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WO1998053591A1 - Procede et appareil permettant de perfectionner le service d'appels en instance dans un reseau de telecommunications - Google Patents

Procede et appareil permettant de perfectionner le service d'appels en instance dans un reseau de telecommunications Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998053591A1
WO1998053591A1 PCT/US1998/009926 US9809926W WO9853591A1 WO 1998053591 A1 WO1998053591 A1 WO 1998053591A1 US 9809926 W US9809926 W US 9809926W WO 9853591 A1 WO9853591 A1 WO 9853591A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
interrupting
call
subscriber
caller
applying
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/009926
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gregory L. Mumford
Original Assignee
Mci Communications Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mci Communications Corporation filed Critical Mci Communications Corporation
Priority to AU73877/98A priority Critical patent/AU7387798A/en
Publication of WO1998053591A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998053591A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/428—Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold
    • H04M3/4288—Notifying a called subscriber of an incoming call during an ongoing call, e.g. Call Waiting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/436—Arrangements for screening incoming calls, i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/57—Arrangements for indicating or recording the number of the calling subscriber at the called subscriber's set
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2242/00—Special services or facilities
    • H04M2242/22—Automatic class or number identification arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
    • H04M3/42042—Notifying the called party of information on the calling party
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
    • H04M3/42059—Making use of the calling party identifier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42085—Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42102—Making use of the called party identifier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42085—Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42102—Making use of the called party identifier
    • H04M3/4211—Making use of the called party identifier where the identifier is used to access a profile
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42365—Presence services providing information on the willingness to communicate or the ability to communicate in terms of media capability or network connectivity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/533—Voice mail systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/54—Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/58—Arrangements for transferring received calls from one subscriber to another; Arrangements affording interim conversations between either the calling or the called party and a third party
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
    • H04Q3/72—Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to communication systems, including a telecommunications network.
  • call waiting allows a subscriber of the service to place a current call on hold and answer an interrupting call.
  • Call waiting is typically implemented as a beep or tone that is transmitted from the subscriber's local exchange switch to the speaker of their phone.
  • the tone is transmitted from the local exchange switch to the subscriber when the subscriber's line is in use and another caller tries to call that same line.
  • the subscriber can then place the first caller on hold and be connected to the interrupting call via a quick actuation of the hook switch ("a flash-hook"). Subsequent flash-hooks alternate the subscriber between the original caller and the interrupting caller.
  • the subscriber When the subscriber hears the tone, he or she has no indication as to who the interrupting caller is. As a result, the subscriber may interrupt an important call to be connected to an unimportant call, or vice versa. Additionally, the first caller, as well as the subscriber, can be annoyed by the beep which interrupts the first call.
  • interrupting caller When the interrupting caller calls the subscriber, he or she has no indication that the line is currently busy, since he or she simply hears a ringing signal. Therefore, unless the subscriber quickly flash-hooks, interrupting callers often hang up because they believe that there is no answer at the subscriber's line. To avoid this problem, the subscriber must temporarily disable his or her call waiting feature by dialing a specific sequence of dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) digits before placing a call (e.g., *70). As a result, once a call is in progress, or if the subscriber answers an incoming call, he or she cannot disable the call waiting feature. Once the subscriber places a call, however, the subscriber cannot reenable the call waiting feature. Additionally, the subscriber must remember to disable call waiting if he or she wishes not to be interrupted during a call.
  • DTMF dual tone multifrequency
  • the present invention enhances call waiting services by providing certain modifications to the interrupting call and providing of options to the subscriber.
  • a subscriber receives or places a first call to a first caller. Thereafter, during the first call, an interrupting caller attempts to call the subscriber.
  • a local exchange switch routes the interrupting call to an automated response unit (ARU).
  • the ARU receives the interrupting call and retrieves a subscriber profile from a database. The ARU also receives additional information, such as the ANI of the first or interrupting callers, the type of first call or interrupting call, etc.
