Efficient communication network

EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION NETWORK

CROSS REFERENCE TO PENDING PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part of US Patent Application Serial No. 08/320269, filed October 11, 1994.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for providing transparent access to different types of communication networks which may be incompatible with each other and some of which may be incompatible with the equipment used by the calling party or the called party. lower routing cost in such a system, maintaining the quality of communication in such a system, setting the routing priorities for such communications, evaluating different communication access locations to determine where to send a communication, communications synchronization, blocking incoming communications while waiting for synchronization to be completed, and minimizing the cost of communications using such a system. This system also monitors and records the services used in each

ΡΕ2315398 one of the unrelated service providers. This information is then used for billing purposes and for payment to service providers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, where communication services are offered on a global basis, communications are established through the equipment of a plurality of service providers located in various countries. This communication is dominated by large operators that formed the worldwide network through reciprocity agreements. Smaller competing operators, which may offer the same service at lower prices, currently have no reciprocal agreements between them.

The invention provides these smaller competing carriers access to each other without the use of large carriers. This access gives the calling party (for example, a subscriber of the smaller competing carrier) the option to get better service at lower prices while ensuring that the appropriate service providers receive payment. The calling party may now have cheaper access to different types of telecommunications networks that it did not have access under the current system of the major carrier. It may be cheaper or preferred for the calling party to use small carriers to communicate with another location when routing communication over a network.

ΡΕ2315398 digital data instead of an analog voice network, or by routing communication over a paging network rather than over a cellular network, or a combination of networks.

EP0664658 describes a system that provides packet data representing radio signals to and from cell sites, and to and from a destination through a fast packet network. JP05145551 describes a communication protocol converter for use between a TCP / IP protocol and an X.25 protocol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for communicating between two access devices across one or more networks comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a transmission in a first format over a first communication network from a first access device, the first format comprises a telecommunications protocol for establishing and transmitting voice communication for a telephone call on one of a network digital telephone, an analog telephone network, and a cellular network; (b) performing a first conversion by converting the transmission of the first format to a second format, the second format being an internet protocol; sending the converted transmission through a second

152315398 communication network, the second communication network being a data network, to be received by a second access device; and (c) performing a second conversion, further converting the converted transmission of the second format into another additional format suitable for the second access device, wherein the first access device and the second access device comprise telecommunications nodes, and said Additional format comprises said first format or other telecommunications protocol. 0 The step of selecting a route for transmission is based at least on a criterion defined by the user's preference and / or comprising the step of storing at least one of the subscriber's information, tariffs, and call details. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for communicating between two access devices across one or more networks, comprising: (a) means for receiving a transmission in a first format over a first communication network from a first access device, the first format comprising a telecommunications protocol for establishing and transmitting voice communication for a telephone call in one of a digital telephone network, an analog telephone network, and a cellular network; (b) means for performing a first conversion by converting the transmission of the first format to a second format, the second format being a transmission protocol.

2315398 internet; sending the converted transmission through a second communication network, the second communication network being a data network, to be received by a second access device; and (c) means for performing a second conversion, further converting the converted transmission of the second format into an additional format suitable for the second access device, wherein the first access device and the second access device comprise telecommunications nodes, and the said additional format comprises said first format or other telecommunications protocol.

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<td>central,</td><td>and</td><td>to the second</td><td>device</td><td>in</td><td>access.</td><td>THE</td>

The transmission may relate to the establishment or transmission of voice communication for a telephone call from a calling party connected to the first access device to a called party connected to the second access device.

The first communication network may be one of an analog telephone network, a digital telephone network, and a cellular network.

A calling party may be connected to the first access device for transmitting and receiving voice communication for a telephone call and a calling party

The call is connected to the second access device for transmitting and receiving voice communication for the telephone call.

The second conversion may be performed on the second access device. The second access device may be connected to a telephone exchange of a telecommunications network.

Means may be provided for selecting a routing path for transmission based on at least one criterion defined by the user's preference. One of the criteria may comprise at least one of the following: a specified level of transmission quality; the availability of calling party credit and the cost of referral.

The transmission may comprise performing a call establishment procedure.

The means for storing at least one of the subscriber information, tariffs, and call details.

The transmission may be related to a fax transmission and / or the transmission comprises signaling messages.

