BRANCH CALLING AND CALLER ID BASED CALL ROUTING TELEPHONE FEATURES

US 20100254376A1
Filed: 06/22/2010
Published: 10/07/2010
Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2000
Status: Active Grant

First Claim

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1. A method performed by a web-enabled processing system serving as an intelligent interconnection between at least one circuit-switched network and a packet network in a communication network, the circuit-switched network comprising edge switches for routing calls from and to subscribers within a local geographic area and switching facilities for routing calls to other edge switches or other switching facilities local or in other geographic areas, the method for enabling voice communication from a calling party to a called party across both the circuit-switched network and a packet network, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a call originated by the calling party via the packet network, at the web-enabled processing system, the calling party using a communication device to originate the call for the purpose of initiating voice communication, the web-enabled processing system coupled to at least one switching facility of the circuit-switched network, the web-enabled processing system processing the call across the packet network and the circuit-switched network to complete the call to the called party; and

establishing the voice communication between the calling party and the called party after the call is completed, across both the packet network and the circuit-switched network.

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Abstract

A caller ID based call routing feature is described for blocked and non-blocked caller ID'"'"'s. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identify the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may be information about the calling party initially downloaded to the memory by a subscriber. Once retrieved from the memory by the processing system, the additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display on a monitor or to the subscriber'"'"'s telephone for display on a telephone display. Another feature described is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously. If the call at an end unit is answered, answer supervision signaling is transmitted back to the processing system which then terminates all other calls. The processing system then connects the calling party to the subscriber. The branch calling may be made for any combination of local, long distance, and cellular telephone numbers.

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122 Claims

1. A method performed by a web-enabled processing system serving as an intelligent interconnection between at least one circuit-switched network and a packet network in a communication network, the circuit-switched network comprising edge switches for routing calls from and to subscribers within a local geographic area and switching facilities for routing calls to other edge switches or other switching facilities local or in other geographic areas, the method for enabling voice communication from a calling party to a called party across both the circuit-switched network and a packet network, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a call originated by the calling party via the packet network, at the web-enabled processing system, the calling party using a communication device to originate the call for the purpose of initiating voice communication, the web-enabled processing system coupled to at least one switching facility of the circuit-switched network, the web-enabled processing system processing the call across the packet network and the circuit-switched network to complete the call to the called party; and
  
  establishing the voice communication between the calling party and the called party after the call is completed, across both the packet network and the circuit-switched network.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37)
- - 2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein either the calling party or the called party is a subscriber of the web-enabled processing system.
  - 3. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of:
    - detecting first information about the source of the call;
      
      associating the first information with a calling feature, previously selected by the subscriber to be performed on the call, the calling feature being to forward the call to at least two communications devices; and
      
      simultaneously placing at least two calls to at least two communications devices.
  - 4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least two calls to the communications devices are any combination of local call, long distance call, cellular call, and VOIP call.
  - 5. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein when one of the calls to the communications devices is answered, an answer supervision signal is transmitted to the web-enabled processing system, and the web-enabled processing system abandons the other calls.
  - 6. A method as defined in claim 5, wherein the answer supervision is pursuant to the SS7 signaling protocol.
  - 7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system is connected to the switching facility, which is a PSTN tandem switch within the communication network, which is a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and wherein receiving the call from a calling party comprises the steps of:
    - receiving a first call through the tandem switch from the calling party intended for the subscriber after the calling party has entered a first telephone number, the first telephone number being the subscriber'"'"'s public telephone number, the web-enabled processing system simultaneously placing at least second and third calls using second and third telephone numbers different from the first telephone number.
  - 8. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of:
    - identifying one or more control criteria previously associated with the subscriber, wherein the one or more control criteria previously provided via a web-based interface, and completing the call in accordance with the control criteria associated with the subscriber and establishing the voice communication only in accordance with the control criteria.
  - 9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the communication network further comprises any one or more of a switched network, a packet-based network, and a wireless network.
  - 10. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the communication device is a digital device.
  - 11. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system is implemented using a distributed architecture spanning at least two locations.
  - 12. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing the TDM architecture.
  - 13. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing packet switching.
  - 14. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing a voice over IP (VoIP) architecture.
  - 15. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the call originated by the calling party via the packet network is facilitated via a VoIP connection.
  - 16. A method as defined in claim 15, wherein the call is originated and completed via a VOIP connection, but has at least one leg through the circuit-switched network.
  - 17. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system is located within a local service area corresponding to the specified recipient.
  - 18. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured as a tandem access controller.
  - 19. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein the tandem access controller is coupled to and operates in conjunction with at least one of the switching facilities located within the communication network.
  - 20. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the call is completed over a wireless link.
  - 21. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the communication device is any one of a wired telephone device, a computing device, a wireless device, a cellular device, a portable device with cellular capability, and an information appliance.
  - 22. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises a network of switching facilities performing a class 4 switching function.
  - 23. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises a network of class 4 switches.
  - 24. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein either the calling party or the called party have a capability to request control criteria for execution by the web-enabled processing system to perform one or more of the following operations:
    - a) Web-Based Telecom Navigator;
      
