Telephonic communications – Special services – Service trigger
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-13
2003-06-03
Hong, Harry S. (Department: 2642)
Telephonic communications
Special services
Service trigger
C379S037000, C379S045000, C379S201020, C379S201120, C379S220010, C379S221080
Reexamination Certificate
active
06574323
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to telecommunications systems and more particularly to a method and system for providing alternative routing consistent with a calling party profile when subject to enhanced services provided to a called party.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Integration of computer based service logic into centralized platforms within the public switched telephone network (PSTN) has resulted in the deployment of many new service features. The enhanced telephone network is often referred to as an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). In an AIN type system, local and/or toll offices of the public telephone network detect one of a number of call processing events identified as AIN “triggers” and the response, retrieve, routing instructions form a centralized database. For ordinary telephone service calls, there would be no event to trigger AIN processing, and the local and toll office switches would function normally and process such calls without referring to the central database for instructions. However, an office which detects a trigger will suspend call processing, compile a call data message and forward that message via a common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) link to a service control point (SCP), such as the Telecordia ISCP®, which includes a multi-services application platform database.
The ISCP is essentially a central control for the network. If needed, the ISCP can instruct the central office to obtain and forward additional information. Once sufficient information about the call has reached the ISCP, the ISCP accesses its stored data tables in its database to translate the received message data into a call control message and returns the call control message to the office of the network via a CCIS link. The network offices then use the call control message to complete the particular call.
Thus, the typical AIN architecture allows the switched transport (e.g., voice) network to interact with database systems and other so-called intelligent peripherals for obtaining information, data and support operations. This occurs when the switching network is triggered to access the database or peripheral by some condition that arises when a telephone call is being processed. An AIN trigger will typically arise in an AIN-equipped switch, and that will cause the switch to refer to a database for information or service to support processing of the call.
The widespread adoption of such systems for routing and servicing telephone calls has provided the opportunity to create and provision enhanced services throughout the public switched telephone network. These services include alternative routing and call blocking services that redirect calls to other locations, provide call screening and messaging services, and other processing.
For example, the commonly-assigned patent of Redd, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,388, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Selectively Blocking Incoming Calls,” issued Nov. 14, 1995, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, discloses a selective call blocking service and a method of supplying a list of numbers and authorization tiers to be stored in an ISCP database for a selective call blocking system. Specifically, the ISCP responds to a transaction capabilities applications protocol (TCAP) query message, generated at a central office switch in response to a subscriber call, by providing call processing data to the central office switch in order to establish an interface session with the subscriber. The interface session may be established, for example, by terminating the subscriber call to an intelligent peripheral (IP) that accepts DTMF inputs. During the interface session, the subscriber inputs the telephone numbers and authorization tiers using the DTMF keypad. After the interface session, the data input by the subscriber identifying telephone numbers authorized to bypass the subscriber's call blocking service is loaded into the ISCP database.
Another example of an AIN enabled service include remote access to call forwarding (Ultraforward). Using this service, callers may call in to remotely activate and/or change their call forwarding number. Thus, as with Selective Call Blocking, a call placed to a particular telephone number may not be completed, if at all, to the telephone number dialed.
Rerouting or inhibiting completion of telephone calls under the control of the subscriber being called is not normally a problem. However, there are situations when it is necessary to complete a call to a particular telephone line in spite of such services. For example, public safety and emergency readiness and response organizations may need to call particular locations within a defined geographic area to warn of an emergency or announce an evacuation. Public safety answering points (PSAPs) handling incoming 911 emergency calls may sometimes need to call back to someone after a call to the PSAP has been disconnected, either intentionally or otherwise. Because of these safety concerns, police and public safety organizations may require the capability to rapidly and simply bypass such call blocking and rerouting services.
To address this problem, Redd, Jr. et al., '388 provides that emergency numbers be provided to access the subscriber's station by use of a Caller IDTM or automatic number information (ANI) system, by a PIN, or by a combination of both. The telephone service provider must provide a database containing the caller numbers of all Police, Fire, and medical emergency officials. When a call is made from one of these numbers, the system recognizes the call as being from one of the numbers on the emergency database list and allows direct access to the call to the subscriber's telephone. A specialized central database of such numbers must be maintained and updated when emergency caller numbers are changed or added to (e.g., new fire station or the like).
One difficulty with the use of a PIN is that the entire call deferral process may be easily defeated if the special access code is compromised. For example, if a special access code is provided to emergency personnel (Police, Fire Department, Hospital, or the like), it is foreseeable that the access code may eventually be disclosed to unauthorized users. Another difficulty is that the call is not automatically completed, but requires entry of the access code, taking additional time and being prone to entry error. Systems requiring multiple access codes are less likely to be compromised, but are even more cumbersome and therefore less likely to be acceptable for dealing with emergency situations.
A difficulty with a list based bypass system is establishing and maintaining the database of emergency agency telephone numbers. This is because of several factors. For example, emergency facilities, such as PSAPs, have a large number of telephone lines and/or trunks terminating at their facilities. The line and telephone numbers associated with these facilities may not be readily ascertainable or known by the facility personnel. Even if such information is made available, the telephone numbers are subject to change as facilities and equipment change, due to system expansion, and when an emergency center relocates. Further, the administration of such information raises difficulties with the telephone service provider that must confirm the authority of agencies submitting lists of emergency telephone numbers prior to programming the telephone switching equipment to recognize the special privileges to be provided. Still another problem involves the maintenance of a specialized, dedicated database of privileged telephone numbers within the telephone system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a need exists for emergency operation centers to have the capability to automatically bypass and/or disable call interception and rerouting services operating on a called telephone line.
A further need exists for a system for and method of identifying, verifying, and maintaining approp
Manuel James A.
Middleswarth Susan M.
Hong Harry S.
Verizon Services Corp.
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