CA2247008C - Telecommunications networks and services - Google Patents
Telecommunications networks and services Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2247008C CA2247008C CA002247008A CA2247008A CA2247008C CA 2247008 C CA2247008 C CA 2247008C CA 002247008 A CA002247008 A CA 002247008A CA 2247008 A CA2247008 A CA 2247008A CA 2247008 C CA2247008 C CA 2247008C
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- network
- call
- time
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- telephone
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Classifications
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- 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
- H04M3/432—Arrangements for calling a subscriber at a specific time, e.g. morning call service
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- 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
- H04M3/4228—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in networks
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- 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
- H04M3/48—Arrangements for recalling a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy
-
- 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
- H04M3/51—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
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- 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
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0029—Provisions for intelligent networking
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M2203/50—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to audio conference
- H04M2203/5063—Centrally initiated conference, i.e. Conference server dials participants
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- 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
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1324—Conference call
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13511—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems reservation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13546—Intelligent Peripheral
Abstract
Automated call booking, call reconnection and diary booking services are described with reference to an intelligent network. The network comprising service switching points (SSP) (1, 2) and a service control point (SCP) (8) includes a number of intelligent peripherals (IP) (15, 16, 17, 18) arranged to provide services to users. On receipt of an access code from a telephone line (3) the SSP refers the request to the SCP which directs connection of IPs to obtain instructions from the user. In one case, the user can pre-book an automated telephone conference call at specified date and time (or at regularly recurring intervals). An alternative service enables a user to request reconnection of a call currently in progress at a specified later time or after a pre-determined period. A voice record and replay facility enables useful alarm call information to be stored.
Description
TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS AND SERVICES
The present invention relates to telecommunications networks and more particularly to services provided by such networks.
The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is capable of providing customers with many services other than basic telephony. Digital networks such as that provided by BT in the United Kingdom have the ability to effect call connection very quickly. Thus dual tone multi frequency (DTMF signalling from customers before, during or on termination of telephone calls can be used to connect special services.
Further, special service platforms may be called by customers requesting connection to specified network numbers to provide additional services. One such service which has been automated is an "alarm" or wake-up" call facility. The customer may dial up the alarm call service and using DTMF specify a time (using for example the twenty four hour clock) at which he wishes to be woken. At the specified time the network causes the customers telephone to be called by 1 S setting up an automatic call through the PSTN. Such a service is quite simple to operate but is very unsophisticated leaving he customer to decide exactly what further action is to be taken in response to the call.
According to the present invention there is provided a telecommunications network comprising a plurality of switches connected to provide switched telecommunications services between any two or more nodes of the network, some of said nodes comprising telephone lines to customer premises; switch control means associated with each of said switches and responsive to signalling from a first of said telephone lines to effect set up of a communication path to at least one other of said telephone lines; and network control means responsive to further signalling from one of the communicating telephone lines during an established call to capture and store line identity data identifying each of said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines, said network control means further including means to derive from signalling from said communicating telephone line time data defining a call-back time and to associate said time data with said line identity data and means responsive to network clock data at said defined call back time to cause set up of a communications path to one of said telephone lines and to cause a calling signal to be applied thereto and means responsive to an answer signal from said one of said telephone lines to re-establish said communications path between said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines.
A first feature of the invention allows a user to effect signalling while the first call is in progress in which case the connection data defines the current call connection whereby the call is re-established at the time specified by the time data.
Alternatively, the connection data may be derived from further signals transmitted from the first telephone line. In either case, the connection data may X25163 ~12 JUNE 1997 define more than one network node such m:hat the :subsequently established communication is between three or more network nodes.
A further feature of the invention allows the user to record a message which is replayed t:~ the first telephone line when the later call is established The time data stored may define more than one Time or may store a repeat period whereby more than one subsequent call is established and; or regular calls are automatically established under control of the network control means without further user intervention.
A telecommunications network in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram cf the telecommunications network;
Figure 2 is. a schematic diagram showing an interpretation of the network elements of Figure 1 .
Figure 3 is a service flow diagram in respect of an automatic call booking service;
Figure 4 is a service flow diagrarn in respect of call set up following call booking;
Figure 5 i~> a schematic diagram showing the inter-action of a service control point and a service switching point of the network of Figure 1 during the establishment of the later call in the autorrnatic call booking service;
Figure 6 shows a modification to the service flow diagram of figure 2 in respect of a diary call banking service;
Figure 7 shows a service flow diagram in respect of the call set up following the diary call booking service;
Figure 8 i~> a schematic diagram showing the inter-action of a service control point and a service switching point of the network of Figure 1 during the establishment of the first call in the diary call booking service;
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the inter-action of a service control point and a service switching point of the network of Figure 1 during the establishment of a eater call in the diary call booking service.