  • the ARU provides an appropriate treatment to the interrupting call based on the subscriber profile and the determined conditions, such as playing a prerecorded message for the interrupting caller and allowing the interrupting caller to leave a voice message, and thereafter replaying a portion of the voice message to the subscriber during the first call. Calls can also be transferred to other numbers, the interrupting caller can join the first caller in a conference call, as well as various other exemplary options described herein.
  • the present invention embodies a computer-implemented method in a network having a network user engaged in a first transmission and receiving an interrupting transmission for the user.
  • the method includes the steps of: (a) determining that the user is engaged in the first transmission; (b) retrieving a previously established set of instructions for responding to interrupting transmissions;
  • the present invention also embodies a method performed in a telecommunications network having a subscriber engage in a first call and receiving an interrupting call for this subscriber at a local exchange switch.
  • the method includes the steps of: (a) determining at the local exchange switch that the subscriber is engaged in the first call; (b) retrieving a previously established subscriber profile; and (c) applying a treatment to the interrupting call based on the subscriber profile.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of a portion of a telecommunications network, including an automated response unit.
  • Figure 2 is an exemplary flowchart diagram of a method for providing call waiting services under the present invention.
  • a telecommunications network and in particular, a method and apparatus for providing call waiting services in the network, is described in detail herein.
  • numerous specific details are set forth such as rules for handling calls, ordering and execution of steps, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
  • One skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize that the present invention can be practiced without use of the specific details described herein, or with other specific steps in a routine, options for handling interrupting calls, etc.
  • Well-known structures and steps are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
  • a simplified telecommunications system that includes a telephone of a subscriber ("subscriber 12"), which is coupled to a local exchange switch 14.
  • the subscriber 12 is serviced by one or more lines 24 from the local exchange switch 14.
  • the subscriber 12, through the local exchange switch 14, an interexchange switch 16, and another local exchange switch 18, places or receives a first call 20 with a first caller. While the subscriber 12 is busy on the first call 20, an interrupting caller serviced by the local exchange switch 14, places an interrupting call to the subscriber 12.
  • an interrupting caller serviced by the another local switch 18, places another interrupting call 22' to the subscriber 12 through the interexchange switch 16 and local exchange switch 14. While the following discussion generally discusses the interrupting call 22 placed by the first interrupting caller, the following discussion applies equally to the other interrupting call 22'.
  • first call 20 and “first caller 20” are used interchangeably, and refer to a party or device with which the subscriber 12 is currently connected when a new (interrupting) call is received. Either the subscriber 12 or the first caller 20 could have initiated the first call.
  • subscriber 12 is a customer or user of the telecommunications system 10 who typically is paying for the service provided under an embodiment of the present invention.
  • interrupting call 22 and “interrupting caller 22" are used interchangeably, and refer to a call to the subscriber 12 which is received during the first call 20.
  • the telecommunications network 10 routes the call to the local exchange switch 14 which services the subscriber 12.
  • the local exchange switch 14 determines that the line 24 to the subscriber 12 is busy, and in response thereto, routes the call over a special trunk group 26 to an automated response unit (“ARU") 30.
  • the ARU 30 may also be coupled to other local exchange switches, such as local exchange switch 14', shown in broken lines.
  • a release link capability device such as a release link trunk (RLT) (not shown) selectively couples the local exchange switch 14 to the ARU 30 through the trunk 26.
  • RLT release link trunk
  • a "release link capability" is the ability of an originating switching system, on receipt of a new destination address (e.g., phone number) from the current terminating switch system, to release the transmission link to that terminating switching system and continue call processing using the new destination address.
  • RLTs are standard technology in many telecommunications switches, such as local switches manufactured by ATT or Northern Telecom, which allows a switch to release a call from its current termination and reconnect the call to another termination, without terminating the call.
  • an ARU is any technology which permits a caller to interact with a computer. Such interaction could be via voice interaction, flash- hooks, dialing digits (DTMF), etc.