According to another aspect of the present invention

No. 2315398 is provided an apparatus for use in a communications network, comprising: a central information exchange switching unit with a user-transparent interception service of a calling party access number and a called party access number, said central switching unit responsive to information received from the interception service to verify an access number availability of the called party to receive an incoming call from the central switching unit to connect to a call to the calling party access number, said central switching unit links calls between the calling party's access number and the called party's access number in response to the finding that the called party's access number is available, the central switching unit receives information from the interception service in a first format comprising a telecommunications protocol over a first communication network, converting the information of a first format into a second format, sending the converted information to the called party's access number using a second communication network, and converting the information of the second format into an additional format suitable for the called party's access number, the said additional format comprises said first format or other telecommunications protocol. Established communication can be both ways.

ΡΕ2315398

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, while the scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

Fig. 1 is a conceptual block diagram indicating the operating principles of the process of the invention for interrogating a data network and transmitting voice over the data network.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system overview having two node servers attached to an Internet backbone.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a telephony server.

Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the embodiment of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart showing the routing for versatility and transmission priority.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a flowchart showing the synchronization connection.

Figs. 7A-7G are schematic diagrams showing different types of communication routing techniques.

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a central local node that interacts with networks.

ΡΕ2315398

Fig. 9 is a conceptual block diagram which is a further variation of that of Fig. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning to Fig. 1, which is a schematic drawing depicting a process of sending a digital or voice transmission to a local node. For ease of understanding, this drawing is the same as in Fig. 1 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/320269 (Application '269) filed on October 11, 1994 by the present inventor entitled PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT USE OF TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS introduced), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Patent application 269 describes a technique whereby hotels and other similarly situated establishments can make use of international callback technology. Reference numbers in the

Fig. 1 of '269 patent application are the same as those of Fig. 1 of the present patent application, namely a telecommunications network 10, caller location 12, caller location 14, telecommunications transparent node or interception 16, the first central local node 18, data network 20, telephone exchange 22, second central local node 24, telephone call 26, connection 28 to central local node 18, connection 30 to external channel 20, connection 32 to second central local node 24, line 36 through

2315398 of which a first telephone call 27 is made to interrogate the caller's location 14 and through which a call status supervision signal 38, a callback 40, an unfinished call signal 42 are sent back , a message 44, a reverse response supervision signal 47, and a caller location 48 making a call 50A or receiving a callback 52A.

Caller location 12 may be where data transmission originates or where voice communication originates to eventually be received by caller location 14. While telephone calls are certainly an intended form of communication, The invention covers any type of communication, whether it involves public service telephone networks, cellular networks, paging networks, data networks, analog networks, and the like. A call should be interpreted as any form of communication over a network and not limited to voice telephone calls only.

While such a technique is particularly suited for callback situations employing a voice network, it is also applicable for use in digital data-based networks such as the computer internet network. For example, instead of routing a direct call between locations A and B using X technology, it may be cheaper to use callbacks from location C to location A and

ΡΕ2315398 from location C to location B using Y technology.

As used in this patent application, the term calling party refers to the initiator of transmission or communication, which may include callers in telephone networks, subscribers using data, cellular or paging networks, etc. The term called party means the final receiver of transmission or communication from the calling party and with whom the communication is being made. The called party may include users of telephone networks, cellular networks, paging networks, data networks, etc., whose network access device serves as the destination to which transmission or communication is directed from the calling party.

In addition to voice transmission over the telecommunications network 10, the voice may be converted to digital form in a conventional manner, for example, compressed into data packets or sampled data. At the first central local node 18, the call from the caller location 12 is converted to a data signal, which is then sent over a data network, such as data network 20, to the caller's location or destination 14. Prior to reaching the called party, the data signal is reconverted into voice at the central office (or control location) to be transmitted to destination 14 via a public communications network or other connecting line 36. Such a transaction avoids use of

ΡΕ2315398 international telephone networks and uses local calls instead. All links between us are through the

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of a telephone network to save costs is avoided. Since data transmissions are virtually instantaneous, the costs associated with waiting times for voice transmission over conventional telephone networks are avoided and even the costs associated with waiting times for making a call back. over a conventional telephone network are avoided.

Each node is able to communicate with other nodes for communication routing purposes and acts as a transit node, asking questions to determine the willingness of the destination party to receive communication, and even to track which network that party is to. currently have access so that communication can be routed there. For example, a node in the called party may be preprogrammed with all the different forms of communication networks and contact IDs that the party may be accessing, along with their addresses, access numbers, or other types of information. to access them from the node.

