MXPA97003045A - System and method for providing improved subscriber services in a multine telecommunication network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing advanced voice services to subscribers of a telecommunications network. the system comprises a local switch connected to the telecommunications network to provide double communication between the subscribers and the network. A database of subscriber services, which can be a virtual services switching point (VISSP), the local switch is connected, and an intelligent peripheral (PI) is connected to the database and the local switch. The intelligent peripheral processes the voice information and double tone multiple frequency (DTMF) digits received to the switch in response to instructions from the database. The system retrieves the subscriber services from the database using a protocol for preparing calls such as the protocol for preparation of calls by the user (ISUP) of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and provides the services to the switch. The system also recovers the processed voice information and the DTMF digits from the intelligent peripheral and provides the processed information and the digits when switching.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED SUBSCRIBER SERVICES IN A MULTINODAL TELE.COMMUNICATION NETWORK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to telecommunication networks, and more specifically to a system and method for providing enhanced subscriber services. using an intelligent peripheral. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART It is desirable in modern telecommunications systems to provide subscribers with increased services to increase the value of the telephone service offered. The value is increased for subscribers due to increased uses for their phones, greater ease of use and / or greater flexibility in the use of their phones. The value is increased for operators of telecommunication systems due to increased revenues from the sale and use of the augmented services. Such enhanced subscriber services may include oz activated dialing, access to email, and multiple conference calls. Using existing network architectures, providing some universally enhanced services may require costly upgrades to the programs or equipment for many switches in the network.

Individually, a subscriber can obtain a desired service by switching to a switch capable of providing the desired service. However, this alternative may require the change of the subscriber's telephone number. Although 'prior art teachings are not known in connection with a solution to the aforementioned deficiency and limitation as set out herein, there are numerous references to the prior art which raises issues that relate in some way to the matter discussed in the present. Such references of the prior art are US Patents Nos. 4,878,240 5,208,848, and 5,259,026. Each of these references is discussed briefly below. U.S. Patent No. 4,878,240 to Lin et al. It features a multi-service telephone switching system that contains a programmable add-on connected to an existing telephone switch. The attachment is an entity separate from the switch, and the subscribers must be connected. to the existing switch. Intelligent peripherals of the present invention, on the other hand, can be connected to an implemented service node to an overlay to a telecommunication ion network thus allowing the subscribers to connect directly to the service node. Additionally, the intelligent peripheral of the present invention can be connected to a point of virtual service switching (ViSSP) that provides the service logic and contains the subscriber data necessary to provide advanced subscriber services. US Pat. No. 5,208,848 to Pula presents an intelligent peripheral (Pl) which performs such functions as voice messaging and speech recognition to interpret client requests and to supply the digits necessary to increase those requests. The client is connected in parallel with a dial-up receiver and with the intelligent peripheral. When a critical condition is detected, the intelligent peripheral points to the switch and replaces digits with those received from the client. In the Pula patent, therefore, the intelligent peripheral is ported in a call in parallel with a switch and either the intelligent peripheral or the switch can control the call. In addition, the switch collects the information for the intelligent peripheral. However, the Pula patent does not teach or suggest an intelligent peripheral guided by means of a network address (called number) and performs all its functions in combination with a virtual services switching point (ViSSP). In the present invention, a control network identity (the ViSSP) provides the service logic and contains the subscriber data necessary to provide advanced services to the subscriber. U.S. Patent No. 5,259,026 to Johnson presents a method for updating a network database, especially a database of quick calls to avoid non-working numbers. Johnson includes an intelligent peripheral (Pl) in an advanced intelligent network (AIN) for use with a service control point (SCP) or an add-on system to provide voice announcements. As seen in column 4, lines 38-43; column 7, lines 13-16, 4-50, and 56-59; and column 9, lines 29-37, the intelligent peripheral performs only the function of providing advertisements to a subscriber; does not perform such functions co or translate the voice to digits as required to increase voice activated dialing or other advanced services. The review of each of the aforementioned references does not disclose any presentation or suggestion of a system or method such as that described and claimed herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention is a system for providing advanced voice services to subscribers of a telecommunication ion network. The system comprises a local switch connected to the telecommunications network and providing a double communication between the subscribers and the network. A subscriber service database is co-connected to the local switch, and an intelligent peripheral that connects to the database and the local switch. The intelligent peripheral processes the voice information and double tone multiple frequency digits received from the switch in response to instructions from the database. The system also includes a device for recovering subscriber services from the database using a call set-up protocol, and providing services to the switch, as well as a device for recovering processed voice information and multiple frequency digits. double tone from the intelligent peripheral and providing the processed information and the digits to the switch. In another aspect, the present invention is a method for providing advanced voice services to subscribers of a telecommunication network. The met »c» 3tt? the steps of connecting a local switch to the telecommunication ion network to provide double communication between subscribers in the network. Then a database of. services to subscriber to the local switch. This step is followed by the connection of an intelligent peripheral to the database and the local switch, with the intelligent peripheral processing voice information and double-tone multiple-frequency digits received from the switch in response to instructions from the database . After, services are recovered from the subscriber from the database using a call setup protocol, and the services they provide to the switch.