  • the ARU 30 also known as a voice response unit (VRU) or interactive voice response (IVR), includes a processor and memory and can include an audio server that accepts voice/fax calls on a telephony port, records, stores and plays recorded audio messages and menus for a caller, prompts a caller for input (voice, flash-hooks, DTMF digits, etc.), and collects caller input.
  • the ARU 30 also preferably consists of an automated call processor, typically a computer, that performs intelligent processing of calls. As described in more detail below, the automated call processor of the ARU 30 determines which menu to offer the interrupting caller 22 when the line 24 is busy, or which menu to offer the subscriber 12 during setup or modification of the subscriber's system.
  • the audio server also collects input from callers, such as DTMF digits, voice recognition input, or other input provided by the caller, as noted below. Based on such input, the automated call processor of the ARU 30 determines subsequent processing of a call.
  • the ARU 30 could also simply be one or more computers with their own associated storage devices for storing the audio messages, database of subscriber profiles (described below), etc.
  • the ARU 30 also preferably contains, or has access to, a database of subscriber profiles.
  • a subscriber profile specifies how the subscriber wishes the ARU to handle interrupting calls.
  • the ARU 30, based on a given profile may play prerecorded menus to the interrupting caller 22, allow the caller to record messages, automatically route the call, etc.
  • the local exchange switch 14 Upon determining that the line 24 is busy, the local exchange switch 14 routes not only the interrupting call 22 but also additional data to the ARU 30.
  • additional data can include the automatic number identification ("ANI") of the interrupting call 22, the dialed number which was previously dialed by the subscriber 12 to the first caller 20, the ANI of the first call, information digits, etc.
  • information digits indicate classifications of callers, sites or equipment, such as pay phones, hospitals, etc.
  • Such additional data is provided to the ARU 30 by either in-band signaling, such as digit outpulsing, or out-of-band signaling, such as signaling system 7 (SS7). All of such additional data is useful for call screening features, as described below.
  • SS7 signaling system 7
  • the local exchange switch Due to the special trunk 26 coupled between the ARU 30 and the local exchange switch 14, the local exchange switch knows that all calls originating from the ARU 30 are "special" calls. As a result, the local exchange switch 14 does not handle the call as simply another interrupting call. Alternatively, the ARU 30 can provide a special indicator or signal with a call originated by the ARU so that the local exchange switch 14, in response thereto, treats such calls unlike typical interrupting calls. The local exchange switch 14 optionally provides an appropriate special indicator to the subscriber 12, such as a tone or recorded voice message, during the call with the first caller 20.
  • a routine 100 performed by the ARU 30 determines how the interrupting call 22 is handled.
  • the routine 100 is preferably stored in memory (not shown) that forms part of the ARU 30.
  • step 102 the ARU 30 receives the interrupting call 22 from the local exchange switch 14, after the local exchange switch determines that the subscriber 12's line 24 is busy.
  • step 104 the ARU 30 retrieves the subscriber profile for the subscriber 12 which is stored in the subscriber profile database.
  • a subscriber profile is a previously established and stored list of contingent plans selected by the subscriber 12 or the ARU 30. The subscriber profile instructs the ARU 30 how to automatically handle certain interrupting calls, as described in more detail below with respect to step 108.
  • the ARU 30 receives additional data and determines conditions or rules, which together with the subscriber profile, determine how the ARU handles the interrupting call 22.
  • the additional data and conditions include: (a) The ANI of the first caller 20; (b) The dialed number of the first call, as placed by the subscriber 12;
  • the first call type e.g., whether the first call is a local, long- distance, toll-free, outbound, inbound, calling card, or other type of call;
  • the ARU 30 applies an appropriate treatment to the interrupting call 22 based on the retrieved subscriber profile and the determined conditions or other received data.
  • Exemplary treatments or handling of the interrupting call 22 include: (1) allowing the interrupting caller to leave a recorded voice message for the subscriber 12; (2) allowing the interrupting caller to leave a voice message, and notifying the subscriber during the first call that the message has been recorded; (3) playing a prerecorded message for the interrupting caller; (4) allowing the interrupting caller to remain on hold; (5) rerouting the interrupting call to another destination; (6) allowing the interrupting caller to interrupt the first call; etc.