      b) Manage Incoming Call Control;
      
      c) Conditional Call Blocking/Forwarding/Alerting;
      
      Call Screening/Retrieval from Voice Mail;
      
      d) Interactive Voice Response and Speech Recognition;
      
      e) Manage Outgoing Call Control;
      
      f) Click-to-Dial Calling;
      
      g) Group Calling and Messaging;
      
      h) Web-Based Billing;
      
      i) Cost-Effective Single Phone Number Access;
      
      j) Free Local Calls, Incoming Calls (not 800 Toll Service);
      
      k) Retain Current Number (Local Number Portability);
      
      l) Low-Cost Calling Throughout LATA;
      
      m) Flat-Rate Foreign Exchange;
      
      n) Standard DTMF and VoIP Phones;
      
      o) Centralized and Consistent Personal Data;
      
      p) Private/Public Phone Directories and Calendars;
      
      q) “
      
      Post-It”
      
      Style Annotation of Numbers;
      
      r) Web Dialing;
      
      s) Click-to-Dial from Web Pages, Directories, Calendars;
      
      Multiple Phone List Management;
      
      Voice Mail Access, Prompts, Alert Via Web;
      
      Mode-Based Definition and Selection, comprising Time-of-Day, Day-of-Week, Follow-Me, Caller Recognition/Password, Caller ID, Vacation, Dinner Time, Go Away, Family Call Waiting;
      
      Learning Modes;
      
      Automatic Data Capture;
      
      Build Phone List Based on Collected Usage Information;
      
      VoIP Link Degradation Detection; and
      
      Automatic Cutover to the public switched communication network.
  - 25. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a TDM switching matrix.
  - 26. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the tandem switch utilizes an ATM switching matrix.
  - 27. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a crosspoint switching matrix.
  - 28. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a VOIP switching matrix.
  - 34. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a TDM switching matrix.
  - 35. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the tandem switch utilizes an ATM switching matrix.
  - 36. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a crosspoint switching matrix.
  - 37. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a VOIP switching matrix.

29. A method for routing calls from a calling party to a called party performed by a web-enabled processing system serving as an intelligent interconnection between at least one packet network and a circuit-switched network in a communication network, the circuit-switched network comprising edge switches for routing calls from and to subscribers within a local geographic area and switching facilities for routing calls to other edge switches or other switching facilities local or in other geographic areas, the method for enabling voice communication from the calling party to the called party across both the packet network and the circuit-switched network, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a call originated by the calling party via the packet network, at the web-enabled processing system, the calling party using a communication device to originate the call for the purpose of initiating the voice communication, the web-enabled processing system coupled to at least one switching facility of the circuit-switched network, the web-enabled processing system processing the call across the circuit-switched network and at least one packet network to connect the call to the called party; and
  
  establishing the voice communication between the calling party and the called party after the call is connected, across both the packet network and the circuit-switched network.
- View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33)
- - 30. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein either the calling party or the called party is a subscriber of the web-enabled processing system.
  - 31. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured to perform enhanced routing operations, further comprising the steps of:
    - facilitating selection of at least one calling feature by the subscriber, the web-enabled processing system configured to perform the steps of;
      
      upon receiving the call from the calling party, using the communications device to implement a calling feature previously designated by the subscriber via the internet;
      
      placing at least two calls simultaneously to at least two different communications devices previously designated by the subscriber;
      
      detecting that the call has been answered at one of the communications devices; and
      
      in response to the detecting, abandoning other calls to the remaining one or more communications devices and establishing a connection between the calling party'"'"'s communications device and the answered communications device.
  - 32. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein the subscriber is a subscriber of residential telephone service.
  - 33. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein the subscriber is a subscriber of business telephone service.