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 Q"~L ~/~,,=~ ~~ 7 / l~ ~ ~ ~'s y~
..
The present invention relates to telecommunications networks and more particularly to services provided by such networks.
The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is capable of providing customers with many services other than basic telephony. Digital networks such as that provided by BT in the United Kingdom have the ability to effect call connection very quickly. Thus dual tone multi frequency (DTMF signalling from customers before, during or on termination of telephone calls can be used to connect special services.
Further, special service platforms may be called by customers requesting connection to specified network numbers to provide additional services. One such service which has been automated is an "alarm" or wake-up" call facility. The customer may dial up the alarm call service and using DTMF specify a time (using for example the twenty four hour clock) at which he wishes to be woken. At the specified time the network causes the customers telephone to be called by 1 S setting up an automatic call through the PSTN. Such a service is quite simple to operate but is very unsophisticated leaving he customer to decide exactly what further action is to be taken in response to the call.
According to the present invention there is provided a telecommunications network comprising a plurality of switches connected to provide switched telecommunications services between any two or more nodes of the network, some of said nodes comprising telephone lines to customer premises; switch control means associated with each of said switches and responsive to signalling from a first of said telephone lines to effect set up of a communication path to at least one other of said telephone lines; and network control means responsive to further signalling from one of the communicating telephone lines during an established call to capture and store line identity data identifying each of said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines, said network control means further including means to derive from signalling from said communicating telephone line time data defining a call-back time and to associate said time data with said line identity data and means responsive to network clock data at said defined call back time to cause set up of a communications path to one of said telephone lines and to cause a calling signal to be applied thereto and means responsive to an answer signal from said one of said telephone lines to re-establish said communications path between said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines.
A first feature of the invention allows a user to effect signalling while the first call is in progress in which case the connection data defines the current call connection whereby the call is re-established at the time specified by the time data.
Alternatively, the connection data may be derived from further signals transmitted from the first telephone line. In either case, the connection data may X25163 ~12 JUNE 1997 define more than one network node such m:hat the :subsequently established communication is between three or more network nodes.
A further feature of the invention allows the user to record a message which is replayed t:~ the first telephone line when the later call is established The time data stored may define more than one Time or may store a repeat period whereby more than one subsequent call is established and; or regular calls are automatically established under control of the network control means without further user intervention.
A telecommunications network in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram cf the telecommunications network;
Figure 2 is. a schematic diagram showing an interpretation of the network elements of Figure 1 .
Figure 3 is a service flow diagram in respect of an automatic call booking service;
Figure 4 is a service flow diagrarn in respect of call set up following call booking;
Figure 5 i~> a schematic diagram showing the inter-action of a service control point and a service switching point of the network of Figure 1 during the establishment of the later call in the autorrnatic call booking service;
Figure 6 shows a modification to the service flow diagram of figure 2 in respect of a diary call banking service;
Figure 7 shows a service flow diagram in respect of the call set up following the diary call booking service;
Figure 8 i~> a schematic diagram showing the inter-action of a service control point and a service switching point of the network of Figure 1 during the establishment of the first call in the diary call booking service;
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the inter-action of a service control point and a service switching point of the network of Figure 1 during the establishment of a eater call in the diary call booking service.
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 Q"~L ~/~,,=~ ~~ 7 / l~ ~ ~ ~'s y~
..
Figure 10 shows a service flow diagram in respect of a call booking service for effecting reconnection of a current call at a subsequent time;
Referring now to Figure 1 digital telecommunications networks, that is to say those which operate using time division multiplex channels normally comprise a number digital local exchanges 1 each of which is parented on at least one of a number of fully interconnected digital main switching units 2. Each local exchange 1 provides service to a number of customer fines 3 any one of which may be switched through the network to any other line on any of the exchanges and to lines connected to other systems (not shownl. The main PSTN in the United Kingdom is of this form.
The exchange switches 1 and 2 eachi have a processor control system associated therewith to provide intelligent handling of switching. Thus the processor unit associated with one of the switches 1 will receive transmitted digits from a customer line 3 which digits will indicate either a call to another line 3 on the same exchange 1 or requirement for connection to another point in the network. Where connection to another point in the network is required signalling channels are used to pass information to one of the DMSUs and thence to a destination exchange possibly through a further DMSU 2. Positive interconnection between a line 3 on a first exchange 1 to line 3 on the destination exchange only occurs if the destination line 3 is available.