  • the ARU 30 replays a prerecorded message (recorded by either the subscriber 12 or other person) which instructs the interrupting caller 22 to leave a voice message (voice mail) after a tone.
  • the ARU 30 then records a voice message from the interrupting caller.
  • Both the prerecorded message replayed by the ARU 30, and the recorded message from the interrupting caller 22 are stored in memory within the ARU.
  • the ARU 30 simply transfers the interrupting call 22 to the appropriate voicemail system (not shown). The interrupting caller's message is then recorded at the appropriate voice mail system.
  • the ARU 30 interrupts the subscriber with a notification that a recorded voice message exists (from the interrupting caller 22).
  • the notification can be in the form of a tone, prerecorded voice message from the ARU 30, or short greeting recorded by the interrupting caller 22.
  • the subscriber 12 performs an appropriate input (e.g., DTMF digit input, flash hook, etc.), after which the ARU 30 plays back the message for the subscriber. While the message is played back, the first caller 20 is placed on hold.
  • the first caller 20 is not placed on hold, but the recorded message from the interrupting caller is played back to the subscriber 12 during the first call, with or without the first caller being able to hear the message.
  • the ARU 30 replays a prerecorded message to the interrupting caller 22. All prerecorded messages could be standard messages established for the ARU 30, or be personal messages prerecorded by the subscriber 12. Such personal prerecorded messages from the subscriber 12 are established and stored in the subscriber's profile, as described below.
  • the ARU 30 allows the interrupting caller 22 to remain on hold until the subscriber 12 has completed the call with the first caller 20, thereby "camping" on the subscriber's line 24.
  • the local exchange switch 14 detects the release of the subscriber's first call from the line 24.
  • the local exchange switch then releases the interrupting caller 22 from the ARU 30, using release link capability technology, to connect the interrupting caller with the subscriber 12.
  • the ARU 30 transfers the interrupting caller 22 to the local exchange switch 14, which holds the interrupting caller thereon, thereby freeing up a port on the ARU.
  • the ARU 30 provides a tone or message to the subscriber 12 indicating that an interrupting call is currently on hold.
  • the ARU 30 can ask the interrupting caller to speak his or her name, which is recorded and then replayed for the subscriber to indicate to the subscriber who is currently on hold.
  • the ARU 30 can reroute the interrupting caller 22 to another destination, e.g., another POTS number.
  • the other number can be the number of an answering service.
  • the rerouting of the interrupting caller 22 can be to another line of the subscriber.
  • the other number can also be the number having a voicemail account on another system, fax machine, etc.
  • the ARU 30 provides the subscriber 12 with a menu or options of numbers to which the interrupting caller can be routed.
  • the subscriber profile stored in the ARU 30 can automatically reroute the interrupting caller based on the caller's ANI, or other criteria established by the subscriber database (e.g., to an answering service on weekends or after business hours).
  • the ARU 30 requests the interrupting caller 22 to speak his or her name, which is recorded by the ARU.
  • the ARU 30 then plays a tone to the subscriber 12, indicating to the subscriber that another caller is waiting.
  • the subscriber 12 via DTMF input, flash-hook input, or other means, plays back the interrupting caller's recorded name, preferably to only the subscriber 12, so that the first caller 20 cannot also hear the name.
  • the ARU 30 provides the subscriber 12 with several options for handling the interrupting caller 22. These options can be played back as a voice message to the subscriber 12.
  • the options, performed by the ARU 30, include:
  • Options (vii) and (viii) are particularly valuable if the subscriber 12 has two or more lines such as in a home office or small office.
  • the ARU 30 can replay a prerecorded message for the interrupting caller 22 under option (3), and then allow the caller to remain on hold under option (4).