38. A method performed by a web-enabled processing system serving as an intelligent interconnection between at least one circuit-switched network and a packet network in a communication network, the circuit-switched network comprising edge switches for routing calls from and to subscribers within a local geographic area and switching facilities for routing calls to other edge switches or other switching facilities local or in other geographic areas, the method for enabling voice communication from a calling party to a called party across both the circuit-switched network and a packet network, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a call originated by the calling party via the circuit-switched network, at the web-enabled processing system, the calling party using a communication device to originate the call for the purpose of initiating voice communication, the web-enabled processing system coupled to at least one switching facility of the circuit-switched network, the web-enabled processing system processing the call across the circuit-switched network and the packet network to complete the call to the called party; and
  
  establishing the voice communication between the calling party and the called party after the call is completed, across both the circuit-switched network and the packet network.
- View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 61, 62, 63, 64)
- - 39. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein either the calling party or the called party is a subscriber of the web-enabled processing system.
  - 40. A method as defined in claim 39, further comprising the step of:
    - detecting first information about the source of the call;
      
      associating the first information with a calling feature, previously selected by the subscriber to be performed on the call, the calling feature being to forward the call to at least two communications devices; and
      
      simultaneously placing at least two calls to at least two communications devices.
  - 41. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the at least two calls to the communications devices are any combination of local call, long distance call, cellular call, and VOIP call.
  - 42. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein one of the calls to the communications devices is answered, an answer supervision signal is transmitted to the processing system, and the processing system abandons the other calls.
  - 43. A method as defined in claim 42, wherein the answer supervision signal is pursuant to the SS7 signaling protocol.
  - 44. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system is connected to the switching facility, which is a PSTN tandem switch within the communication network, which is a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and wherein receiving a call from a calling party comprises the steps of:
    - receiving a first call through the tandem switch from the calling party intended for the subscriber after the calling party has entered a first telephone number, the first telephone number being the subscriber'"'"'s public telephone number, said processing system simultaneously placing at least second and third calls using second and third telephone numbers different from the first telephone number.
  - 45. A method as defined in claim 39, further comprising the step of:
    - identifying one or more control criteria previously associated with the subscriber, wherein the one or more control criteria was entered via a web-based interface, and completing the call in accordance with the control criteria associated with the subscriber and establishing the voice communication only in accordance with the control criteria.
  - 46. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the communication network further comprises any one or more of a circuit-switched network, a packet-based network, and a wireless network.
  - 47. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the communication device is a digital device.
  - 48. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system is implemented using a distributed architecture spanning at least two locations.
  - 49. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing the TDM architecture.
  - 50. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing packet switching.
  - 51. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing a voice over IP (VoIP) architecture.
  - 52. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the call originated by the calling party via the packet network is facilitated via a VoIP connection.
  - 53. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the call is originated and completed via a VOIP connection, but has at least one leg through the circuit-switched network.
  - 54. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system is located within a local service area corresponding to the specified recipient.
  - 55. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured as a tandem access controller.
  - 56. A method as defined in claim 55, wherein the tandem access controller is coupled to and operates in conjunction with at least one of the switching facilities located within the communication network.
  - 57. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein at least a portion of the call is completed over a wireless link.
  - 58. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the communication device is any one of a wired telephone device, a computing device, a wireless device, a cellular device, a portable device with cellular capability, and an information appliance.
  - 59. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the communication network comprises a network of switching facilities performing a class 4 switching function.
  - 60. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the communication network comprises a network of class 4 switches.
  - 61. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein either the calling party or the called party have a capability to request control criteria for execution by the web-enabled processing system to perform one or more of the following operations:
    - a) Web-Based Telecom Navigator;
      
      b) Manage Incoming Call Control;
      
      c) Conditional Call Blocking/Forwarding/Alerting;
      