Upon receipt of a request requesting

In terms of the readiness of the party to receive a communication, the node in the called party that has the primary identification or number associated with the called party checks the status of each of these communication networks at different access locations to determine if the call is being made. accessed by the party at that time. In this connection, the called party would have previously had to designate the main identifications (addresses, etc.) or telephone numbers where it is to be reached and which networks to use.

For example, verification may reveal that the called party's computer is open, or that the phone is on, and so on. If so, then the node has identified where the party can access, and then contacts the inquiring node to transmit a charge credit authorization code so that the called party's node can communicate over that network. of communication identified. 0 Authorization code limits the duration and services that can be provided. Alternatively, the system may send the authorization code along with the request for information.

The requesting node sends the authorization code, after checking with a central node responsible for releasing all transactions and recording all events on the network. The central node may be part of a distributed network of central nodes that are responsible for billing. After the knot of

If a party called upon to receive the authorization and authentication code for billing purposes, communication may be established with that party through the identified communication network that has been located and found to be accessible and transparent to the end user. An appropriate signal is transmitted to the requesting node that communication can begin between the parties.

An example of tracking the called party will now be described. Suppose the party spends half a year on

North America using the NACN cellular network and the rest in Europe using the GSM internet connection network using the laptop computer. In normal situations, these two forms of networks are not compatible, so direct communication is not possible. However, such a situation is rectified by communicating with a node that is programmed with information about which possible network the party may be using. If the node is in contact with the NACN system, it is also in contact with a node that is in contact with the GSM system. Both nodes check their cellular systems to find out which party is or has been accessed or has been disconnected. Once the accessible location has been identified, contact can be made from the ordinary telephone to the laptop by converting and routing the voice over the data to the laptop on which it is converted back to voice.

As an example of operation, the subscriber of the

The service provider first contacts a central local node, providing the calling party's identity or identification access number and the called party's access or identification number, as well as the desired service type with respect to preferences. service providers, level of transmission quality, transmission time, etc.

central local node queries the called party's nodes to find the network to which the called party is having access. For example, a called party node may be programmed with access information from all possible networks that the called party may be using, for example, cellular, computer, paging, etc. This called party node then seeks to find out where the called party is or may be, and then informs the central local node that communication can be sent to it upon receipt of an authorization number for the transaction.

The central local node provides such authorization, perhaps after checking with the first central node dealing with invoicing and determining that the calling party or service providers fulfill the financial conditions to allow the service and its future settlement. If the central local nodes do a lower routing cost analysis, for example, and determine that a called party callback is the cheapest way to complete the transaction, then both the calling party's service provider and the services

ΡΕ2315398 from the called party received the authorization, then the originating service provider will be billed. The central node records all such transactions for invoicing purposes.

Callers are allowed to call anywhere in the world for the price of local access and a service charge and to avoid using long distance carriers. Users can make such calls to have voice conversations and send faxes to remote locations. To make voice calls, a local system is dialed through access to the computer or regular telephone, which prompts users for the called party's ID or number, and then connects them to the called party over the Internet or other network. such as connecting them via a node through a local call or through other networks.

For example, a calling party may have access to a node that converts transmission to data to support the network of its choice. For example, you can connect to another node that converts voice transmission and then connects communication to a local call to the called party where the called party's node is operated by an independent service provider located in another place, as in another country. Of course, the call takes place only after authorization has been received to complete the local call.

For faxing, the calling party sends a fax to a central local node and the fax is then sent to the called party over the Internet or another data network. 0 fax can be sent in real time or saved

ΡΕ2315398 in a store and forward mode for later sending as part of a later batch transmission, depending on the calling party's preferences.

The present invention provides the option of using a single communication device, such as a multimedia portable computer, to initiate and receive all forms of communication by contacting a node or being contacted by a node according to the invention and providing it. with an identifying access address and a called party's access address, telephone number or other identification code and any transmission preferences, such as transmission quality level, service providers, cost time, transmission (eg real time or later store and forward), security, encryption, etc.

Transparent to the calling party using the laptop, the node handles all additional actions such as tracking the called party, handling financial invoicing, and obtaining authorization to complete transactions through providers remote individual services, determining the preferred path for forwarding communications even through otherwise incompatible networks, converting transmissions accordingly, checking the transmission quality level and making sure the transmission meets the preferences.

ΡΕ2315398

In addition to having access to a data network, your laptop may have appropriate software / hardware that gives you access to a cellular digital data packet and, via a built-in fax modem, to a telephone network. Thus, the portable computer may be in contact with the node by any of these different communication networks and communicate through any of these communication networks, as well as including making two-way voice calls.

Other applications of the invention relate to transmissions via conventional trame relay switches, conventional asynchronous transfer mode switches and other conventional data networks such as the Internet. Frame Relay is an international standard for efficiently handling high-speed data in wide area networks that use network bandwidth only when there is traffic to send. 0 Asynchronous transfer mode allows users to combine voice, video and data on a single telephone line and operate up to Gigabyte per second speeds where usable capacity is segmented into fixed size cells each composed of header and fields. information for on-demand services. The Internet network differs from frame relay switching and asynchronous transfer mode because it uses the transmission control protocol / Internet program, which is a set of protocols developed by the Department of Defense to connect different computers across a variety of others. networks and protocols.

ΡΕ2315398

Referring to Fig. 2, several remote nodes 50, 52, 54 are shown on the backbone of Internet 56. Each remote node has a telephone server 60 and a telephone server.

Internet 62, although a common server providing both functions can be used instead. Internet server 62 has access to the Internet backbone 56. Both servers 60, 62 are networked using the Internet TCP / IP program / transmission control protocol, which is a set of protocols that connects different computers across a variety of other networks and protocols as conventionally used in local area networks. , minicomputers and central computers, or are networked with a router in the case of an ATM machine (ATM stands for Automatic Teller Machine). Subscribers 64 dial and are serviced by the telephone server 60, which is a computer-based machine with conventional hardware and software for processing fax and voice to establish a connection with one of the remote nodes. Subscribers access servers using any of the conventional telephones and fax machines available on the market.

Referring to Fig. 3, a calling party interface 70, an operator interface 72, and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) interface 74 (PSTN, for Public Switched Telephone Network) are shown. Subscriber Interface 70 provides subscribers or calling parties with

Telefone2315398 Internet phone and fax service via Internet Server 62 on remote nodes (see Fig. 2). The calling party may dial the subscriber interface 70 over voice or data lines, for example with a computer or laptop. The RTPC interface 74 has lines that are used for incoming calls and lines that are used for outgoing calls. These lines for incoming calls lead to standard manufacturing dialogic hardware or a modem so that when a particular number is called, the calling party ID or password is verified for identity validation.

If determined to be valid, the calling party is asked to indicate which service it wants, so that communication can be routed through the data or voice networks accordingly. The called party is contacted to determine availability to receive the communication. If available, communication is established through the desired service. Otherwise, if real-time communication is desired, the calling party is notified that the contact is not available.

If the store and forward process is the desired communication process, then the called party is monitored until the contact becomes available, at which time the communication can be transmitted. A type of storage and forwarding communication is one in which a desired communication, such as a transmission of

ΡΕ2315398 fax is stored until it can be sent according to other criteria, such as in batch format at off-peak rates.

Voice processing involves call processing and content processing. Call processing involves physically moving the call such as by switching. Content processing actually involves interacting with call content such as scanning, storing, recognizing, compressing, multiplexing, editing, or using it as input to a computer program.

Operator interface 72 includes designated service provider representatives to interact with the system through a personal computer console to perform essential functions such as subscriber administration, tariff management, billing, and administration system. These functions are remotely accessible by dialing.

Fig. 4 shows the functional hardware. In addition to the aforementioned key external interfaces, the internal function blocks include, as represented by blocks in the diagram, a database 76, call management 78, switching, fax and voice messages 80. Horizontal connection 82 on both the sides of the switch block and voice messages 80 are voice paths. The remaining connections 84 are all data flow paths.

ΡΕ2315398

Database 76 is a database management system that is used as a repository for subscriber, tariff, call details, and configuration information information required to operate the system and the lease. Switching through block 80 is required to establish voice or fax between the source and the called party. Pre-recorded audio messages are played back for a voice path by greeting voice messages, to indicate the progress of the normal call setup, and to check the system charge state, subscriber account status, and the error calculations. Voicemail refers to a small set of the entire messaging system, not arbitrary voicemail messages.