  • the ARU 30 originates a call to the subscriber 12, via the local exchange switch 14, to allow the subscriber to play a recorded message of the interrupting caller's name.
  • the above options can be performed automatically based on preselected options in the subscriber's profile, or be enabled based on selections from a menu presented at the time of each interrupting call 22.
  • the subscriber 12 selects, via DTMF digits, flash-hook, or other input, to listen to messages in response to initial prompts or indicator messages from the ARU 30.
  • the message can be replayed concurrently with the first call 20 (with or without the first caller being able to hear the message).
  • the local exchange switch 14 can also place the first caller 20 on hold, and connect the ARU 30 to the subscriber 12 so that the subscriber can hear the message.
  • the subscriber 12 Under automatic handling of interrupting calls 22, the subscriber 12 establishes his or her subscriber profile in the subscriber profile database.
  • the profile can be established and modified by: (1) calling the ARU 30, (2) calling a special ARU (not shown) which is coupled to the ARU 30 and downloads data thereto, (3) calling a customer service center to talk with a customer service representative who in turn creates or modifies the profile in the ARU, (4) creating or modifying the profile by dialing into an Internet address, etc.
  • the profile provides instructions to the ARU 30 for automatically handling interrupting calls 22 based on the conditions (a) through (f) noted above.
  • the subscriber 12 establishes in profile that if the first caller 20 is a long-distance call, the interrupting call 22 is immediately transferred to the voicemail system, after playing a prerecorded message indicating that the subscriber is currently on a long-distance call.
  • the subscriber 12 preferably includes in the profile dialed numbers of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), or other dialed numbers for data modem calls.
  • ISPs Internet Service Providers
  • the local exchange switch 14 routes the interrupting call 22 to the ARU 30, the ARU determines from the subscriber profile and from the dialed number provided by the local exchange switch, that the subscriber is currently engaged in a data modem call.
  • the ARU 30 does not interrupt the first call 20 with even a tone indicator or other message to the subscriber 12 which can disrupt such calls.
  • the interrupting call 22 is routed to the voicemail system, or another preselection action is taken.
  • the subscriber 12 can also establish in his or her profile certain dialed numbers or ANIs which are never to be interrupted. Conversely, the subscriber 12 in his or her profile can establish ANIs or information digits (e.g., information digits of hospitals, pay phones, etc.) which the subscriber will always accept in lieu of the first call 20. Furthermore, the ARU 30, through the local exchange switch 14, can sample or monitor the first call 20 on the line 24. If the first call 20 is a fax call (as determined by a sample of signals therefrom), the subscriber profile can indicate that such a fax transmission is not to be interrupted.
  • the ARU 30 under certain options presents the interrupting caller 22 with a menu from which to decide whether to remain on hold, leave a voicemail message, transfer to another number, etc.
  • the ARU 30 under certain options provides the subscriber 12 with a menu or options, from which the subscriber determines whether to accept the interrupting caller 22, transfer the interrupting caller to voicemail or another number, etc.
  • the ARU 30 also provides the subscriber 12 with the option of disabling call waiting.
  • the subscriber 12 places a DTMF call to the ARU 30, provides DTMF digit input to access their account, and change their profile, which can be performed on a call-by-call basis. For example, if the subscriber 12 has call waiting enabled and configured to interrupt him during all calls, the subscriber can disable call waiting during which he or she does not wish to be interrupted. Alternatively, he or she can disable call waiting prior to placing the call.
  • the present invention could also reside within a computer integrated with the local exchange switch 14.
  • the present invention can be embodied in a computer located at a subscriber's site, particularly if the subscriber has a private branch exchange (PBX).
  • PBX private branch exchange
  • such a subscriber located alternative could be a computer system configurable and residing at multiple subscriber locations within the telecommunications system 10.
  • While the embodiment of the present invention is generally described above with respect to one interrupting caller 22, the description is equally applicable to a second interrupting caller 22' which may place a call to the subscriber 12 while the first interrupting caller 22 is communicating with the ARU 30.