      Call Screening/Retrieval from Voice Mail;
      
      d) Interactive Voice Response and Speech Recognition;
      
      e) Manage Outgoing Call Control;
      
      f) Click-to-Dial Calling;
      
      g) Group Calling and Messaging;
      
      h) Web-Based Billing;
      
      i) Cost-Effective Single Phone Number Access;
      
      j) Free Local Calls, Incoming Calls (not 800 Toll Service);
      
      k) Retain Current Number (Local Number Portability);
      
      l) Low-Cost Calling Throughout LATA;
      
      m) Flat-Rate Foreign Exchange;
      
      n) Standard DTMF and VoIP Phones;
      
      o) Centralized and Consistent Personal Data;
      
      p) Private/Public Phone Directories and Calendars;
      
      q) “
      
      Post-It”
      
      Style Annotation of Numbers;
      
      r) Web Dialing;
      
      s) Click-to-Dial from Web Pages, Directories, Calendars;
      
      Multiple Phone List Management;
      
      Voice Mail Access, Prompts, Alert Via Web;
      
      Mode-Based Definition and Selection, comprising Time-of-Day, Day-of-Week, Follow-Me, Caller Recognition/Password, Caller ID, Vacation, Dinner Time, Go Away, Family Call Waiting;
      
      Learning Modes;
      
      Automatic Data Capture;
      
      Build Phone List Based on Collected Usage Information;
      
      VoIP Link Degradation Detection; and
      
      Automatic Cutover to the public switched communication network.
  - 61-1. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a TDM switching matrix.
  - 62. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the tandem switch utilizes an ATM switching matrix.
  - 63. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a crosspoint switching matrix.
  - 64. A method as defined in claim 38, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a VOIP switching matrix.

65. A communication network with an improved architecture comprising a web-enabled processing system serving as an intelligent interconnection between at least one circuit-switched network and a packet network in a communication network, the circuit-switched network comprising edge switches for routing calls from and to subscribers within a local geographic area and switching facilities for routing calls to other edge switches or other switching facilities local or in other geographic areas, the method for enabling voice communication from a calling party to a called party across both the circuit-switched network and a packet network, the communication network comprising:
- an interface capability within the web-enabled processing system for receiving a call originated by the calling party via the packet network, the call originated by the calling party via a communication device for the purpose of initiating voice communication, the web-enabled processing system coupled to at least one switching facility of the circuit-switched network;
  
  a call processing capability within the web-enabled processing system for processing the call across the packet network and the circuit-switched network to complete the call to the called party; and
  
  a capability within the web-enabled processing system for establishing the voice communication between the calling party and the called party after the call is completed, across both the packet network and the circuit-switched network.
- View Dependent Claims (66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118)
- - 66. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein either the calling party or the called party is a subscriber of the web-enabled processing system.
  - 67. A communication network as defined in claim 66, wherein the interface capability detects a first information about the source of the call and associates the first information with a calling feature, previously selected by the subscriber to be performed on the call, the calling feature being to forward the call to at least two communications devices;
    - and wherein the interface capability simultaneously places at least two calls to at least two communications devices.
  - 68. A communication network as defined in claim 66, wherein the at least two calls to the communications devices are any combination of local call, long distance call, cellular call, and VOIP call.
  - 69. A communication network as defined in claim 67, wherein when one of the calls to the communications devices is answered, an answer supervision signal is transmitted to the processing system, and the processing system abandons the other calls.
  - 70. A communication network as defined in claim 69, wherein the answer supervision signal is pursuant to the SS7 signaling protocol.
  - 71. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system is connected to the switching facility, which is a PSTN tandem switch within the communication network, and wherein the interface capability receives a call from the calling party by receiving a first call through the tandem switch from the calling party intended for the subscriber after the calling party has entered a first telephone number, the first telephone number being the subscriber'"'"'s public telephone number, and the web-enabled processing system simultaneously placing at least second and third calls using second and third telephone numbers different from the first telephone number.
  - 72. A communication network as defined in claim 71, wherein the subscriber'"'"'s public telephone number is selected via the WEB.
  - 73. A communication network as defined in claim 71, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured to accept one or more control criteria previously associated with the subscriber, wherein the subscriber has the capability to request the one or more control criteria via a web-based interface, and wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured to complete the call in accordance with the control criteria associated with the subscriber and to establish the voice communication only in accordance with the control criteria.
  - 74. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the communication network further comprises any one or more of a switched network, a packet-based network, and a wireless network.
  - 75. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the communication device is a digital device.
  - 76. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system is implemented using a distributed architecture spanning at least two locations.
  - 77. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing the TDM architecture.
  - 78. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing packet switching.
  - 79. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing a voice over IP (VoIP) architecture.
  - 80. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the call originated by the calling party via the packet network is facilitated via a VoIP connection.
  - 81. A communication network as defined in claim 80, wherein the call is originated and completed via a VOIP connection, but has at least one leg through the circuit-switched network.
  - 82. A communication network as defined in claim 80, wherein the web-enabled processing system is located within a local service area corresponding to the specified recipient.
  - 83. A communication network as defined in claim 80, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured as a tandem access controller.
  - 84. A method as defined in claim 83, wherein the tandem access controller is coupled to and operates in conjunction with at least one of the switching facilities located within the communication network.
  - 85. A method as defined in claim 80, wherein at least a portion of the call is completed over a wireless link.
  - 86. A method as defined in claim 80, wherein the communication device is any one of a wired telephone device, a computing device, a wireless device, a cellular device, a portable device with cellular capability, and an information appliance.
  - 87. A method as defined in claim 80, wherein the communication network comprises a network of switching facilities performing a class 4 switching function.
  - 88. A method as defined in claim 80, wherein the communication network comprises a network of class 4 switches.
  - 89. A method as defined in claim 80, wherein either the calling party or the called party have a capability to request control criteria for execution by the web-enabled processing system to perform one or more of the following operations:
    - a) Web-Based Telecom Navigator;
      
      b) Manage Incoming Call Control;
      
      c) Conditional Call Blocking/Forwarding/Alerting;
      
      Call Screening/Retrieval from Voice Mail;
      
      d) Interactive Voice Response and Speech Recognition;
      
      e) Manage Outgoing Call Control;
      
      f) Click-to-Dial Calling;
      
      g) Group Calling and Messaging;
      
      h) Web-Based Billing;
      
      i) Cost-Effective Single Phone Number Access;
      
      j) Free Local Calls, Incoming Calls (not 800 Toll Service);
      
      k) Retain Current Number (Local Number Portability);
      
      l) Low-Cost Calling Throughout LATA;
      
      m) Flat-Rate Foreign Exchange;
      
      n) Standard DTMF and VoIP Phones;
      
      o) Centralized and Consistent Personal Data;
      
      p) Private/Public Phone Directories and Calendars;
      
      q) “
      
      Post-It”
      
      Style Annotation of Numbers;
      
      r) Web Dialing;
      
      s) Click-to-Dial from Web Pages, Directories, Calendars;
      
      Multiple Phone List Management;
      
      Voice Mail Access, Prompts, Alert Via Web;
      
      Mode-Based Definition and Selection, comprising Time-of-Day, Day-of-Week, Follow-Me, Caller Recognition/Password, Caller ID, Vacation, Dinner Time, Go Away, Family Call Waiting;
      
      Learning Modes;
      
      Automatic Data Capture;
      
      Build Phone List Based on Collected Usage Information;
      