The rapid switching capability of a digital network means that a connection does riot need to be completed until all of the digits defining a destination have been received. Traditionally digital networks use service platforms (not shown) to provide special services to the network customers such as (e.g.) freephonE~ 0800, local charging, premium rate services and the like.
Specific service pl<~tforms will be located within the network at say one of the DMSUs 2 and, if a customer dials a network access code for one of the special services the call is connected to the appropriate service platform through the network, the service platform analysing subsequent digits and connecting via a special switch back. through the network to the required destination.
Providing :such special platforms and additional switching capability can delay the introduction of new services. I~owever referring additionally to Figure 2, it is possible to car~sider a telephone network as comprising a number of layers. A
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 v~;~~~ J 1 A2516 j3 first layer, the core transport network layer 4 comprises the switching capability and trunking of the exchange network 1 and ? with the ~runking in-between while the processors 1 1 , 1 2, 13 and 14 of tf,-: exchanges 1 and 2 represent an intelligence layer 5. A virtual path exists ~hcwn by dotted lines 6 between the computer facilities of the network. As C i ~ignailing is used to transfer information it is possible to add another level of intelligence here represented as network intelligence 7 having communications ac:ess with the processors of the switching units. Now, if a processor reache a point at which it requires additional processing power ~t may refer to the hic3her intelligence layer 7 for instructions.
Thus all that the processors of a sw~-_ching umt 1, 2 need to do is to recognise a requirement for additional servic ~ functionality. The processors may be programmed to re:~ognise customer action or customer signalling representing a trigger to additional service func:ionality. Once triggered the processor refers relevant data such as the identity of the c:allin~ line, the digits dialled, special class of service to the netwcrk intellic.ence layer 7 which may instruct the processor to perform specific tasks within its capability for handling a particular call.
Thus referring back to Figure 1 the intelligent network comprises service switching points which ma~: be the digital local exchanges 1 or digital main switching units 2 <3nd a ser~. ice control point 8 (of which there may be several) to which the exchange processors refer via virtual signalling paths (shown dotted) 9.
Specialised service engin~a or intelligent peripherals 15, 16 and 17 (which are integral with specific ser rice switching points but nevertheless accessible through the network to any con~~ection) may provide dedicated functions and calling lines 3 may be switched to these peripherals through the network as a result of instructions from the service control point 8. Thus, for example an intelligent peripheral may be equipped to provide voice prompts, message storage functionality or s ecific data storage or programming function. Stand-alone intelligent peripher 31s 18 may be provided at a Service Control Point or elsewhere in the network. he intelligent peripheral 18 is accessible through the network (connections ne mown) and may have direct connections to several or all DMSUs andlor DLEs of _he~ network.
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 ira5 ~ ~
'VI:~.r~J~~ ~~a0 A15163 ' 1 Z JUPJE 147 The present invention is described with reference to an intelligent network although it will be appreciated that the kind of service here noted could be provided using dedicated service platforms.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, if a customer wishes to book a call at a 5 specific date and time, possibly a conference call involving several connections, the service switching point 2 will receive b~~ way of the customer's line 3 appropriate dialled digits. This will result in a trigger at the service switching point (SSP) 2 which will refer the dialled code and customers calling line identity to the service control point 8 by way of the C7 signalling channel 9. Other relevant data relating to the status of the calling Ilne, andlor the current call may be simultaneously transferred and may be used in determining how the service request is subsequently handled.
Assuming that the service is available to the calling customer, the._ service,.control point will cause the_ SSP to switch the call,to an appropriate IP far service,w,hich provides the complete_.b_ooking functionality~,Thus at step 305 the IP, say 15, will provide a voice prompt to the customer to encourage the customer to enter an appropriate date up~:~n which the call is required. Although for simplicity a simple instruction enter date is shown, it will be appreciated that a series of options may be given to the customer' such as booking a call for today, tomorrow or at a future date. Assuming that the caller enters an appropriate date as shown at step 310 the IP provides ar7 opportunity for the customer to enter a time, probably suggesting use of the 24 hour clock to enter the information as shown at step 315.
At step 320 the customer enters appropriate digits, those shown here indicating a requirement for a call to be established at four - thirty five PM. The caller will now be prompted at step 325 to enter a telephone number or, for conference calls to enter a series of telephone number each separated by for example a hash (#?. Once the numbers have been keyed in as indicated at step 330 the intelligent peripheral 15 provides an indication of the booked call and gives the customer an opportunity to provide confirmation.
Assuming that confirmation is received then the call will be cleared by the service switching point 2 and the data recovered is transferred at step 304 to the service control point 8.
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 ; ~ . ~ ; '' , ,'. r . :.