This step is followed by the recovery of the processed voice information and double-tone multiple frequency digits from the intelligent peripheral, and by providing the processed information and the digits to the switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood if its numbers, objects and advantages will be more apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the following drawing, in combination with the attached specification wherein: Figure 1 (prior art) is a certified circuit diagram of a typical telecommunication system using an advanced intelligent network (AIN) to provide enhanced services l subscriber; Figure 2 (prior art) is a flow chart illustrating the message flows involved in determining the access ap provided for different LSs, and in the service recovery method, from the database stored in a database. service control point (SCP); Figure 3 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a telecommunications system using an advanced intelligent network to provide increased services to the subscriber, and that is equipped with virtual service switching points (ViSSPs) in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 4 is a simplified functional block diagram of a part of the architecture of a ViSSO within an AIN; Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the signaling links and loop circuits between the ViSSP and the service / tandem switching point (SSP / T) in the preferred mode of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates representative parameters of an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) User Part (ISUP) initial address message (IAM) and an IAM message (call transfer) and its associated SSI identi fi ers; Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a typical message flow employed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention when a linear CD switch < "LS" modified or an SSP / T retrieves enhanced services for subscribers from a ViSSP, Figure 8 is a message flow diagram illustrating the message flow used for the recovery of an enhanced service for subscriber from ViSSP, call preparation, and call release in the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a high-level block diagram illustrating the connection of an intelligent peripheral (Pl) with a ViSSP and a switch connected to the public switched telephone network (PE? TN) in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of an intelligent peripheral »(Pl) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 11 is a flow chart of the process performed in the intelligent peripheral of the present invention when interacting with a ViSSP to provide an enhanced subscriber service to a subscriber of advanced voice services ViSSP (VAVSS); and Fig. 12 is a flow chart of the process performed in the ViSSP when interacting with the intelligent peripheral of the present invention to provide an advanced subscriber service to a subscriber of advanced voice services ViSSP < AVSS). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES The present invention is an intelligent peripheral < PI) for a node in a telecommunication network that can be implemented in several alternative modes. The preferred modality, in accordance with what is described here, is to connect the intelligent peripheral in an Intelligent Network Advanced (AIN) equipped with a Virtual Service Switching Point (ViSSP). In an alternative mode, the intelligent peripheral is connected to an Intelligent Advanced Network equipped with a Service Control Point (SCP). Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a typical telecommunications system 11 that employs an Intelligent Advanced Network (AIN) 12 to provide enhanced subscriber services. A large number of local switches (LSs) 13a-n can be connected for processing 10 calls to a Serial / Tandem Switching Point (SSP / T) 14 via voice connections 15. LSs 13a-n provide connections for subscribers 16a-p in the telecommunication system 11. The AIN 12 employs a known high-speed telecommunications link system 15 such as a Common Channel Signaling Ped (CCS) employing a standard signaling protocol known as a System Signaling Number 7 (SS7) to link all the components of the AIN 12. The AIN 12 and its associated protocol SS7 are described in the industry standard, "TR-NWT- 20 000246, Bell Communications Research Specif icat ion of Signal igp System Number 7, "which is incorporated herein by reference. The components of the AIN 12 may include in SSP / T 14, one or more Signal Transfer Points (STPs) 18a-n that I act as intermediate switching nodes, and one or more Service Control Points (SCPs) 19a-n. Each SCP 19 contains a database of enhanced subscriber services that can be accessed and controlled by means of a Service Logic Program (SCP) and a Service Write Interpreter (SSI) database program. SCP 19 acts as a repository for enhanced subscriber services that can be accessed by any of the 