Calls originating from the RTPC interface side are detected by the voice message switch block 80, which also communicates with call management 78 to establish a connection with the called party node via Internet server 62 of Fig. 2. or a voice or data line and to determine which message to play, if any. Call management 78 handles call setup requests from either subscriber interface side 70 or RTPC interface side 74 to issue call setup commands to subscriber interface 70 and voice message switching 80 It maintains state information on the subscriber interface and on the RTPC lines. Call management 78 is

ΡΕ2315398 Configurable to check credit availability before establishing a call with other nodes if necessary, and monitor the call to issue voice messages and call termination commands in the event of credit depletion. Handles card call situations by recording caller details in the database for possible billing purposes and issues relevant commands directly to the subscriber interface 70.

For establishing a call, the following steps may take place:

The dialogical hardware answers the call. Voice message switching 80 sends a message to the answered call through the voice processing unit requesting an access number from the called party, which is received and stored upon entry. Call management 78 checks database 76 for user billing status. If invalid, the voice processing unit plays a message and the call is disconnected. Otherwise, for valid calls, call management 78 initiates subscriber interface 70 to send a request packet over the Internet or another data line or voice line; The request package consists of the called party ID or number and may include an authorization code.

Upon receipt of the package on a local node

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4 remote central, the local remote central node will dial the called party number or enter its address, perform a call analysis and send the result back to the subscriber interface on the originating node. Call management 78 checks the result of the analysis. If a connection call has been established, then the call is initiated. Otherwise, the voice message switch 80 warns the user via the voice processing unit with a message and options such as dialing another number or leaving a message in a voice mailbox. Upon completion of the call, billing information will be stored in database 76 for further processing by the operator interface 72.

Fig. 5 illustrates a technique for gaining access to a larger number of telecommunications networks. Normal transmission from an access device is intercepted by an intercept device, which forwards the transmission to a central local node. At the central local node, an investigation is made as to which routing route is available for the specific service.

After determining which route of routing is available, the central local node determines all available nodes that can provide this service at the called party's end. The central local node then selects a specific available node based on considerations such as cost, line quality, and security and priority. The central local node checks with a database

Interna2315398 internal data to determine the networks available at the called party's end, the identity of the service providers that provide these networks through different nodes, and the different transmission costs associated with the customer-defined criteria. Network access devices supported at the called end may be a fax machine, a telex, a voice phone, a cell phone, a radiotelephone, a data entry terminal, etc. (different types of communication access devices) . Transmission costs associated with customer-defined criteria include customer preference for particular types of networks, encryption security, and / or transmission priority, such as real-time transmission, or a storage and forwarding format as defined. in the customer message.

Defined network software can be used to maintain quality (for example, after detecting quality degradation, transmission bandwidth may be extended accordingly or by priority of transmission instructions). If data packets do not arrive fast enough, then quality can be improved by increasing bandwidth within predetermined bandwidth parameters on behalf of other voice data users.

The calling party may prefer the transmission to take place over a dedicated and secure line, but not

ΡΕ2315398 is concerned with the routing path taken by acknowledgment or response to transmission. As a result, acknowledgment or response may be routed over non-dedicated lines and through any communication network, even from the networks selected by the calling party's choice. For example, the calling party may want the acknowledgment or response to be routed through either cellular networks or computer network services.

Such customer preferences can be found in the database associated with the calling party and interpreted by the central local nodes. The central local nodes then instruct the nodes responsible for returning the response or acknowledgment to follow the desired preference.

A customer may prefer that a fax message be transmitted immediately rather than in delayed batch format or vice versa. The fax message is sent to a local central node (at the origin). After initializing the system, ie presetting carrier 90, checking customer preferences by a service provider carrier 92, and checking customer preference for selecting the desired service 94, central local node 96 determines if there are more nodes central locations (CLN) (CLN is the acronym for Central English Local Node) in a Least Cost Routing Table (LCR) (LCR is the acronym for Least Cost Routing), which contains

ΡΕ2315398 A list of central local nodes connected to service providers of different networks and their costs for providing the service.

If there are more central local nodes, the next one is selected 98. A determination 100 is made as to whether empty or peak hour rates are applied based on the actual time. Reference to a database table 102 may be made to determine the average duration of service calls to the location by the customer to help find the most cost-effective route of routing based on usage history. A comparison of the least cost routing 104 is made to determine whether the connection of the new central local node to the service provider offers the most favorable rate based on the average duration of communication that had been offered by the previously considered central local node. If more favorable, the newly considered central local node (and its associated service provider) is selected. If less favorable, the previously selected central local node (and its associated service provider) will remain selected.

This process is repeated 108 for each central local node and thus for each service provider. When done, the call format, appropriate service provider, network and time of day are selected to send the transmission to the selected central local node 110 and billing information is updated 112.

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By selecting the appropriate network, it can be found that it is less expensive to transmit the fax message in digital format over a data network than to transmit the fax message in voice callback format over long distance carriers. Thus, the data network may be the preferred network for purposes of selecting the lowest cost between nodes. On the other hand, the central local node must prioritize client preferences, which may mean that the transmission is routed through the most secure routing route, which may not be the data network. Instead, a secure transmission would be via a different route and would result in an increase in the cost of transmission.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart for establishing a synchronized connection of both call branches, i.e. the synchronization of caller and callback communications by selecting a specific time system and call time rate. of return. A user is allowed to stand in line or hang up to wait for a callback, while the routing unit times both communications from the routing unit to the calling party access number and the calling number. called party access and ensures that both occur simultaneously or according to the transaction cost efficiency. The routing unit

2315398 checks an internal database to determine the waiting time before commencement of communication with both, to ensure synchronization of calls from the called party and the return party. This can be done based on the historical performance of making the callback and calls from the called party or making a data call or tracking a party.

A routing unit initially receives the first branch 120 (location, city, destination) from the calling party and the second branch 122 (location, city, destination) from the called party, and then looks in a callback status table in memory 124 the estimated minimum connection time. The difference 126 is calculated between the binding times of the two branches and the branch with the longest required binding time is marked 128. A timer 130 is set for the difference and counts down to zero 132.

When the countdown is complete, the timer triggers to open communication with the branch with the shortest call time 134 to establish call 136. If a called party being called is not found in the call status table. callback in memory 124, then the actuation to open the communication occurs in the following sequence, first the branch of the called party and then the other branch. Average connection times are then stored in the table in memory 124 for future synchronization of the two.

152315398 branches. The table is updated continuously each time calls are made. Average call times for both branches and the service providers that are available for linking with the called party's location and city codes are stored in the table for on-demand retrieval.

Channels can be blocked so that no other incoming calls can interrupt during the time the forwarding unit executes the callback and the called party's calls. The interception unit only releases the blocked channel a few seconds before the time specified in the call back and call party history. Alternatively, the delay time may be based on a common minimum time period set for placing such calls. For example, if a long distance call takes 10-15 seconds, depending on the called party, the delay time period that is set could always be 9 or 10 seconds under the time required to make that call. Thus, there is only a short period of time during which an incoming call can interrupt the routing synchronization unit for making the callback and calling the called party. It should be noted that the database verified by the interception unit may not be the same as the database verified by the routing unit, although its contents may be the same. These call blocking features are commercially available.

ΡΕ2315398 available on VoiceSmart software and hardware under the designation Local Transparent Node (TLN) (where TLN is the acronym for Transparent Local Node) and Hotel Local Node (HLN) (where HLN is the acronym for English Local Hotel Node). By blocking such incoming calls, service providers are no longer at risk of making the second callback branch if the first callback branch becomes busy due to an incoming call.

Figs. 7A-7G exemplify different techniques for efficient routing communications according to the invention. Access devices 150 and 156 (Figures 7A-7G) and nodes 152 (Figs. 7A-7C, 7E-7F), 154 (Figs. 7A-7G) and 160 (Fig. 7C) of a network are shown, but each node can be located in the same or different geographic regions or countries. Access device 150 may have an intercept capability to make subsequent routing connections transparent to users. Node 158 (Fig. 7B) represents an access device in a different network. By way of example, connections 170 (Figures 7A-7G) and 174 (Figs. 7A7G) may be considered as voice transmission lines and connections 172 (Figs. 7A-7C, 7F) and 173 (Fig. 7D) may be considered. considered as data transmission lines. Connection 176 (Fig. 7B) can be a cell line or paging line. Connections 178 (Figs. 7E and 7G) and 180 (Figs. 7E) may be data lines. Connections 182, 184 and 186 (Figure 7F) may also be data lines. Each node can perform the

ΡΕ2315398 call termination function, such as when authorization is not imminent to carry out the transaction.

Fig. 7A shows nodes 152 and 154 communicating with their respective access devices 150 and 156, as would be done for simultaneous callbacks. Initially, initiator access device 150 transmits its identification and that of the other access device 156 to node 152. Node 152 requests node 154 to make a request about the availability of access device 156. If available, then the callback is made through the respective connections 170, 174, preferably for simultaneous communication. The two callbacks are established via link 172. Nodes 152 and 154 convert transmissions into data transmission and vice versa so that data transmissions travel between nodes 152 and 154 and voice transmissions travel from the transmission devices. access to the associated nodes 152, 154. The

<td colspan="2">connections 170, 172 or data.</td><td>and</td><td> 174</td><td>can handle</td><td colspan="2">voice communications</td>

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paging device 158 via paging network 176. Once paged, the called party calls node 154 through access device 156 and communication is established over connection 172. During the interval between paging of the called party and calling to the knot

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154 by the party called through access device 154, access device 150 may be either waiting for communication to be established with node 152 or called back by node 152 after node 152 is notified that access device 156 has entered in contact with node 154.

Fig. 7C is the same as Fig. 7A, except that an additional node 160 between nodes 152 and 154 is shown to illustrate that the path between nodes 152 and 154 may not be direct, and also shows that the access device 150 is communicating directly with node 152 instead of being a result of the callback as in fig. 7A and using different data connections 172 and 173.

Fig. 7D shows that communication can be through a single node 154 rather than through two nodes as in Figs. 7A-7C, as in the case where access device 150 is a computer that has direct access to data connection 172.

Fig. 7E also shows that communication can be through a single node 152 rather than through two nodes, but it also shows that such communication is established after access device 150 communicates to node 154, for example via which wishes to communicate with access device 156. Instead of routing transmission through node 154, node 154 signals node 152 to contact access devices 150 and 156 directly.

ΡΕ2315398

Fig. 7F shows a type of callback arrangement in which a request for establishing access device 150 communication with access device 156 is made over a network type, but the actual callback is made. across a different network type, although both types of networks share the same nodes 152, 154. As an example, the request may be through a data network 182, 184, 186 and the callback may be through two voice connections 170, 174 from the respective access devices 150, 156 with the two voice links. to be established by a data connection 172. Nodes 152, 154 convert voice transmissions to data transmissions and vice versa, if applicable.

Fig. 7G is the same as FIG. 7E except that node 154 also performs the function of node 152 in Fig. 7E and thus forwards the transmissions through it. In this case, a request to communicate with the access device 156 by the access device 150 is made via a data connection 178, such as via email. In response, node 154 calls both access devices 150, 156, preferably so that each is contacted simultaneously through a different network such as through voice lines 170, 174.

In each of the examples of Figs. 7A-7G, billing is handled transparently to parties using access devices 150, 156. Each node is in

Contacto2315398 contact with a central node (or network of central nodes) that must release the transaction before the terminating nodes act through a global authorizer. Once the operation is released, an authorization code is provided to the node. The authorization code may be routed either to any other node at the time a request is made to establish communication or to be in response to such request from such another node.

The central node, which includes the global authorizer, will check the total credit or debit card opened to the source node, check for fraud patterns, check for rights to terminate communication based on available credit, and check the credit rating. calling party credit with third parties. Based on the results of this check, the central node global authorizer either approves or disapproves the proposed transaction. Once the transaction is completed, the responsible node communicates such a conclusion to the central node, which then updates the account information accordingly. If a node is shut down, the central node also communicates such a shutdown to all other nodes, so that they remove the disconnected node from the routing table of the available stored nodes.

Fig. 8 shows a central local node A interacting with a calling party access device interface and a global network of high capacity data networks. Access devices can communicate with central local nodes directly or via

Interception ΡΕ2315398 directing communication to the central local node. Access devices are exemplified by telephones, pagers, mobile phones, laptops, fax machines, multimedia computer workstations, etc.

The subscriber access device interface includes communication networks such as digital and analog paging and cellular telephones, and data networks. The central local node includes an authorizer, converters for each communication network, a main processor and router, a main database, coding and compression system, and decoding and decompression system. High-capacity global data networks include the internet, frame relay, and digital and analog voice lines.

The authorizing party is responsible for providing release transactions to provide authorization for the communication to be made. The authorizer checks with the main database within the central local node to determine if the subscriber's credit is good and to what extent to ensure that service providers are paid. The database may contain a subscriber's usage history and outstanding balance and other credit history information. Master database information can be updated from information in other nodal databases and vice versa, including from the central node, which should contain the information

ΡΕ2315398 and whose global authorizer may be responsible for authorizing all transactions in advance. By the same process, the global authorizer can check the creditworthiness of service providers when service providers are responsible for paying each other.

Converters convert the form of communication to suit the particular network through which communication will be routed, for example, voice into data, etc. 0 The main processor and router are responsible for checking with the main database to determine which service providers and communication networks to use and access circuits to compress or decompress communications as needed and to access circuits to encode or decode communications for security purposes.

main processor and router route communications through appropriate converters if necessary to suit the network to be used for the routing, ie internet, frame relay and ATM, or digital and analog voice lines. The main processor and router also direct communication to the final destination, ie access devices of the called party. In doing so, other central local nodes B or C may be used for part of the routing or other routing route directly to the access devices through interception.

Associada2315398 associated if applicable for the access device. These interception devices are also for directing communications.

Converters are conventionally available, such as Texas Instrument digital signal processors that convert voice to data and vice versa. VoiceSmart interception devices are available on request from TLN or HLN and are conventionally available from telephone companies. The interception device may be part of or separate from the access devices. 0 The interception device evaluates whether savings can be achieved by routing to a node and, if so, forwards the transmission to the central local node of Fig. 8 and identifies the subscriber and called party or type of service.

Node receiving the routing from the interception device queries other nodes to trace the called party's ID address or number. Thus, the node's main processor and router function as an interrogator that interrogates the availability of the identifying address or called party number. 0 The node accesses a main database to verify the communication network, call format and user preferences to determine the best connection between locations 150 and 156 of Figures 7A-7G. The node, through its authorizer, verifies that complete transmission routing is authorized and obtains a

ΡΕ2315398 Global Authorizer authorization code on the central node. The node converts the transmission if required for compatibility and records billing information to ensure proper billing to the end user. In addition, the node updates user usage and access statistics for future use. Each of these tasks that are performed by the node are performed in a manner that is transparent to the calling party.

Fig. 9 is a variation of Fig. 1, but shares the same components that are identified by the same reference numerals. Additional two way direct connection connections 46A, 46B,

46C, 46D and 46E. For example, a route for sending a request to determine if availability can be from the calling party's access device 12 to the local access node 18 directly or through the interception device 16 and then directly. either by the communications network 10, the data network 20, or another network 200, such as a cellular network, ATM, and / or a trame relay. The central switching unit 22 then receives a request from the network for availability to check the availability of the called party's access device 14. Once the availability becomes known, an appropriate signal may be sent directly back to the called party. central local node 18 either going back through the same routing path or through the second central local node 24, either from communications network 10 or data network 20 to

Atingir2315398 subsequently reaches local access node 18. Note that the second central local node 24 can be considered a local access node for the called party's access device.

A global authorizer of central local node 220 is shown whose permission must be obtained by confirming authorization requests before routing connections between the called party and the calling party can take place. This global authorizer 220 can be part of the central node with which all central local nodes are in communication. In Fig. 8, for example, linking the master database to other node databases would include linking with the central node and thus with this global authorizer. Authorization requests will be sent to Global Authorizer 220 through one or more of the appropriate networks 10, 20, 200.

All routing paths of Figs. 7A to 7G are applicable to the block diagram of Fig. 9. In addition, the representation of the interaction of the central local node with the different networks, as shown in FIG. 8, is applicable to Figs. 1 and 9.

Fig. 9 shows some links as two-way lines and others as two-way lines in opposite directions. This has been done for convenience and is by no means intended to be limited to one form or another. The routes of referral

152315398 can be via any available route except that routing through connections 53A, 53B, and 53C only appears if calling location 48 communicates in a manner compatible with that of one of networks 10, 20, or 200. Otherwise, referral should be through the central local node 18.

If the calling party's location uses a laptop computer and thus connects directly with the data network 20 and ignores the central local node, the communication path will still pass either through the central office 22 or central local node 24 before arriving at the calling party's access device 14. At the telephone exchange 22 or at the central local node 24 the applicable billing information may therefore be recorded.

While interception device 16 and central local node 18 are shown as separate units, they may be combined with each other. Similarly, while the central office 22 and the central local node 24 are shown as separate units, they may be combined with each other. When combined with each other, a single device will provide the functions of both.