Although data concerning the booking is noted here as '.r~eing transferred en bloc, with a single instruction from the SCP 8 to the SSP to effect connection of an IP, ~t will be appreciated that each stage of the acceptance of signalling from the :ustomer could result in that data being transferred on receipt. Each section of data recovery, voice prompting and the like could be handled by separate intelligent peripherals with the SCP instructing the SSP to connect a peripheral on transfer of received data relating to the preceding stage of the booking set up.
Referring row to Figure 4 once the clock at the service control point 8 reaches the supplied time and date a service engine is triggered which referring also to Figure 5 pauses the SCP to instruct the SSP to effect a call to the originating customer. This is indicated at step 4.10, the SSP in will establish a call to the customer line .3 and apply ringing to the customer line as indicated at step 41 5. Now when the customer answers t:he call as indicated at step 420 the SCP
_ _ _._ 8 is again notified by the exchange' trigger mechanism and causes the SSP 2 to effect connection between the customer line 3 and an appropriate intelligent peripheral, say 16 to cause an announcement to be played to the customer at step 430.
Assuming that the customer provides a confirmation of the request, here indicated as depressing the "star" button at step 435 the response is reported to the SSP which then passes the destination connection data to the SSP 2 so that network connection to the destination telephone number or numbers is effected at step 445.
If, at step 430, the customer declines to proceed with the booked call 4i.e.
by pressing the hash button) then as indicated at step 450 to steps 470 the customer may be given opportunity re-book the call for a later time using similar prompts to that previously described for Figure 3 using connection again to the intelligent peripheral 15.
In an alteernative or additional manner of providing a similar service, referring now to Figure 10, if during a course of an established call a customer signals the call booking service access code or a specifically allocated code then the customer may be prompted as indicated at steps 510 to 525 to key in a date and time at which time the call in progress should be reconnected. This may be particularly appropriate if a customer has been entered ~n a queue by a tele-sales CA 02247008 1998-08-20 ~-" ' -.~ - _ ... ~ y . ._ A~5163 ~',;.,jv J.:~c r operative for example or if the parties to the call agree to communicate at a later time. The process s again similar to that described with reference to steps 305 to 320 of Figure 3. However in the present case at step Gi30 the system captures the current connec?ion data from the service switching point. Again at step as previously described with reference to ad~.~anced caal booking the intelligent peripheral involved may provide a confirmation request at step 535 and the SCP
stores the date, time and destination dat<3 at step 540. Re-establishment of the call is identical to the method of establishing a call as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
Alternatively, a simpler re-connection facility may be provided with the customer signalling a service access code and a single digit indicating a request for reconnection in say ten minutes, thirty minutes, one hour etc. Again, such a service could be vcaice prompted to offer the customer the quicker reconnection option avoiding the need for date and time entry.
In an addit onal facility which may be included where network based call queuing is in use Isee for example our co-pending European Patent application number EP95307386.31, on customer rerauest the calling line may be scheduled into the queue for re-connection at a specified time so that when meeting queuing conditions the customer wait for answer may be more usefully employed.
In a further development of use of the systems clock interrupt capability to provide number time and date data in combination with network message storage capability for example such as that described in our co-pending European Patent application number (Our Reference A24995) filed 4th March 1995 a sophisticated reminder call facility may be provided.
Thus referring to Figure 6 if a customer dials the service access code as indicated at step 605 then the SSP transmits the customer line identity and stored code to the SCP 8. The' SCP will effectively instruct the SSP to cause connection of the customer to one of the intelligent peripherals which in a similar manner to that described to in reference to call booking prompts at steps 630 to 635 for date and time of reminder.
The caller may now be connected t~:~ an appropriate message storage facility as indicated at steps 640 and be prompted to record the reminder message.
Again these are checked at step 650 and at step 655 passed back to the service CA 02247008 1998-08-20 --w -A'15163 F~;~~_ control point 8 which at step 660 will store the date, time and the message location data. The message location data s determined from the message platform on which the customer reminder message has been stored. Such storage is not permanently <~Ilocated to one particular customer but is only allocated on an as required basis.
Now as inc~iicated in Figures 7 and 9 when the system control in the service point 8 reaches the appropriate date and time the SCP instructs the service switching point 2 to call the customer as indicated at steps 710 and the system establishes the call to the caller (step 7151 and awaits call answer at step 720.