13a-n LSs that have been upgraded to communicate with a standardized communications protocol Transaction Capability Application Part / Advanced Intelligence Network (TCAP) / AIN). SCP 19 performs service activation functions that include database storage of increased subscriber services, and service recovery through the use of program modules known as Independent Building Blocks Services (SIBs). The Service Script Interpréter (Service Writing Interpreter) (SSI) program is used to combine several SIBs into service scripts that define and supplement increased services for subscribers. SCP 19 is described in the Bellcore standard, "TA-NWT-0 1280, Advanced Intel ligent Network (ASN) Service Control Point (SCP) Generic Requi rements," which is incorporated herein by reference. The current interface requirements for SCP 19 are described in the Bellcore standard, "TR-NWT-001285 Advanced Intelligent Netwark (AIN) 0.1 Swi tch-Service Control Point (SCP) Application Protocol Interfaces Generic Requirements, "which is incorporated herein by reference Still with reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the LSs 13a-n can access the AIN 12 either through MF 15 connections and the SSP / T 14, or directly through the links SS7 17 to the STP 18. The flow of messages involved to determine the type of access, and for the method of recovery of services from the database in the SCPs 19, is shown in the flow diagram of Figure 2. In step 21, a subscriber making a call 16a (Figure 1) dials the telephone number of a subscriber called 16n.At 22, whether or not the LS is determined 13a of origin has been improved to use the signaling protocol SS7.If it is not the case, then the LS can not have direct access to the AJ.N 12, and the signal is sent, in step 2 «3, to the Service / Tandem Switching Point (SSP / T) 14 associated telephone by means of l to 15 MF low speed connection. In step 24, the AIN service is invoked in the SSP / T 14 which recognizes the number dialed as an AIN subscriber in 25. In step 26, the SSP / T sends a request message via STP 18 to the SCP 19 asking for instructions for call processing. The SCP performs a database search for the called subscriber service invoked in step 27, and then returns the address instructions to the SSP / T 14 in step 28. This response contains all the information necessary to send the call (ie, address number, vehicle, billing number, etc.). The SSP / T 14 receives the address instructions from SCP 19, and terminates the call in step 29 by establishing an MF connection 15 between the calling subscriber 16a and the called subscriber 16n. However, if in step 22 it is determined that the LS is capable of SS7, then the flow of the message is shifted to step 31 where it is determined whether or not the LS has been improved with the latest version of the TCAP communication protocol / AIN If this is not the case, then the flow is again shifted to step 23 where the signal is directed to the associated SSP / T 14 by means of the MF connection 15. Steps 24 to 29 are then used to recover the increased service. of fertilizer »:} . If, in step 31, it is determined that the LS has been enhanced with the latest version of the TCAP / AIN communication protocol, then the LS can have direct access to the AIN 12. In step 32, the AIN service is invoked in the LS that recognizes the number dialed as an AIN subscriber at 33. In step 34, the LS sends a inquiry message via STP 18 to SCP 19 requesting call processing instructions. The SCP performs a database search in relation to the subscriber's service call invoked in step 35, and then return the address instructions to LS 13 in step 36. This response contains all the information necessary to direct the call (ie, address number, vehicle, billing number, etc.). ). The LS 13 receives the address instructions from SCP 19, and completes the call in step 37 by establishing an MF connection 15 between the calling subscriber 16a and the called subscriber 16n. Connection to a Virtual Services Switching Point (ViSSP) Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a telecommunication ion system that employs an ain to provide enhanced services for the subscriber, and is equipped with Points of Virtual Service Switching (ViSSPs) 40a-40n in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The ViSSP 40 is a system that, like an SCP 19, provides a database of augmented services for the subscriber that can be accessed by LSs using the high speed CCS network; however, the ViSSP does not require costly improvements to LSs to operate with the TCAP / AIN communication protocol because the services are retrieved using the ISUP call preparation protocol. A full description of ViSSP 40 is found in the co-pending US patent application, recently assigned serial number 08 / 095,300 entitled, "System fsr Providing Enhanced Subscriber Services Using ISUP Call-Setup Protocol," now US Patent No. 5,377,186, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram of a part of the architecture of a virtual services switching point (ViSSP) 40 within an AIN 12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent peripheral (Pl) is connected to an AIN equipped with a ViSSP 40. Before proceeding with the description of the intelligent peripheral and the connection thereof in the AIN 12, a brief description of the ViSSP is provided. The ViSSP 40 includes an interface for the SS7 signaling protocol 41, TCAP protocol translators 42 that include a newly added ISUP protocol translator 43, a modified Service Write Interpreter (SSI) 44, and an Application Management System of Services (SMAS) modified by the system 45. Modifications to ViSSP 40 result in the ViSSF serving AIN type services (eg, translation of numbers) using parameters in the ISUP call preparation protocol that were originally intended for conditions such as call transfer. This alternative use of the ISUP call preparation protocol allows the introduction of new services in a network of all of them using existing technology already established. Signals from the CCS high-speed network penetrate the ViSSP 40 through the SS7 41 interface. Then, since several different signaling protocols are employed in the CCS network to request different subscriber services, the ViSSF 40, as SCP 19 includes TCAP protocol translators 42 for communication with the modified SSI database program 44. An ISUP interface is added to the SCP architecture 19, to create the ViSSP 40. The ISUP ipterface may comprise an ISUP protocol translator 43 which is added to the TCAP protocol translators 42, as well as a modified SSI 44 and an SMAS 45 modified. The implementation of these modifications allows the LSs to use the ISUP call preparation protocol to direct the SSI database program 44 to access many of the enhanced subscriber services stored within the ViSSP 40. Figure 5 is a diagram of block showing the signaling links 51 and 52 and loop circuits 53 and 54 between the ViSSP 40 and the SSP / T 32 (Figure 3) in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. When the ViSSP 40 first receives an ISUP message, a correlated program unit within the ISUP protocol translator 43 (FIG. 4) verifies that the message includes a circuit identification code (CIO belonging to a defined "virtual" voice circuit pair.) A virtual voice circuit pair, illustrated with VCIC1 and VCIC2 in Figure 5, comprises two voice circuits (CIC1 and CIC2) physically linked by means of a loop voice circuit 53 in the originating SSP / T 32. The ISUP protocol translator 43 maintains a correlation of these pairs through a voice circuit 54 Virtual loop so that an ISUP message can be returned to the source switch with the CIC related to the pair If the CIC does not belong to a virtual voice circuit pair, then the ISUP protocol translator 43 sends the message. ISUP, Non-Equipped Circuit Identification Code (UCIC) back to the originating switch After receiving the message and checking the CIC, the ISUP protocol translator 43 changes the CIC in the message in the related CIC of the circuit pair of virtual voice. Finally, a Point of Origin Code (OPC) and a Destination Point Code (DPC) are exchanged. The ISUP protocol translator 43 then reviews the type of message. If the message type indicates an initial address message (IAM), ISUP, the program correlation unit within the protocol translator 43 correlates it in a inquiry message to SSI 44. parameters of the IAM message are translated into "SSI message labels". Figure 6 illustrates representative parameters of an ISUP IAM message and an IAM (call transfer) message and its associated SSI tags. The IAM parameters may vary from time to time as new industry standards are promulgated, but the basic implementation of the present invention does not change. Figure 6 identifies the labels that are newly created tags allowing the use of the IAM format with the ViSSP 40. The ISUP protocol translator 43 takes the interface to the SSI 44, and sends the tags to the SSI using a simple access and answer . The SSI database program is modified to recognize the newly created labels. For the SSI program, the IAM appears to be an Info_An lyzed message of version 0.1 of AIN requesting the recovery of a subscriber service. The ViSSP Service Logic Program within SSI 44 processes the IAM inquiry and returns the tags (possibly modified pc.r SSI Service Logic) to the ISUP protocol translator 43. The ISUP protocol translator includes a new address number (translated destination) that is loaded into a called party number included in an IAM message (call transfer). The IAM (call transfer) message is an IAM sent from the ViSSP 40 back to 1 LS of origin 31a. The IAM (call transfer) message instructs the originating LS 31a to initiate a new call to the new translated destination. The number dialed from the original IAM is loaded into the original called part number parameter.