      VoIP Link Degradation Detection; and
      
      Automatic Cutover to the public switched communication network.
  - 90. A method as defined in claim 65, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a TDM switching matrix.
  - 91. A method as defined in claim 65, wherein the tandem switch utilizes an ATM switching matrix.
  - 92. A method as defined in claim 65, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a crosspoint switching matrix.
  - 93. A method as defined in claim 65, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a VOIP switching matrix.
  - 98. A communication network as defined in claim 66, wherein the at least two calls to the communications devices are any combination of local call, long distance call, cellular call, and VOIP call.
  - 99. A communication network as define in claim 67, wherein when one of the calls to the communications devices is answered, an answer supervision signal is transmitted to the processing system, and the processing system abandons the other calls.
  - 100. A communication network as defined in claim 69, wherein the answer supervision is pursuant to the SS7 signaling protocol.
  - 101. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system is connected to the switching facility, which is a PSTN tandem switch within the communication network, which is a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and wherein the interface capability receives a call from the calling party by receiving a first call through the tandem switch from the calling party intended for the subscriber after the calling party has entered a first telephone number, the first telephone number being the subscriber'"'"'s public telephone number, and the web-enabled processing system simultaneously placing at least second and third calls using second and third telephone numbers different from the first telephone number.
  - 102. A communication network as defined in claim 71, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured to accept one or more control criteria previously associated with the subscriber, wherein the subscriber has the capability to request the one or more control criteria via a web-based interface, and wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured to complete the call in accordance with the control criteria associated with the subscriber and to establish the voice communication only in accordance with the control criteria.
  - 103. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the communication network further comprises any one or more of a switched network, a packet-based network, and a wireless network.
  - 104. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the communication device is a digital device.
  - 105. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system is implemented using a distributed architecture spanning at least two locations.
  - 106. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing the TDM architecture.
  - 107. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing packet switching.
  - 108. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the web-enabled processing system utilizes a programmed processor utilizing a voice over IP (VoIP) architecture.
  - 109. A communication network as defined in claim 65, wherein the call originated by the calling party via the packet network is facilitated via a VoIP connection.
  - 110. A communication network as defined in claim 109, wherein the call is originated and completed via a VOIP connection, but has at least one leg through the circuit-switched network.
  - 111. A communication network as defined in claim 109, wherein the web-enabled processing system is located within a local service area corresponding to the specified recipient.
  - 112. A communication network as defined in claim 109, wherein the web-enabled processing system is configured as a tandem access controller.
  - 113. A method as defined in claim 112, wherein the tandem access controller is coupled to and operates in conjunction with at least one of the switching facilities located within the communication network.
  - 114. A method as defined in claim 109, wherein at least a portion of the call is completed over a wireless link.
  - 115. A method as defined in claim 109, wherein the communication device is any one of a wired telephone device, a computing device, a wireless device, a cellular device, a portable device with cellular capability, and an information appliance.
  - 116. A method as defined in claim 109, wherein the communication network comprises a network of switching facilities performing a class 4 switching function.
  - 117. A method as defined in claim 109, wherein the communication network comprises a network of class 4 switches.
  - 118. A method as defined in claim 109, wherein either the calling party or the called party have a capability to request control criteria for execution by the web-enabled processing system to perform one or more of the following operations:
    - a) Web-Based Telecom Navigator;
      
      b) Manage Incoming Call Control;
      
      c) Conditional Call Blocking/Forwarding/Alerting;
      
      Call Screening/Retrieval from Voice Mail;
      
      d) Interactive Voice Response and Speech Recognition;
      
      e) Manage Outgoing Call Control;
      
      f) Click-to-Dial Calling;
      
      g) Group Calling and Messaging;
      
      h) Web-Based Billing;
      
      i) Cost-Effective Single Phone Number Access;
      
      j) Free Local Calls, Incoming Calls (not 800 Toll Service);
      
      k) Retain Current Number (Local Number Portability);
      
      l) Low-Cost Calling Throughout LATA;
      
      m) Flat-Rate Foreign Exchange;
      
      n) Standard DTMF and VoIP Phones;
      
      o) Centralized and Consistent Personal Data;
      
      p) Private/Public Phone Directories and Calendars;
      
      q) “
      
      Post-It”
      
      Style Annotation of Numbers;
      
      r) Web Dialing;
      
      s) Click-to-Dial from Web Pages, Directories, Calendars;
      
      Multiple Phone List Management;
      
      Voice Mail Access, Prompts, Alert Via Web;
      
      Mode-Based Definition and Selection, comprising Time-of-Day, Day-of-Week, Follow-Me, Caller Recognition/Password, Caller ID, Vacation, Dinner Time, Go Away, Family Call Waiting;
      
      Learning Modes;
      
      Automatic Data Capture;
      
      Build Phone List Based on Collected Usage Information;
      
      VoIP Link Degradation Detection; and
      
      Automatic Cutover to the public switched communication network.

94. A communication network comprising a web-enabled processing system serving as an intelligent interconnection between at least one circuit-switched network and a packet network in a communication network, the circuit-switched network comprising edge switches for routing calls from and to subscribers within a local geographic area and switching facilities for routing calls to other edge switches or other switching facilities local or in other geographic areas, the method for enabling voice communication from a calling party to a called party across both the circuit-switched network and a packet network, the communication network comprising:
- an interface capability within the web-enabled processing system for receiving a call originated by the calling party via the circuit-switched network, the call originated by the calling party via a communication device for the purpose of initiating voice communication, the web-enabled processing system coupled to at least one switching facility of the circuit-switched network;
  
  a call processing capability within the web-enabled processing system for processing the call across the circuit-switched network and at least one packet network to complete the call to the called party; and
  
  a capability within the web-enabled processing system for establishing the voice communication between the calling party and the called party after the call is completed, across both the circuit-switched network and the at least one packet network.
- View Dependent Claims (95, 96, 97, 119, 120, 121, 122)
- - 95. A communication network as defined in claim 94, wherein either the calling party or the called party is a subscriber of the web-enabled processing system.
  - 96. A communication network as defined in claim 95, wherein the subscriber'"'"'s public telephone number is selected via the WEB.
  - 97. A communication network as defined in claim 95, wherein the interface capability detects a first information about the source of the call and associates the first information with a calling feature, previously selected by the subscriber to be performed on the call, the calling feature being to forward the call to at least two communications devices and wherein the interface capability simultaneously places at least two calls to at least two communications devices.
  - 119. A method as defined in claim 94, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a TDM switching matrix.
  - 120. A method as defined in claim 94, wherein the tandem switch utilizes an ATM switching matrix.
  - 121. A method as defined in claim 94, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a crosspoint switching matrix.
  - 122. A method as defined in claim 94, wherein the tandem switch utilizes a VOIP switching matrix.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Current Assignee
j2 Cloud Services, LLC (Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.)
Original Assignee
Telemaze, LLC
Inventors
Wood, Samuel F., Asprey, Margaret Susan, Klein, Jerry A.

Granted Patent

US 8,457,113 B2
Time in Patent Office

Days
Field of Search
US Class Current

370/353
CPC Class Codes

H04L 65/1046   Call controllers; Call servers

H04M 3/42153   by subscriber

H04M 3/42161   via computer interface

H04M 3/42229   Personal communication serv...

H04M 7/0003   Interconnection between tel...

H04M 7/0009   where voice calls remain en...

H04M 7/0033   Notification or handling of...

H04M 7/12   for working between exchang...

H04M 7/126   Interworking of session con...

H04M 7/129   Details of providing call p...

H04Q 2213/13034   A/D conversion, code compre...

H04Q 2213/13091   CLI, identification of call...

H04Q 2213/13097   Numbering, addressing

H04Q 2213/13103   Memory

H04Q 2213/13109   Initializing, personal profile

H04Q 2213/1313   Metering, billing

H04Q 2213/13141   Hunting for free outlet, ci...

H04Q 2213/13242   Broadcast, diffusion, multi...

H04Q 2213/13332   Broadband, CATV, dynamic ba...

H04Q 2213/13389   LAN, internet

H04Q 3/0025 : Provisions for signalling

H04Q 3/005 : Personal communication serv...

H04Q 3/66 : Traffic distributors

H04Q 3/72 : Finding out and indicating ...

View All

BRANCH CALLING AND CALLER ID BASED CALL ROUTING TELEPHONE FEATURES

First Claim

3 Assignments

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

101 Citations

122 Claims

Specification

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links

BRANCH CALLING AND CALLER ID BASED CALL ROUTING TELEPHONE FEATURES

First Claim

3 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

0 Petitions

Subscription Required

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

101 Citations

122 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links