Once the call is answered then the SSP again contacts the service control point 8 which instructs the connection of the appropriate IP or message storage facility at which the customers current message is held. As at step 730 the customer is connected to an appropriate intelligent peripherals say 17 and the message is played back. A voice prompt inviting the customer to have the message replayed at a later time is then given at step 735 and if the customer indicates that a later message replay is required after step 735 the customer response is referred to the service control point 8 at step 740. The SCP 8 at step 745 causes the service switching point at step 750 to connect an appropriate IP say 1 5 to enable the date and time information to be collected at steps 755 to step 770 in a similar manner to that previously noted. Confirmation of the arrangement may be given by returning to step 650 of Figure 6. Once the customer response has been collected then at 775 the service control point is notified and at 780 will update the stored date and time associated with the message location.
It will be appreciated that while the system has been described with reference throughout to booking for specific events on a one-off basis the opportunity to store information resulting in a reminder repeated at periodic intervals such as day, month or longer periods is possible. Thus if a customer requires to collect nformation from a destination point ar needs to check on the well being of another customer at regular intervals then the pre-booking facility can be so used.
_, ~_._"-~._. ~.,._~..-.... ;-.~,.~.~ :;.J
Referring now to Figure 1 digital telecommunications networks, that is to say those which operate using time division multiplex channels normally comprise a number digital local exchanges 1 each of which is parented on at least one of a number of fully interconnected digital main switching units 2. Each local exchange 1 provides service to a number of customer fines 3 any one of which may be switched through the network to any other line on any of the exchanges and to lines connected to other systems (not shownl. The main PSTN in the United Kingdom is of this form.
The exchange switches 1 and 2 eachi have a processor control system associated therewith to provide intelligent handling of switching. Thus the processor unit associated with one of the switches 1 will receive transmitted digits from a customer line 3 which digits will indicate either a call to another line 3 on the same exchange 1 or requirement for connection to another point in the network. Where connection to another point in the network is required signalling channels are used to pass information to one of the DMSUs and thence to a destination exchange possibly through a further DMSU 2. Positive interconnection between a line 3 on a first exchange 1 to line 3 on the destination exchange only occurs if the destination line 3 is available.
The rapid switching capability of a digital network means that a connection does riot need to be completed until all of the digits defining a destination have been received. Traditionally digital networks use service platforms (not shown) to provide special services to the network customers such as (e.g.) freephonE~ 0800, local charging, premium rate services and the like.
Specific service pl<~tforms will be located within the network at say one of the DMSUs 2 and, if a customer dials a network access code for one of the special services the call is connected to the appropriate service platform through the network, the service platform analysing subsequent digits and connecting via a special switch back. through the network to the required destination.
Providing :such special platforms and additional switching capability can delay the introduction of new services. I~owever referring additionally to Figure 2, it is possible to car~sider a telephone network as comprising a number of layers. A
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 v~;~~~ J 1 A2516 j3 first layer, the core transport network layer 4 comprises the switching capability and trunking of the exchange network 1 and ? with the ~runking in-between while the processors 1 1 , 1 2, 13 and 14 of tf,-: exchanges 1 and 2 represent an intelligence layer 5. A virtual path exists ~hcwn by dotted lines 6 between the computer facilities of the network. As C i ~ignailing is used to transfer information it is possible to add another level of intelligence here represented as network intelligence 7 having communications ac:ess with the processors of the switching units. Now, if a processor reache a point at which it requires additional processing power ~t may refer to the hic3her intelligence layer 7 for instructions.
Thus all that the processors of a sw~-_ching umt 1, 2 need to do is to recognise a requirement for additional servic ~ functionality. The processors may be programmed to re:~ognise customer action or customer signalling representing a trigger to additional service func:ionality. Once triggered the processor refers relevant data such as the identity of the c:allin~ line, the digits dialled, special class of service to the netwcrk intellic.ence layer 7 which may instruct the processor to perform specific tasks within its capability for handling a particular call.
Thus referring back to Figure 1 the intelligent network comprises service switching points which ma~: be the digital local exchanges 1 or digital main switching units 2 <3nd a ser~. ice control point 8 (of which there may be several) to which the exchange processors refer via virtual signalling paths (shown dotted) 9.
Specialised service engin~a or intelligent peripherals 15, 16 and 17 (which are integral with specific ser rice switching points but nevertheless accessible through the network to any con~~ection) may provide dedicated functions and calling lines 3 may be switched to these peripherals through the network as a result of instructions from the service control point 8. Thus, for example an intelligent peripheral may be equipped to provide voice prompts, message storage functionality or s ecific data storage or programming function. Stand-alone intelligent peripher 31s 18 may be provided at a Service Control Point or elsewhere in the network. he intelligent peripheral 18 is accessible through the network (connections ne mown) and may have direct connections to several or all DMSUs andlor DLEs of _he~ network.