If the ISUP protocol translator 43 reviews the received message type and determines that the received message is not an IAM, then the ISUP protocol translator 43 returns the message to the originating switch. Therefore, the message is essentially returned to the related CIC in the pair of virtual circuits. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a typical message flow used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention when a modified LS 31 (Fig. 3) or SSP / T 32 retrieves increased subscriber services from a ViSSP 40. In step 61, a calling 16a subscriber dials the number of a called 16n subscriber. In step 62, it is determined whether or not the originating LS 31a has been modified to use the SS7 signaling protocol. If this is not the case, then the signal is sent, at 63, to the associated SSP / T 32 via an MF connection. At 64, an AIN service is invoked on SSP / T 32. At 65, the service is retrieved from ViSSP 40 using steps 25 to 29 of Figure 2, with ViSSP 40 replacing SCP 19. However, if in step 62 it is determined that the LS of origin 31a has capacity for SS7, then it is determined in 66 whether or not the L £ 5 of origin 31a has been enhanced with the latest version of the TCAP / AIN communication protocol. If the LS 31a has been enhanced with TCAP / AIN, then the AIN service is invoked in the LS 31a in step 67. Then, in step 68, the enhanced subscriber service is retrieved from the ViSSP 40 using steps 33 to 37 of Figure 2, with the disk 40 replacing the SCP 19. ke Figure 2, however, if it is determined in step 66 that the originating LS 31a is not improved with the TCAP / AIN communication protocol, the The system of the present invention does not have to return to send the signal through the MF connection to the SSP / T 32. Instead, the message flow is shifted to step 69 where it is determined whether or not the originating LS 31a has been improved to communicate with the preparation protocol called ISUP. Only if the LS 31a has been upgraded with the ISUP protocol does the system go to step 63 where the signal is sent to the SSP / T 32 over an MF connection. However, if the originating LS 31a is one of many LSs that have been improved to communicate using the ISUP call preparation protocol, then the message flow is shifted to step 71 where the call preparation ISUP is invoked in the LS 3: The. In step 72, the originating LS 31a uses its modified routing table to send a Initial Address Message (IAM) ISUP to ViSSP 40. At 73, the LS 31a reserves an MF circuit in a loop connection and includes a Circuit Identification Code (CIO in the signaling information field (SIF) together with the IAM The CIC code used by the LS 31a in the initial IAM message identifies a loop circuit returned to the same LS 31a since the ViSSP 40 has no MF circuit In 74, the ViSSP 40 receives the IAM, and the translator 43 The ISUP protocol correlates it in an inquiry message to the service write interpreter (SSI) 44. The IAM parameters are mapped to the SSI tags (Figure 6) for this purpose. To the SSI program, the IAM looks like an Info_Analyzed message from version 0.1 of AIN requesting the recovery of a subscriber service At 75, the ViSSP's Service Logic Program within SSI 44 processes the IAM inquiry, performs a search in the database, returns a new number of in The number dialed from the original IAM is loaded into the number parameter of the original called party. At 76, the called party number parameter is included in an IAM (call transfer) message that includes a new CIC code to avoid a double capture of the same circuit as the LS 31a used. The new translated number is loaded into the called party number parameter. If the new translated number must be presented, then it is loaded into the redirection number and redirection information parameters. The ViSSP 40 contains information about the CSC codes used by the LSs in such a way that a valid CIC code is used in the return IAM message (call transfer). The ViSSP returns the IAM to the originating LS 31a in step 77. The originating LS 31a receives the IAM (call transfer) message and, in step 78, reinitializes the call preparation by sending another IAM message to the new destination number that was contained in the IAM message (call transfer) received from ViSSP 40. Next, with the exception of the release sequence described below in combination with FIG. 8, a continuous call processing in accordance with as specified in "TR-NWT-000317, Switching System Generic Requirements for Cali Control Using the Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISDNUP)", "TR-NtfT-000394, Switeching System Generic Requirements for Interexchangs Carrier Interconnect ion Using the Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISDNUP) ", and" TR-NWT-000444, Swi ch ing System Requirements Support in ISDN Access Using the ISDN User Part ", which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 8 is a message flow diagram illustrating the message flow used for the recovery of an enhanced subscriber service from ViSSP 40, call preparation, and call release in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. At 81, the LS 31a serving the calling subscriber 16a captures an MF connection on the SSP / T 32a. At 82, the SSP / T sends an IAM to ViSSP 40 which translates the message into an IAM message (call transfer) and sends it to the SSP / T 32b serving the called subscriber at 83. At 84, the AMI (transfer) of call) is sent to the LS 31b serving the called subscriber. At 85, a Complete Address Message (ACM) is sent from LS 31b to SSP / T 32b where it is sent to ViSSP 40 at 86. ViSSP sends the ACM to SSP / T 32a at 87. At 88, a message Response (ANM) is sent from LS 31b to SSP / T 32b where it is sent to ViSSP 40 at 89. The ViSSP sends the ANM to SSP / T 32a at 91. At 92, the response is sent by the MF connection to LS 31a. When the first subscriber hangs (in this example, the subscriber 16a), a release signal is sent on the MF connection of the LS 31a to the SSP / T 32a at 93. A release message (RED is sent in 94 to 1 ViSSP 40 which sends the REL in 95 l SSP / T 32b which serves the other subscriber In 96, the SSP / T 32 sends a REL to the LS 31b serving the other subscriber The LS 31b sends a complete release message <RLC) to the SSP / T 32b in 97 that sends the RLC to the ViSSP 40 in 98. In 99, the ViSSP 40 sends the RLC to the SSP / T 32a that serves the first subscriber to hang up, ipdi? oro that the voice link must be discontinued MF In 101, the voice link is disconnected. One limitation with the ViSSP solution for providing enhanced subscriber services is that there is no voice circuit between the local switch 31 and the ViSSP 40; there is only one ISUP connection. Without voice circuit access, advertisements representing information or instructions can not be provided to subscribers, and subscribers can not influence the processing of the call, either by double-tone multi-frequency digits (DTMF) or voice control. This applies both to subscribers who have tried to improve their service profile, and to callers trying to access an advanced voice service subscriber service ViSSP (VAVSS), as described below. Figure 9 is a high-level block diagram illustrating the connection of an intelligent peripheral (Pl) 111 with a ViSSF 40 and a switch 31 connected to the public connected telephone network (PSTN) 112 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The switch 31 can be either a Tandem or a local switch. If the switch can handle TACP / AIN, an SCP can replace the ViSSP for service storage and recovery. If the switch 31 can not handle TACP / AIN, but has capacity for ISUP, then a ViSSP 40 is required, and the switch 31 and the ViSSP 40 communicate through a ISUP link 116. An IP circuit 113a and an intelligent peripheral voice path 113b connects the switch 31 with the intelligent peripheral 111. The intelligent peripheral circuit 113a can be a loop start, a ground start, ISDN (BRI, PRI ), IT, etc. In addition, a Simplified Message Desktop Interface (SMDI) 114 between the switch 31 and the intelligent peripheral 111 provides the calling party number (number A) for the types of connections that do not provide it. A signal connection 115 between the ViSSP 40 and the intelligent peripheral 111 can be Ethernet type messages, based on SS7, type GR 1129, or type CS1. The interface 117 connects the intelligent peripheral 111 with other computers and can be, for example, interfaces with a local area network (LAN) or direct type TTY such as a VT100. i By connecting the intelligent peripheral 111 in the AIN 12 in this way, the intelligent peripheral provides subscribers with several advanced voice services. Such signals include S: GI limi ión, voice activated dialing, user-defined voice service profile or DTMF digits, unique access number to a subscriber seeking a VAVSS in a defined search order, and access to email. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of an intelligent peripheral (Pl) 111 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. At one level, the intelligent peripheral 111 includes a local service logic 121 and a ViSSP interface 122. The next level is the intelligent peripheral computing core 123 which can comprise a processor and a memory. The next level includes a telephony interface 124 from intelligent peripheral to switch that can be ISDN, BRI or PRI, TI, Start Loop, or Ground Start. Other computer interfaces 125 are also provided such as interfacee with a local area network (LAN) or direct type TTY such as VT100. A final level comprises intelligent peripheral resources 126 and may include a tone generation plant, a digital signal processor, voice processing (generation and recognition), conference circuits, tone receiver, and discriminate tone (busy, rearrange, etc.). Figure 11 is a 'process flowchart performed in the ViSSP 40 when interacting with the intelligent peripheral 111 of the present invention to provide an advanced subscriber service to a subscriber of ViSSP advanced voice services (VAVSS). In step 131, the ViSSP 40 receives an ISUP call repair message via switch 31. ViSSP calls are routed to the ViSSP only if the called number (number B) reflects a white ViSSP subscriber. The white ViSSP subscriber is known as a subscriber bed of ViSSO Advanced Voice Services (VAVSS). In step 132, the ViSSP 40 reviews the ViSSP database for services related to the VAVSS. In step 133, it is determined whether or not the call requires the functionality offered by the intelligent peripheral 111. If this is not the case, the ViSSP provides the required service at 134. If it is determined in step 133 that the call requires the functionality provided by the intelligent peripheral 111, then the ViSSP routes the call to the intelligent peripheral in step 135 using ISUP messages to route the call to an intelligent peripheral circuit using a network address (number B) to identify the IP circuit. At 136, the ViSSP 40 waits for a call reception message from the intelligent peripheral 111 via the signal link 115. At 137, the call reception message is received by the ViSSP informing the ViSSP of a call end in. in the intelligent peripheral 111. In step 138, the ViSSP determines and sends the appropriate intelligent call handling instructions to the intelligent peripheral. The instructions are based on the origin of the call (number A) and on the characteristic profile of VAVSS. Possible instructions may include, without limitation, the following: - Present advertisements and collect digits. - Translate voice to digits (dependent and independent of the speaker). - Call transfer using call control procedure 'available in the intelligent peripheral circuit 113a. - Summon a triple call using call control procedure available in circuit 113a of intelligent peripheral. - Originate associated call in the intelligent peripheral circuit 113a for a specific network address.

- Multiple calls for conference in circuit 113a of intelligent peripheral. - Release call in circuit 113a of intelligent peripheral. - Review fax call. i - Review modem call. In step 139, the ViSSP 40 expects a response from the intelligent peripheral 111. Possible responses may include, without limitation: - General elapsed time. - Fax call detected. - M-odern call detected. - DTMF digits. - Voice digits. 2B - Busy or non-termination tone of another network detected when the call originated. - Time elapsed without response. In step 141, the ViSSP 40 determines whether or not the call is ready for release to the intelligent peripheral 111. This determination is based on response of the received intelligent peripheral and on the VAVSS profile. If it is determined that the call is not ready for release to the intelligent peripheral, then the ViSSP sends the next instruction to the intelligent peripheral at 142. However, if it is determined that the call is ready for release on the intelligent peripheral, then the ViSSP releases the call to the intelligent peripheral by releasing the call originating in the switch 31 via the switch ISUP link 116 to ViSSP. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the process performed in the intelligent peripheral 111 of the present invention when interacting with the ViSSP 40 to provide advanced subscriber service to a subscriber of advanced ViSSP voice services (VAVSS). In step 151, a call is received in a smart peripheral circuit 113a. The call can be dialed directly or routed to the intelligent peripheral 111 via ViSSP 40 using the ISUP signaling through link 116. At 152, the intelligent peripheral informs the ViSSP of the completion of the call in the intelligent peripheral circuit 113a via the direct link 115 of intelligent peripheral signaling to ViSSP. In step 153, the intelligent peripheral receives call handling instructions from the 'ViSSP via link 116. Some of the potential call handling instructions are delineated in the comments related to Figure 11 above. In step 154, the intelligent peripheral 111 performs the call handling instructions that were received from the ViSSP 40, and provides processed voice and / or DTMF digits to the switch 31 when the call is released to the intelligent peripheral by the ViSSP. The intelligent peripheral then sends a response to the ViSSP. Some of the potential responses are delineated in the comments related to Figure 11 above. The intelligent peripheral waits for additional instructions in step 155. Connection to a Service Control Point (SCP) The intelligent peripheral (Pl) 111 of the present invention can also be connected to a service control point (SCP) 19 ( Figure 1). In this mode, the connection between the intelligent peripheral 111 and the SCP 19 can be a protocol based on the CS1 protocol of the European Institute of Telecommunications Standards (ETSI). As previously observed, SCP 19 performs service activation functions that include base storage of data of services increased for subscriber, recovery of services through the use of program modules known as Independent Building Blocks of Services (SIBs). The Service Sc'ript Interpreter (SSI) program is used to combine several SIBs into service scripts that define and implement improved services for subscribers. The LS 31 can be enhanced with the TCAP / AIN communication protocol to access the SCP 19. While the TCAP / AIN protocol provides the SCP with a device to request advertisements in groups of digits, the services that can be provided are limited by the resources of the switch. Many existing switches do not provide the digital signal processing resources required for services such as voice activated dial (VAD). The voice traffic is performed starting from the switch 31 to the intelligent peripheral 111 by means of two connections. A first connection employs ISUP SS7 signaling. A second connection can employ any connection interface supported by the switch and the intelligent peripheral, insofar as an automatic number identification (ANI) is provided in the interface. The data is carried from the intelligent peripheral 111 to the SCP 19 through an SS7 signaling link using TCAP / AIN. Accordingly, it is considered that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the method, apparatus and system presented and described have been characterized as preferred, it will be readily apparent that various modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention in accordance with that defined in the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS 1. A system for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunication subscribers, said system comprising: a switch connected to said telecommunication subscribers and unable to communicate using a Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) message; a virtual services switching point (ViSSP) containing service logic and subscriber data to provide said advanced services to the subscriber; a first signaling link comprising an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) User Part (ISUP) connection for connecting said switch to said ViSSP; an intelligent periphery (Pl) that can be operated to process voice or dual-tone multiple frequency digital information, said intelligent peripheral includes a voice circuit that receives a directory number that can be dialed; a second signaling link connecting said ViSSP to said intelligent peripheral; a third signaling link connecting said intelligent peripheral with said switch; a voice link connecting said speech circuit said intelligent peripheral with said switch; a device within said ViSSP for establishing a call connection to said intelligent peripheral voice circuit through said voice link by transmitting an ISUP signal through said first signaling link using said directory number which can be marked as a number of the part to which it is called and to instruct said intelligent peripheral to pick up from said switch through said voice link, analyze and report back to the ViSSP through said second link. signaling, subscriber voice or dual tone multiple frequency digital information (DTMF); and a device within said ViSSP to perform an advanced service for subscriber in response to said collected, analyzed and reported voice or digital DTMF information.,
2. 2. The system for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunications subscribers of claim 1 wherein said first signaling link comprises a Common Channel Signaling (CCS) link employing a signaling protocol of Signaling System Number 7 CSS7).
3. 3. The system for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunications subscribers of claim 1 wherein said third signaling link employs a Simplified Message Desktop Interface (SMDI).
4. 4. A method for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunication subscribers, said method comprising the steps of: connecting a switch to said telecommunication subscribers where said switch can not communicate a Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) message.; connecting a virtual services connection point (ViSSP) of subscriber services to said switch by means of a first signaling link comprising an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) User Part (ISUP) connection; Connecting an intelligent peripheral to said ViSSP by means of a second signaling link, said intelligent peripheral includes a voice circuit that receives a directory number that can? be marked connecting said intelligent peripheral to said switch by means of a third signaling link; connecting said voice circuit of said intelligent peripheral to said switch by means of a voice link by transmitting an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISUP) user part signal to said first signaling link using said directory number which it can be marked as a number of the part to which it is called from said ViSSP; instructing said intelligent peripheral to pick up from said switch through said voice link, analyze and report back to the ViSSP on said second signaling link, subscriber voice or dual tone multiple frequency digital information ( DTMF); and performing an advanced subscriber service in response to said digital DTMF information or subscriber voice collected, analyzed and reported by said ViSSP.
5. 5. The method for providing advanced services to subscribers of telecommunication subscribers of claim 4 wherein said first signaling link comprises a Common Channel Signaling link < CCS) that employs a signaling protocol of Signaling System Number 7 < SS7). The method for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunications subscribers of claim 4 wherein said step of connecting said intelligent peripheral to said switch by means of said third signaling link includes the connection of said intelligent peripheral to said switch with an interface. Simplified Messages Desktop (SMDI). 7. A system to provide advanced services of subscriber subscriber, which comprises: a central unit connected to said subscribers and which can not handle a message of the Application Part of Capacity of subscribers. Transaction (TCAP); a virtual services switching point (ViSSP) for said advanced subscriber services; a first signaling link comprising a User Part Connection (ISUP) of Digital Services Network Integrated (ISDN) to connect said central station with said ViSSP; an intelligent peripheral (Pl) that can be operated to process dual tone or voice multi-frequency digital information, said intelligent peripheral includes a voice circuit that receives a directory number that can be dialed; a second signaling link connecting said ViSSP to said intelligent peripheral; a third signaling link connecting said intelligent peripheral to said central; a voice link connecting said voice circuit of said intelligent peripheral to said central; and a device within said ViSSP for: establishing a call connection between said exchange and said voice circuit of said intelligent peripheral through said voice link by transmitting a signal from the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISUP) user part through said first signaling link using said directory number which may be marked as a number of the party to which it is called; instructing said intelligent peripheral to pick up from said central through the voice link, process and report back to the ViSSP through the second signaling link, subscriber voice or digital information of multiple frequencies of double tones; and processing the subscriber's voice or double-tone multiple frequency distal information collected, processed and reported by the intelligent peripheral to identify an advanced subscriber service to be performed by the system. 8. The rei indication system 7 wherein the second signaling link comprises a packet data communication link. The system of claim 7 wherein the third signaling link is an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) User Part (ISUP) link. 10. The compliance system of claim 7, wherein the intelligent peripheral further comprises a device for providing said advanced subscriber service to said subscribers in response to the ViSSP instruction. 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein 58 The advanced subscriber service to be carried out by the system is carried out by the central. The system of claim 7, wherein said third signaling link employs a Simplified Message Desktop Interface (SMDI). The system for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunications subscribers of claim 1 wherein said second signaling link comprises an Ethernet connection. The method for providing advanced subscriber services to telecommunications subscribers of claim 4 wherein said second signaling link comprises an Ethernet connection. 15. The system of claim 8 wherein said second signaling link comprises an Ethernet connection.