  • the second interrupting caller 22' is similarly routed, via the local exchange switch 14, to the ARU 30, which presents the same options as those presented to the first interrupting caller 22.
  • the embodiment of the present invention described herein is applicable to various network systems, including wireless systems, personal communications systems (PCS), operator services, private networks, etc. While some local exchange switches 14 can readily communicate with the ARU 30 under the embodiments described above, some local exchange switches may require appropriate modifications, such as modifications to accept and appropriately interpret calls and special indicator messages from the ARU.
  • embodiments of the present invention can be provided to the subscriber 12 as a flat rate fee service, embodiments of the present invention can be provided on an "as they are used" basis. The more options or features which the subscriber 12 uses, the higher or greater billing rate for that subscriber, which provides a more competitive billing structure. Under such an alternative, the ARU 30 generates billing records for the telecommunications system 10 based on usage by the subscriber 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

Selon cette invention, dans un réseau de télécommunications, une unité d'abonné reçoit ou lance un premier appel à un appelant. Ainsi, au cours de ce premier appel, un appelant d'interruption tente d'appeler cette unité d'abonné. Un commutateur de central local achemine l'appel d'interruption au niveau d'une unité de réponse automatique (ARU). L'ARU reçoit cet appel d'interruption et recherche un profil de l'unité d'abonné dans une base de données. L'ARU détermine également une situation de règles ou conditions, telle que l'enregistrement automatique des numéros (ANI) du premier appelant ou de l'appelant d'interruption, le type du premier appel ou de l'appel d'interruption, etc.. L'ARU effectue un traitement approprié à l'appel d'interruption sur la base du profil de l'unité d'abonné et des conditions déterminées, telles que la diffusion d'un message préenregistré à l'appelant d'interruption et le fait de lui donner la possibilité de laisser un message vocal et, par la suite, de rediffuser une partie du message vocal à l'unité d'abonné au cours du premier appel. De même, les appels peuvent également être transférés à d'autres numéros, l'appelant d'interruption peut joindre le premier appelant en mode de conférence téléphonique, de multiples autres possibilités étant également décrites.
PCT/US1998/009926 1997-05-23 1998-05-14 Procede et appareil permettant de perfectionner le service d'appels en instance dans un reseau de telecommunications WO1998053591A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU73877/98A AU7387798A (en) 1997-05-23 1998-05-14 Method and apparatus for enhanced call waiting in a telecommunications network

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US86255997A 1997-05-23 1997-05-23
US08/862,559 1997-05-23

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998053591A1 true WO1998053591A1 (fr) 1998-11-26

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WO (1) WO1998053591A1 (fr)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1056263A1 (fr) * 1999-05-27 2000-11-29 Alcatel Système et méthode de réponse multi-utilisateurs
WO2000060840A3 (fr) * 1999-04-01 2001-01-04 Callwave Inc Procede et dispositif permettant d'assurer un service de telecommunications etendu
NL1013863C2 (nl) * 1999-12-16 2001-06-21 Koninkl Kpn Nv Voice Respons systeem voor telefonie-abonnees.
EP1081932A3 (fr) * 1999-08-31 2001-11-21 Lucent Technologies Inc. Système de conférence du type "appelez-moi"
WO2002080511A1 (fr) * 2001-03-28 2002-10-10 Syndeo Corporation Appel en attente selectif dependant de l'identite de l'appelant et de l'heure de la journee
WO2002102040A3 (fr) * 2001-06-12 2003-03-13 Bellsouth Intellect Pty Corp Procede et systeme pour l'administration d'appels
WO2002102039A3 (fr) * 2001-06-12 2003-03-27 Bellsouth Intellect Pty Corp Procede et systeme permettant de mettre en oeuvre une administration d'appels dans un reseau telephonique public commute
EP1219099A4 (fr) * 1999-09-16 2003-09-03 Mci Worldcom Inc Procede et dispositif utilisant des preferences de demandeur afin de gerer un acheminement d'appel special
FR2837049A1 (fr) * 2002-03-08 2003-09-12 France Telecom Routage d'appel telephonique
EP1521444A1 (fr) * 2003-10-01 2005-04-06 AT&T Corp. Gestion des appels entrants
WO2007041480A1 (fr) 2005-09-29 2007-04-12 Agere Systems, Inc. Appel en attente pour systeme de teleconference
EP1753216A3 (fr) * 2005-08-11 2007-07-04 Avaya Technology Llc Gestion d'appels téléphoniques en attente dans un système de renvoi d'appel
EP2362622A1 (fr) * 2010-02-16 2011-08-31 Alcatel Lucent Mécanisme de file d'attente sélective d'appel

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WO2000060840A3 (fr) * 1999-04-01 2001-01-04 Callwave Inc Procede et dispositif permettant d'assurer un service de telecommunications etendu
US6647107B1 (en) 1999-05-27 2003-11-11 Alcatel Multi-user answering system and method
EP1056263A1 (fr) * 1999-05-27 2000-11-29 Alcatel Système et méthode de réponse multi-utilisateurs
KR100436615B1 (ko) * 1999-08-31 2004-06-22 루센트 테크놀러지스 인크 콜 미 컨퍼런스 콜 시스템, 원격 통신 시스템내의 사용 방법
EP1081932A3 (fr) * 1999-08-31 2001-11-21 Lucent Technologies Inc. Système de conférence du type "appelez-moi"
US6754322B1 (en) 1999-08-31 2004-06-22 William Jackson Bushnell Call me conference call system
US6891942B1 (en) 1999-09-16 2005-05-10 Mci, Inc. Method and system for using caller preferences to direct special call handling
EP1219099A4 (fr) * 1999-09-16 2003-09-03 Mci Worldcom Inc Procede et dispositif utilisant des preferences de demandeur afin de gerer un acheminement d'appel special
NL1013863C2 (nl) * 1999-12-16 2001-06-21 Koninkl Kpn Nv Voice Respons systeem voor telefonie-abonnees.
WO2001045371A1 (fr) * 1999-12-16 2001-06-21 Koninklijke Kpn N.V. Systeme de reponse vocale pour abonnes au telephone
WO2002080511A1 (fr) * 2001-03-28 2002-10-10 Syndeo Corporation Appel en attente selectif dependant de l'identite de l'appelant et de l'heure de la journee
WO2002102040A3 (fr) * 2001-06-12 2003-03-13 Bellsouth Intellect Pty Corp Procede et systeme pour l'administration d'appels
WO2002102039A3 (fr) * 2001-06-12 2003-03-27 Bellsouth Intellect Pty Corp Procede et systeme permettant de mettre en oeuvre une administration d'appels dans un reseau telephonique public commute
WO2003077518A3 (fr) * 2002-03-08 2004-03-11 France Telecom Preconfiguration de la disponibilite de l’appele et du routage des appels entrants
FR2837049A1 (fr) * 2002-03-08 2003-09-12 France Telecom Routage d'appel telephonique
EP1521444A1 (fr) * 2003-10-01 2005-04-06 AT&T Corp. Gestion des appels entrants
US7164762B2 (en) 2003-10-01 2007-01-16 At&T Corp. Enhanced call feature service
EP1753216A3 (fr) * 2005-08-11 2007-07-04 Avaya Technology Llc Gestion d'appels téléphoniques en attente dans un système de renvoi d'appel
US9160861B2 (en) 2005-08-11 2015-10-13 Avaya Inc. Managing held telephone calls at the call-forwarding system
WO2007041480A1 (fr) 2005-09-29 2007-04-12 Agere Systems, Inc. Appel en attente pour systeme de teleconference
AU2006299541B2 (en) * 2005-09-29 2010-12-02 Agere Systems, Inc. Call waiting for a teleconference system
EP2362622A1 (fr) * 2010-02-16 2011-08-31 Alcatel Lucent Mécanisme de file d'attente sélective d'appel

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