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 ira5 ~ ~
'VI:~.r~J~~ ~~a0 A15163 ' 1 Z JUPJE 147 The present invention is described with reference to an intelligent network although it will be appreciated that the kind of service here noted could be provided using dedicated service platforms.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, if a customer wishes to book a call at a 5 specific date and time, possibly a conference call involving several connections, the service switching point 2 will receive b~~ way of the customer's line 3 appropriate dialled digits. This will result in a trigger at the service switching point (SSP) 2 which will refer the dialled code and customers calling line identity to the service control point 8 by way of the C7 signalling channel 9. Other relevant data relating to the status of the calling Ilne, andlor the current call may be simultaneously transferred and may be used in determining how the service request is subsequently handled.
Assuming that the service is available to the calling customer, the._ service,.control point will cause the_ SSP to switch the call,to an appropriate IP far service,w,hich provides the complete_.b_ooking functionality~,Thus at step 305 the IP, say 15, will provide a voice prompt to the customer to encourage the customer to enter an appropriate date up~:~n which the call is required. Although for simplicity a simple instruction enter date is shown, it will be appreciated that a series of options may be given to the customer' such as booking a call for today, tomorrow or at a future date. Assuming that the caller enters an appropriate date as shown at step 310 the IP provides ar7 opportunity for the customer to enter a time, probably suggesting use of the 24 hour clock to enter the information as shown at step 315.
At step 320 the customer enters appropriate digits, those shown here indicating a requirement for a call to be established at four - thirty five PM. The caller will now be prompted at step 325 to enter a telephone number or, for conference calls to enter a series of telephone number each separated by for example a hash (#?. Once the numbers have been keyed in as indicated at step 330 the intelligent peripheral 15 provides an indication of the booked call and gives the customer an opportunity to provide confirmation.
Assuming that confirmation is received then the call will be cleared by the service switching point 2 and the data recovered is transferred at step 304 to the service control point 8.
CA 02247008 1998-08-20 ; ~ . ~ ; '' , ,'. r . :.
Although data concerning the booking is noted here as '.r~eing transferred en bloc, with a single instruction from the SCP 8 to the SSP to effect connection of an IP, ~t will be appreciated that each stage of the acceptance of signalling from the :ustomer could result in that data being transferred on receipt. Each section of data recovery, voice prompting and the like could be handled by separate intelligent peripherals with the SCP instructing the SSP to connect a peripheral on transfer of received data relating to the preceding stage of the booking set up.
Referring row to Figure 4 once the clock at the service control point 8 reaches the supplied time and date a service engine is triggered which referring also to Figure 5 pauses the SCP to instruct the SSP to effect a call to the originating customer. This is indicated at step 4.10, the SSP in will establish a call to the customer line .3 and apply ringing to the customer line as indicated at step 41 5. Now when the customer answers t:he call as indicated at step 420 the SCP
_ _ _._ 8 is again notified by the exchange' trigger mechanism and causes the SSP 2 to effect connection between the customer line 3 and an appropriate intelligent peripheral, say 16 to cause an announcement to be played to the customer at step 430.
Assuming that the customer provides a confirmation of the request, here indicated as depressing the "star" button at step 435 the response is reported to the SSP which then passes the destination connection data to the SSP 2 so that network connection to the destination telephone number or numbers is effected at step 445.
If, at step 430, the customer declines to proceed with the booked call 4i.e.
by pressing the hash button) then as indicated at step 450 to steps 470 the customer may be given opportunity re-book the call for a later time using similar prompts to that previously described for Figure 3 using connection again to the intelligent peripheral 15.
In an alteernative or additional manner of providing a similar service, referring now to Figure 10, if during a course of an established call a customer signals the call booking service access code or a specifically allocated code then the customer may be prompted as indicated at steps 510 to 525 to key in a date and time at which time the call in progress should be reconnected. This may be particularly appropriate if a customer has been entered ~n a queue by a tele-sales CA 02247008 1998-08-20 ~-" ' -.~ - _ ... ~ y . ._ A~5163 ~',;.,jv J.:~c r operative for example or if the parties to the call agree to communicate at a later time. The process s again similar to that described with reference to steps 305 to 320 of Figure 3. However in the present case at step Gi30 the system captures the current connec?ion data from the service switching point. Again at step as previously described with reference to ad~.~anced caal booking the intelligent peripheral involved may provide a confirmation request at step 535 and the SCP
stores the date, time and destination dat<3 at step 540. Re-establishment of the call is identical to the method of establishing a call as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
Alternatively, a simpler re-connection facility may be provided with the customer signalling a service access code and a single digit indicating a request for reconnection in say ten minutes, thirty minutes, one hour etc. Again, such a service could be vcaice prompted to offer the customer the quicker reconnection option avoiding the need for date and time entry.
