieren to the PSTN tandem switch (or embedding the system into the Tandem switch) eliminates signal degradation problems described above.

in one embodiment the system allows the provision of features on the Internet under the direct control of the subscriber. Recently, Several products introduced been that provide a means for feature control over the public Internet. Nevertheless, all these devices have the disadvantage that they it require that the participant is a "800" number receives or any other number that is required for the subscriber makes a charge to pay each time a call is made. The present invention connected up locally so no charges.

The Web-supported Services in one embodiment, of the invention are in coexistence with and overlay the local phone service on a local level and thereby provide good economy and user interaction, access to a single number on diverse Subscriber devices, connectivity without transmission impairment and a real, immediate call control for calls maintained by third parties.

The leaving present invention to the use of local telephone systems, thereby eliminating all the extra fees, responsible for implementing Chargeable Calls are connected. It also allows the user to take advantage number portability or -übertragbarkeit exploit and his / her existing public telephone<?page 4?>maintain number.

Summary tHE dRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> shows the tandem access controller (TAC) of the present invention, the is connected to an existing PSTN tandem switch, the TAC features for the subscriber's telephone is available, as determined by the participants about the Web are requested.

<figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> shows similarly a system as in <figref idrefs="S20">1</figref>Which, however, multiple tandem switches and TAC's shows and well shows how the participants in addition to Using the standard telephone phone calls using the Voice over IP (voice over the Internet) by a conventional can make digital phone.

<figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> is a flowchart of a method that may use a person, to a participant's account set up and to determine characteristics that the participants like for his / her phone would.

<figref idrefs="S24">4</figref> is a flowchart of a method described by the TAC in response to controlling the TAC by the subscriber (or another perform service) , by using the web (or other packet-based To change system) the provision of the phone of the subscriber or perform a different function, such as, for example, a VoIP call to perform.

<figref idrefs="S25">5</figref> is a flow chart of a method as by a TAC response can be performed on an incoming call at the subscriber.

<figref idrefs="S26">6</figref> is a flow chart of a method from the subscriber and the TAC is carried out, if the subscriber wishes an outgoing call over the Web or to make using an ordinary phone.

<figref idrefs="S27">7</figref> shows a system using the TAC, which is cordless phones allows the same Deployment options as usual obtain phones.

<figref idrefs="S28">8</figref> shows a system using the TAC, it fax or modem calls possible of the provision that is offered by the TAC to benefit.

Detailed Description of embodiment

<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> shows a tandem access controller (TAC) <figref>10</figref>Which is an authorized subscriber <figref>12</figref> allows Inspection criteria for Third set of calls on the phone <figref>14</figref> the subscriber (which has a "public" phone number, Select the caller). In one embodiment, the TAC <figref>10</figref> a programmed processor. The TAC<figref>10</figref> can using any combination of hardware, firmware or software and in one embodiment is a conventional computer, is programmed to perform the functions described herein.

Of the TAC <figref>10</figref> is connected to or in a conventional PSTN tandem switch <figref>16</figref>. so that calls by the TAC <figref>10</figref> in the same manner as run by the existing PSTN tandem switch except can, that additional Characteristics of third parties may be applied to this call. How well is known PSTN tandem switches exchange sites, phone calls (Or other transport) to the central offices <figref>17</figref>. <figref>18</figref> or lead to other tandem switches. Details of the operation of the existing Telephone network can in the publication entitled "New Net SS7 tutorial "of ADC Telecommunications, copyright 1999 found that here includes by reference thereto to the full extent becomes. additional details can in countless books be found that describe the PSTN.

Of the PSTN tandem switch conducts a first call (from the calling party <figref>20</figref> to the telephone <figref>14</figref> the participant under Use of public Subscriber's telephone number) to the TAC <figref>10</figref>, Which in turn a second call, the subject of a third-party control information is, at the home phone number of the participant still without interruption the first call placed. If the participant<figref>12</figref> the second call ends (or answered), completed the TAC <figref>10</figref> the first call and connects it to the second call, which the calling party <figref>20</figref> with the participants <figref>12</figref> is connected. This causes the calling party essen- We the TAC <figref>10</figref> at using public Subscriber's telephone number and the TAC <figref>10</figref> calls for Processing the call using selected features of the participants, when appropriate, using the home phone number of the Subscriber and connects the two calls. The process is for the parties transparent.

Of the TAC <figref>10</figref> is in the PSTN (public F3ernsprechnetz) connected up in the sense that he is not an end or edge device as a PBX or a central office switch (CO) switch is because it does not directly connects the subscriber. Instead, he directs the Calls to the Teilnehmem. The TAC<figref>10</figref> provides an intelligent Interconnection between a calling party and a participant to disposal.

Of the Readers should in memory keep in mind that, although only one tandem switch in <figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> ge&lt;?page 5?&gt;shows is, the invention is equally well in a network of tandem switches can be applied, as in <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> shown is. <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> also shows how a subscriber calls to Using a Voice over IP (voice over the Internet) by a conventional digital phone <figref>21</figref> can make.

<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> shows the preferred method for an authorized subscriber to the control criteria for third parties by means of the World Wide Web <figref>22</figref> (And web server <figref>23</figref>) modify using an Internet browser. "Authorized" Under we mean a subscriber, is registered and provided with appropriate security and password control "logged" is. The participant <figref>12</figref> interacts the Web <figref>22</figref> about the Internet to quickly and easily the improved control features for calls to specify a third party. Web<figref>22</figref> forward this information then in suitable form to the TAC <figref>10</figref> continue. preferably use the link to the TAC <figref>10</figref> a secure protocol. Examples of features that can be selected by the participants include: Usual call blockages, call forwarding, Rufänderung, Daytime conditions, day conditions, successions, Caller ID / password, Caller ID, call screening / retrieval from the voicemail, Speed ​​dialing, interactive voice response and speech recognition. any other features may be supplemented. These features may the TAC <figref>10</figref> be implemented using known Software techniques since such features are known. Call Routing outgoing News includes: Click to Select Call and group call / notification.

The Invention may also comprise ivr / vm / voverip.

<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> used a public Internet portal that over a data link with the TAC, or other interface system connected is. As a registered participant logs a user on the portal (<figref idrefs="S23">3</figref>), And access is granted, the allows the user, additions or changes on the features such as speed dialing, call forwarding, selection of such descriptive characteristics (descriptors) as time of day, status busy, caller ID Status etc. make. A user-friendly website directs the participants through the different procedures and possible Characteristics. The selections are made by the participants, be translated into provisioning data and the TAC <figref>10</figref> transmitted. The TAC <figref>10</figref> also retains incoming and outgoing Calls based on this information in mind.

Of the Participants can also be a set of call control features via a Telephone link In the event program that a data link connection is not accessible.

<figref idrefs="S24">4</figref> is a flow chart of actions from the TAC <figref>10</figref> as answer on the control of TAC's made by the subscriber (or another service) may be using the Web or other packet-based system, to modify the provision of the phone of the subscriber or perform a different function, such as to make a VoIP call.

<figref idrefs="S25">5</figref> is a flow chart of actions that the TAC <figref>10</figref> as answer to an incoming call (using the public Subscriber's telephone number) are made at the subscriber. Examples of such actions by the TAC <figref>10</figref> made will include: <ul><li>he receives SS7 data indicating an incoming call,</li><li>it stores the phone numbers from-providing system down loaded,</li><li>it represents the identity the calling party is,</li><li>he checks the time of day,</li><li>it stores number lists in groups for processing incoming Calls are used,</li><li>He placed outgoing calls in response to incoming calls according to the information, which is downloaded to the data link.</li></ul>

Incoming will call data through the TAC <figref>10</figref> tandem switch <figref>16</figref> receive. The TAC <figref>10</figref> Processor checks calling and called numbers, the class of service, time of day, number lists etc. In some cases, be additional Data from the calling party by means of a DSP (digital signal processing) system collected and stored in system memory. The DSP system is used, to call processing tones and voice announcements play as necessary. Voice announcements can be played by the DSP system will. In response to the call data can be connected to an outgoing call the participants <figref>12</figref> back through the tandem switch <figref>16</figref> of the TAC <figref>10</figref> placed will. The TAC<figref>10</figref> connects the two calls and monitored the connection.

Information about the call to the TAC <figref>10</figref> be collected and to the subscriber or be sent to a third party to display. Such information can the length be of the call or information that is used in relation to the participants for settle the use of the system. The-providing system can also collect control information from a third party and the TAC <figref>10</figref> back escort, which then accordingly on the Call acts.

<figref idrefs="S26">6</figref> is a flow chart of actions that the participant <figref>12</figref> and the TAC <figref>10</figref> be made if the subscriber wishes a &lt;?page 6?&gt;outbound call over the Web or to make using an ordinary phone. When the web is used to place a call, can the participants just a name on the computer screen <figref>26</figref> among click using a mouse.

<figref idrefs="S27">7</figref> shows a system using a TAC <figref>10</figref>, The wireless it mobile phones <figref>28</figref> allows the same deployment options as conventional phones <figref>14</figref> to receive. A local cell <figref>30</figref> and a cell switch <figref>32</figref> are in <figref idrefs="S27">7</figref> also shown.

<figref idrefs="S28">8</figref> shows a system using a TAC <figref>10</figref>That it and Fax Modem calls possible from take advantage of the provision that the TAC <figref>10</figref> offered becomes. The TAC<figref>10</figref> can an interface connection with the ISP <figref>36</figref> on the web <figref>22</figref> manufacture.

A embodiment the invention allows the subscriber to the current state of his / her phone via To view the Internet. The Internet is a term of the prior art with which we connect packet Switched Networks (Packet switched networks) among themselves think. Prior to this invention there was no way for a user to check the status of a telephone line. in recently There are several products have been introduced, which means a to check an answering machine provide.

On Internet portal is over a data link with the TAC <figref>10</figref> connected. When a user to logs on to the portal and access to an individual grants Participants Area is, the user can check the status of calls / features. These Information is from TAC <figref>10</figref> transmitted to the web portal and for the user viewable data translated. The TAC <figref>10</figref> has based on this information an eye for incoming and outgoing calls.

Of the TAC <figref>10</figref> implemented can using conventional processor hardware will. The connection to the tandem switch<figref>16</figref> can so simple as a telephone circuit, since the TAC <figref>10</figref> an incoming Call the caller hears and the call processing. Working out of the use of the Software / Firmware to control the TAC <figref>10</figref> is within the ability the experts, since the various control features basically already are known, the available be made.

Certain include advantages which can be obtained using the invention, the following:

Web-based Telecom Navigator

<ul><li>Managing the control of incoming calls - Conditional Call blocking / forwarding / alert - Time, Weekday, successor, Caller ID / password, caller ID, etc. - Call Review / -rückholung voicemail / answering machine - Interactive voice response and speech recognition</li><li>Managing a control of outgoing calls - Call with click-selection - Group call and alerts</li><li>Web-based billing</li></ul>

Webbetriebenes personal communication management

<ul><li>Cost-effective access to a single phone number</li><li>Online "personal digital assistant "</li><li>Online "Telecom Navigator"</li><li>Inspired user interaction</li><li>Secure and reliable technology</li></ul>

Cost-effective access to individual phone numbers

<ul><li>CLEC status - Free local calls, incoming Calls (no 800 service fees) - Retention the current number (local number portability) - Low-cost call over LATA a total of - Flatrate foreign exchange - A single installation covers the entire LATA - Charge Bypass for VoIP</li><li>Compatible with existing facilities, standards - Default (DTMF multifrequency Verfahren-) and VoIP Phones - Wireless Phones - Default wired / wireless and PIM Browser</li></ul>

Web-based personal Digital assistant

<ul><li>Centralized and consistent HR data - Once constructed everywhere used - Private / public Telephone directories and calendar - "Post-it" style notes of numbers</li><li>Web Select - clicking to select of websites, directories, calendars - Management of multiple telephone lists</li><li>Unified alert - Access Voicemail, Messages / Prompts, alarm over the Web</li></ul>

&lt;?page 7?&gt;

User interaction

<ul><li>expected behavior - Compatible with known Products (eg Palm Pilot) - Commonality between all Wired and wireless</li><li>Mode-based definition and selection - Holiday dinner time, Absent, Family Call Waiting - templates</li><li>learning modes - People-based User interaction design - Voice recognition - Windows drag and drop </li><li>Automatic Data Capture - Established phone list, based on collected usage information - lists Drag and drop into</li></ul>

Secure and reliable technology

<ul><li>Separate Site and Link Gateway - No immediate External access to the gateway - Additional security layer - No Denial of service over voice connections</li><li>Detection of VoIP connection deterioration - Automatic Switching to PSTN</li><li>E-commerce security - Invoice encryption</li></ul>