In an addit onal facility which may be included where network based call queuing is in use Isee for example our co-pending European Patent application number EP95307386.31, on customer rerauest the calling line may be scheduled into the queue for re-connection at a specified time so that when meeting queuing conditions the customer wait for answer may be more usefully employed.
In a further development of use of the systems clock interrupt capability to provide number time and date data in combination with network message storage capability for example such as that described in our co-pending European Patent application number (Our Reference A24995) filed 4th March 1995 a sophisticated reminder call facility may be provided.
Thus referring to Figure 6 if a customer dials the service access code as indicated at step 605 then the SSP transmits the customer line identity and stored code to the SCP 8. The' SCP will effectively instruct the SSP to cause connection of the customer to one of the intelligent peripherals which in a similar manner to that described to in reference to call booking prompts at steps 630 to 635 for date and time of reminder.
The caller may now be connected t~:~ an appropriate message storage facility as indicated at steps 640 and be prompted to record the reminder message.
Again these are checked at step 650 and at step 655 passed back to the service CA 02247008 1998-08-20 --w -A'15163 F~;~~_ control point 8 which at step 660 will store the date, time and the message location data. The message location data s determined from the message platform on which the customer reminder message has been stored. Such storage is not permanently <~Ilocated to one particular customer but is only allocated on an as required basis.
Now as inc~iicated in Figures 7 and 9 when the system control in the service point 8 reaches the appropriate date and time the SCP instructs the service switching point 2 to call the customer as indicated at steps 710 and the system establishes the call to the caller (step 7151 and awaits call answer at step 720.
Once the call is answered then the SSP again contacts the service control point 8 which instructs the connection of the appropriate IP or message storage facility at which the customers current message is held. As at step 730 the customer is connected to an appropriate intelligent peripherals say 17 and the message is played back. A voice prompt inviting the customer to have the message replayed at a later time is then given at step 735 and if the customer indicates that a later message replay is required after step 735 the customer response is referred to the service control point 8 at step 740. The SCP 8 at step 745 causes the service switching point at step 750 to connect an appropriate IP say 1 5 to enable the date and time information to be collected at steps 755 to step 770 in a similar manner to that previously noted. Confirmation of the arrangement may be given by returning to step 650 of Figure 6. Once the customer response has been collected then at 775 the service control point is notified and at 780 will update the stored date and time associated with the message location.
It will be appreciated that while the system has been described with reference throughout to booking for specific events on a one-off basis the opportunity to store information resulting in a reminder repeated at periodic intervals such as day, month or longer periods is possible. Thus if a customer requires to collect nformation from a destination point ar needs to check on the well being of another customer at regular intervals then the pre-booking facility can be so used.
_, ~_._"-~._. ~.,._~..-.... ;-.~,.~.~ :;.J
Claims (6)
1. A telecommunications network comprising a plurality of switches connected to provide switched telecommunications services between any two or more nodes of the network, some of said nodes comprising telephone lines to customer premises;
switch control means associated with each of said switches and responsive to signalling from a first of said telephone lines to effect set up of a communication path to at least one other of said telephone lines; and network control means responsive to further signalling from one of the communicating telephone lines during an established call to capture and store line identity data identifying each of said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines, said network control means further including means to derive from signalling from said communicating telephone line time data defining a call-back time and to associate said time data with said line identity data and means responsive to network clock data at said defined call back time to cause set up of a communications path to one of said telephone lines and to cause a calling signal to be applied thereto and means responsive to an answer signal from said one of said telephone lines to re-establish said communications path between said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines.
switch control means associated with each of said switches and responsive to signalling from a first of said telephone lines to effect set up of a communication path to at least one other of said telephone lines; and network control means responsive to further signalling from one of the communicating telephone lines during an established call to capture and store line identity data identifying each of said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines, said network control means further including means to derive from signalling from said communicating telephone line time data defining a call-back time and to associate said time data with said line identity data and means responsive to network clock data at said defined call back time to cause set up of a communications path to one of said telephone lines and to cause a calling signal to be applied thereto and means responsive to an answer signal from said one of said telephone lines to re-establish said communications path between said first and said at least one other of said telephone lines.
2. A telecommunications network as claimed in claim 1 in which said network control means further includes means to derive said call-back time from network clock data plus a pre-determined time period derived from signalling from a communicating telephone line.
3. A telecommunications network as claimed in claim 1 in which the line identity data is derived from further signals transmitted from said first of said telephone line.
4. A telecommunications network as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 in which the line identity data defines a plurality of network nodes and the control means establishes a conference call involving a multiplicity of users at the time specified by the time data.
5. A telecommunications network as claimed in claim 1 in which the control means effects connection of the telephone line during the first call to storage means which prompts the user to record a message for subsequent re-transmission, and on connection of the telephone line at the time specified transmits the recorded message to the first telephone line.
6. A telecommunications network as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the time data defines a plurality of times and is stored in association with the stored line identity data whereby network connection between the first telephone line and at least one other network node occurs at more than one subsequent time.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP96301762 | 1996-03-14 | ||
| GB9605373.1 | 1996-03-14 | ||
| EP96301762.9 | 1996-03-14 | ||
| GBGB9605373.1A GB9605373D0 (en) | 1996-03-14 | 1996-03-14 | Telecommunications networks |
| US08/648,612 | 1996-05-16 | ||
| US08/648,612 US5848132A (en) | 1996-03-14 | 1996-05-16 | Telecommunications network having resident ability to pre-book scheduled call back services |
| PCT/GB1997/000657 WO1997034406A1 (en) | 1996-03-14 | 1997-03-11 | Telecommunications networks and services |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2247008A1 CA2247008A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 |
| CA2247008C true CA2247008C (en) | 2001-08-07 |
Family
ID=26143604
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002247008A Expired - Fee Related CA2247008C (en) | 1996-03-14 | 1997-03-11 | Telecommunications networks and services |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0886951A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000506359A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU728685B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2247008C (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ331518A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997034406A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0866594B1 (en) * | 1997-03-21 | 2013-06-19 | Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG | Communication system, especially program controlled private communication system in which a timetable function is realised |
| EP0992150A2 (en) * | 1997-06-25 | 2000-04-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and communication device for implementing a scheduled-call function in a communication system |
| US6122509A (en) * | 1997-09-29 | 2000-09-19 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Method and system for automatically connecting a call at a selected time in a radio telecommunications network |
| CN1132402C (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 2003-12-24 | 汤姆森许可公司 | System and method of responding to incoming call while conferencing |
| KR20010056637A (en) * | 1999-12-16 | 2001-07-04 | 김진찬 | Method for meet-me calling in intelligent network |
| US6275575B1 (en) | 2000-01-12 | 2001-08-14 | Right4Me.Com, Inc. | Method and system for coordinating and initiating cross-platform telephone conferences |
| KR100728623B1 (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2007-06-14 | 에스케이 텔레콤주식회사 | Service System and Method for Auto Call Connection |
| CN101631297B (en) * | 2009-07-28 | 2012-06-27 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method, device and system for call subscription |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS61189759A (en) * | 1985-02-19 | 1986-08-23 | Nec Eng Ltd | Camp-on device |
| JPS6482847A (en) * | 1987-09-25 | 1989-03-28 | Nec Corp | Extension calling reservation system |
| JPH01233949A (en) * | 1988-03-15 | 1989-09-19 | Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co Ltd <Kdd> | Quasi-reservation communication service processing system |
| JPH0345063A (en) * | 1989-07-13 | 1991-02-26 | Nec Corp | Talking reservation callback service system |
| JPH03120941A (en) * | 1989-10-03 | 1991-05-23 | Nec Corp | Reservation telephone service system |
| US5040208A (en) * | 1989-11-03 | 1991-08-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Coordinated voice and data display having temporary storage of transaction data |
| US4969185A (en) * | 1989-12-29 | 1990-11-06 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Automated booking of telecommunications calls |
| US5268957A (en) * | 1991-06-24 | 1993-12-07 | Rolm Company | Automatic call-back "camp-on" service for communication systems |
| US5311583A (en) * | 1992-08-05 | 1994-05-10 | At&T Bell Laboratories | International priority calling system with callback features |
| US5425091A (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 1995-06-13 | U S West Technologies, Inc. | Method and system for providing an automatic customer callback service |
-
1997
- 1997-03-11 WO PCT/GB1997/000657 patent/WO1997034406A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-03-11 JP JP9532358A patent/JP2000506359A/en active Pending
- 1997-03-11 NZ NZ331518A patent/NZ331518A/en unknown
- 1997-03-11 EP EP97906295A patent/EP0886951A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-03-11 AU AU21035/97A patent/AU728685B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1997-03-11 CA CA002247008A patent/CA2247008C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2103597A (en) | 1997-10-01 |
| JP2000506359A (en) | 2000-05-23 |
| NZ331518A (en) | 2000-01-28 |
| WO1997034406A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 |
| CA2247008A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 |
| AU728685B2 (en) | 2001-01-18 |
| EP0886951A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |