MXPA99011461A - A method and apparatus for routing calls based on the identification of the calling party or calling line - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the identification of the calling party or the originating line. Generally, the present invention operates to identify a calling party or originating line and then select a routing list based on this identification. Once a routing list has been selected, the call will be routed to the destination in the routing list. More specifically, when a call is received, an inquiry is made regarding the identity of the calling party or calling line. If the identification can be determined, then an attempt to retrieve a routing list associated with this identification is made. If a routing list has been provided for the identified party or line, the routing list will be retrieved. If a routing list has not been provided for the identified party or line, a default routing list will be selected for routing the call.

Description

A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR ROUTING CALLS BASED ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE ORIGINATOR OF THE CALL OR THE LINE WHERE THE CALL IS MADE RELATED REQUESTS Serial Application No. 08 / 469,491 filed on June 6, 1995, entitled "Personal Number Communications System", granted as United States Patent No. 5,764,747 on June 9, 1998 and assigned to BellSouth Corporation, the assignee of the present application, relates to the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of switched telephony and, in particular, is a method for routing calls to a subscriber based on a routing list selected in accordance with the identity of the originator of the call or of the line from which the call originates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION To the extent that technological advances are made in the communication equipment and that computers are more integrated into telecommunication networks and systems, the essential goal of communication service providers is to obtain access in " real time "," without union or P1711 / 99MX interrupts ", for all subscribers, is becoming an established goal." Real-time "access refers to the ability to contact a call originator, instantaneously, as opposed to locating the call originator or to leave a message Access "without joining or without interruptions" includes the ability to reach the call originator regardless of their location or the time of day In trying to achieve this goal, a party can always be contacted by call originators without import the location of the parties The task of maintaining unattached or interrupted access in real time is not easy, currently, a solution in operation is the Personal Number Service ("PNS"), which is described in United States Application No. 07 / 936,384 for joint ownership The BellSouth Wireless PNS provides the subscriber with the ability to be contacted by other call originators regardless of the location of the subscriber. This is done by providing a single point of contact for each subscriber in the form of a personal number. In addition, each subscriber provides the system with communication routing information in the form of one or more "destination lists" or "routing lists". The routing list contains several directory numbers that identify lines P1711 / 99HX telephone to where subscribers can be accessed. Calls made to the subscriber's personal number will be routed by the PNS to the various destination numbers either until the subscriber is located or until the list of destination numbers has been exhausted. In the PNS, the subscriber has the flexibility to change the routing lists or alter the way in which they are used. Methods to alter the use of routing lists include enabling a future "invalidation". The future invalidation allows the subscriber to disable the use of the routing list for a particular call originator or for all call originators, and forces the incoming call to be routed to a particular alternative number. By disabling future invalidation, the system will continue to use the routing lists. Another feature of the personal number communication system is to allow the subscriber to provide different routing lists for different days of the week or specific time intervals during the day. In this way, a routing list can be used on business days from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, another routing list on business days after 6:00 PM, and a third routing list on weekends.

P1711 / 99HX The general operation of the PNS call routing feature can be described in the following stages: (1) When a call is made to a personal subscriber number, the telephone system will intercept the call. (2) The telephone system will then identify that the called number belongs to a subscriber of the personal number communication system and will then determine the type of service to be provided. (3) Finally, if the call requires routing, a routing list will be retrieved and call attempts will be made to the various destinations until the subscriber is located; however, if the subscriber can not be located, the incoming call will be routed to a default destination, such as a voicemail. More specifically, when a call is received, the P? S determines whether the called personal number requires fax services. If so, the system will determine if the call attempt is a fax transmission. If the call is a fax transmission, then the call will be redirected to a device to store the fax data until the subscriber, at a later time, retrieves this information. If the call attempt is not a fax transmission, then the system will determine P1711 / 99MX if the call is an administration call. An administration call will be initiated by the subscriber and allows the subscriber to modify their service options, retrieve any voice mail that may have been previously saved or that obtains the download of previous fax transmissions. Finally, if the call requires a routing service, the PNS will identify the call originator and prepare an identification notice for the subscriber. The identity of the call originator can be determined in various ways. One method is to perform a reverse query in the database of the white pages using the telephone number of the call originator as a search key. Alternatively, the identity can be obtained by instructing the call originator to provide identification information by means of keypad entries. Once the identity is determined, an identification warning message is prepared based on the identification of the call originator. The PNS may also provide the originator with a personal greeting from the subscriber or a standard greeting. The greeting requests the call originator to wait while an attempt is made to locate the subscriber. While the call originator is P1711 / 99MX waiting, the PNS continues to retrieve a routing list for the subscriber. The routing list can be selected from several routing lists based on the time of day, the day of the week or any other established system criteria. The numbers in the selected routing list will be accessed sequentially until the call has been successfully routed or rejected or the list has been exhausted. The routing operation is performed by selecting a first directory number from the routing list and redirecting the telephone call to that number. If the call is answered, the identification notice is delivered to the subscriber who answers. The responding subscriber is instructed to provide disposition information indicating whether the call is formally accepted or formally rejected. A formal acceptance occurs when the call is answered and the answering party provides an indication that the call is accepted. This indication may consist of pressing a key on the telephone to transmit a particular DTMF signal or simply keeping the telephone in a "off-hook" state for a specific period of time. A formal rejection occurs when the call is answered and the answering party decides not to accept the call. In a way similar to a formal acceptance, P1711 / 99MX A formal rejection may include pressing a key to transmit a DTMF signal. In addition, the subscriber can return the receiver to a state of "conversation term" within a specific period of time. A call is considered as successfully routed when it receives either a formal acceptance or a formal rejection. If the call is not formally accepted or formally rejected, then the call is informally rejected. An informal rejection implies that the call was not routed successfully to the destination. This can occur when the call: (a) is not answered, (b) a busy signal is received or (c) is answered by an answering machine, by an error message or a recording. In response to the call that is being formally accepted, the PNS routes the communication to the successful destination. In response to the call that is being formally rejected, the PNS routes the communication to a destination by default, which can be specified by the subscriber. In response to the call that is being formally rejected, the system then attempts to route the call to the next destination in the routing list and again requests communication disposition information. The system continues to request communication layout information for each sequential destination in the list P1711 / 99MX routing until the communication is formally accepted, formally rejected or until the last destination is reached in the routing list. Once the destinations in the routing list have been exhausted, the communication is routed to a final destination or a default destination. While the PNS has made substantial advances aimed at providing unbound or uninterrupted access to a subscriber, there is a desire to achieve this level of service in a more efficient manner. One method to improve the efficiency of this service would be to include the ability to select a routing list for an incoming call based on the identity of the call originator or the identification of the line originating the call (CLID - calling line identification) . The need for this skill exists in both commercial and personal call fields. For example, a sales representative visiting the office of a first customer would not want to have calls from a competing customer routed to that location; however, he would like to be routed to that location the calls of his wife who is about to give birth. In addition, a subscriber may want to route calls on a different basis, with respect to the type of call (for example, from P1711 / 99MX business, staff, requests). The ability to route calls based on the originator of the call or the line originating the call is advantageous because a subscriber can: (a) limit interruptions due to personal calls; (b) reduce the amount of waiting time required for business calls by eliminating routing locations where the subscriber would not be found during business hours; (c) give priority service to important calls; and (d) provide restrictive service to unwanted calls. One way to implement this routing capability is to use separate routing lists that are selected based on the identification of the call originator, the type of call or the line originating the call. Therefore, there is a need in the field for a method that would route calls to a subscriber based on the identity of the originator of the call. In addition, there is a need in the field for a method for routing calls to a subscriber, based on the type or purpose of the call. Moreover, there is a need in the field for a method for routing calls based on the identity of the line where the call originates.

P1711 / 99MX SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improvement in the utility of the Personal Number System (PNS). In general terms, the present invention provides a method for selecting a routing list based on the identity of the call originator or the line originating the call. The current skills of the personal number communication system remain intact. A subscriber provides several routing lists to the system and identifies the originators and the subscriber lines that will be associated with each list. Since it is not feasible to identify all the possible originators of call or subscriber lines where the call originates, a default list can also be provided. Upon receiving a call for a PNS subscriber, an appropriate routing list will be selected. At this point, the operation of the personal number communication system can continue as described above, selecting a destination from the routing list and attempting to route the call to that destination. The overall effect of the present invention is to route calls to the subscriber in the most efficient manner limiting interruptions of the subscriber's business activities by personal calls and providing privacy for a subscriber when P1711 / 99MX is at home or in personal matters.

OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to increase the personal number communication system by providing a method for routing calls to a call originator based on the identity of the call originator. It is a further object of the present invention to route calls to a call originator, based on the type or purpose of the call. It is also an additional object of the present invention to route calls based on the identity of the subscriber line that originates the call. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be understood and appreciated more clearly from a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed modes and with reference to the attached drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the present invention when operating within an integrated portion of the PSTN. Figure 2 is a diagram that illustrates the P1711 / 99MX various components identified in Figure 1 that interact during a call to a PNS subscriber (personal number service). Figures 3a-b are flow charts illustrating the operation of the PNS in response to receipt of a call to a personal number. Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the improvements provided by the present invention to the PNS. Figure 5 illustrates the embodiment of the present invention within a private telephony system. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The present invention provides an improved method for routing calls to a subscriber, based on the identity of the call originator, on the type of call or on the subscriber line that originates the call, in a telephone system by integrated computer that is capable of transmitting criteria to identify a source of origin, such as a call origin identification number (CLID). A subscriber provides routing lists that identify the destination numbers where the subscriber can be found.

P1711 / 99MX Each of the routing lists are associated with one or more call originators. While the calls are received, the system will identify the line or call originator and select a routing list in accordance with this information. In this way, the received calls are routed in accordance with a routing list selected on the basis of the identity of the call originator, the type of call or the originating call line. Using this method, performance advantages over the known technique are obtained, since the subscribers can minimize the interruptions in their working day, avoid receiving business calls at inopportune moments and limit their access by certain call originators and at the same time they can expand their access to others. For example, the present invention provides performance advantages over U.S. Patent No. 5,206,900 (US-A-5 206 900) of Cállel e (hereinafter "Cáll el e"). C l l e describes a system where a CLID receiver detects the CLID of an incoming telephone call and receives the CLID that is presented. Based on the CLID, the CLID receiver may refuse to answer the incoming call, may answer the incoming call and confirm the receipt of the CLID to the call originator, or may return the CLID information by the P1711 / 99MX telephone network to another location. However, unlike the present invention, Cál l e does not describe retrieving a routing list comprising directory numbers associated with the CLID, or retrieving a default routing list if no routing list is associated with the routing list. CLID. Furthermore, Cál l e does not display or describe the routing of the incoming telephone call in accordance with the selected routing list. Other advantages of the present invention are described below by the disclosure of Cáll. E. The present invention also provides significant performance advantages over the European Patent Application EP-A-0 726 669 of AT &; T Corporation (hereinafter "AT & T"). AT &T describes a computer telephone system where a call originator can designate a priority for his telephone call. The specified priority criterion follows the call through the telephony network. When the call is received at the terminating switch, the criterion assigned to the call is compared to the one specified priority criterion assigned to incoming calls by the receiver. If the specified priority criteria assigned to incoming calls and the priority of incoming calls matches, the call can be connected. If the priorities do not match, the P1711 / 99MX incoming call must be routed or terminated. However, the AT & T does not describe the recovery of a routing list that comprises directory numbers associated with a CLID, or the recovery of a default routing list if no list is associated with a CLID. Similarly, AT &T does not teach or describe the routing of the incoming telephone call in accordance with the selected routing list. Other advantages of the present invention over the exposure of AT & T are described below.

COMMUTED PUBLIC TELEPHONY NETWORK Referring now to the drawings, wherein the elements are consistently represented in all the various figures, the present invention and the preferred operating environment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the present invention when operating within a representative portion of the public switched telephone network 95. Generally, the public switched telephone network is composed of a variety of interconnected computer systems. The modern configuration of the public switched telephone network operates by centralizing complex operations within the telephone system into specific processing units, while the simplest functions, such as establishing and suspending a call P1711 / 99MX basic, remain distributed throughout the network. The representative portion of the public switched telephone network 95 in Figure 1 is functionally connected to a variety of integrated telephony systems, including a cellular network 80, a private telephone system 85 and the telephone network. public switched 90. This representative portion is typical of configurations provided by the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOC) throughout the United States, and is shown to comprise a Service Management System 10, a Service Control Point 20, a Service Point Service Transfer 30, Service Switching Points 40 and 41 and Service Node 50. The Service Management System 10 performs the high-level operations of the telephone network. The functions of the Service Management System 10 include: (a) transferring information to databases 60 of the Service Control Point 20 when new subscribers are added or subscribers modify their set of services; (b) perform data reloading when a Service Control Point 20 suffers breakdowns or the software needs to be updated; (c) implement high-volume routing services, such as the return of calls and the transfer and routing of the 800 number; (d) maintain P1711 / 99MX and provide access to high volume databases for invoice authorization, such as credit card number validations; and (e) download, on a non-real-time basis, billing information that is required to appropriately bill subscribers of the telephone company for the services provided. The Service Control Point 20 and the Service Management System 10 are connected in cascade by a digital data link 110. The Service Control Point 20 operates in the telephone network to maintain a network database 60 used for determine which subscribers require enhanced service support, on-screen calls, routing calls, and specific authorization features. In general, the Service Control Points are used for routing and database search services that are performed before the logical termination of the call, (that is, the provision of a ring signal to the telephone line). subscriber called and the return ringing to the subscriber that originates the call). The Service Node 50 and the Service Management System 10 interface with a digital data link 150. In general, a Service Node provides resources to perform specialized services for the service.

P1711 / 99MX system and subscribers. A typical Service Node 50 will have resources such as database 61, voice signal detection, DTMF signal recognition, speech synthesis devices, voice digitization and storage capabilities. In most local exchange service provider networks, a Service Node provides enhanced features or services that require an audio connection to the originator or the transfer of a significant amount of data to a subscriber over a switched connection during a call or after a call. The services that are implemented during a call (for example, after the termination of the ringing or that the called subscriber picks up) normally use the facility of a Service Node. In this way, the Service Node 50 is a highly acceptable platform for the present invention. The Service Switching Points are usually in interface with a Service Node via an ISDN link, such as the ISDN link 151 between the Service Switching Point 40 and the Service Node 50. The Service Switching Point 41 also it can be connected to the Service Node 50. The Service Switching Points 40 and 41 are the modern equivalents of the central office switches. In general, the Service Switching Points operate P1711 / 99MX transmitting queries or activation messages to other components and receiving and processing responses from them. An activation message is used to inform the telephony network of an event or a change of state that has occurred at a Service Switching point. When a set of predetermined conditions is detected, the Service Switching Points 40, 41 will operate to: (a) initiate an activator associated with the call processing state specific to the current call on a subscriber line; (b) generating and transmitting an appropriate activation message to another component of the telephony network; and (c) suspend call processing for the current call until a response is received from the component. The received response will instruct the Service Switching Point 40, 41 to take certain actions when processing the current call. If the Service Switching Point 40, 41 does not receive a response from the network component, a default task will be executed upon the expiration of a default timer. As a specific example, when an attempt to establish a call is received at a Service Switching Point 40, 41, an attempt to activate message is transmitted.

P1711 / 99MX termination. The Service Switching Points can also be connected to each other via a trunk circuit. The Service Switching Points 40 and 41 are connected in this way via the trunk circuit 140. The trunk circuits provide the physical voice paths between the call originators. Each Service Switching Point 40, 41 serves several subscriber lines. The Service Switching Point 40 is shown in interface with the terminating equipment 70-70 'via subscriber lines 170-170'. Similarly, the Service Switching Point 41 serves the terminating equipment 71-71 'via subscriber lines 171-171'. Each subscriber line within a particular area code of the United States of the public telephone switching network is identified by means of a unique seven-digit destination number or directory number. In this way, when a call originator calls a particular destination number, the call is routed to the subscriber line identified by the destination number. Certain destination numbers, such as personal numbers in the PNS, are reserved for special uses. So, more than being associated with a subscriber line, a call located in a number P1711 / 99 X personnel will be directed to a service node or to some other entity, which will process the call. Finally, the Signal Transfer Points in the telephony network are used in the link of the Service Switching Points with the Service Control Points. In Figure 1, the Service Control Point 20 is in interface with the Signal Transfer Point 30 via the digital data line 120 and the Signal Transfer Point 30 is in interface with the Service Switching Points. 40 and 41 by means of digital data links 130 and 131, respectively. The digital data packets flowing between the Service Control Points 20 and the Service Switching Points 40, 41 go through the Signal Transfer Point 30. In this manner, the Signal Transfer Point 30 is not normally the destination of a packet, but only directs the traffic between the other entities in the network that generate and respond to the data packets. The representative portion of the public switched telephone network 95 is in interface with the cellular network 80 through the digital data line 132 and the mobile telephone switching office (MTSO) 42. Thus, the calls can be received from a cell phone 74 or routed to the P1711 / 99MX same. The public switched telephone network must also be in interface with the switching offices that are not compatible with the Service Switching Points. In this form, the subscriber line 172 attached to the terminating equipment 72 can be accessed via the switching office 43 and the digital data line 133, and the private telephone system 85 can be accessed via the trunk circuit 141 coming from the office of switching 44 on line 134 of digital data. In summary, the PNS can reside as a combination of one or more program modules and hardware component, within a Service Node that operates in the public switched telephone network. In this configuration, calls received by a subscriber can be routed to other destinations within the public switched telephone network, cellular telephones, private telephone systems or to any other destination linked to the public switched telephone network either locally, long distance or internationally.

OPERATION WITHIN THE PSTN Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the various components, identified in Figure 1, interacting with each other during a call to a PNS subscriber. In this way, this diagram illustrates the integration of the P? S system into a system P1711 / 99MX integrated computer telephony. The PNS system for this example, operating in the Service Node 50, is served by the service switching point 40 and its database 61 is initially loaded with subscriber information (i.e., routing lists and subscriber services) from the Service Management System 10. Initially, the processing block 200 indicates that a call originator using origination equipment 70 marks the personal number of a PNS subscriber. The DTMF signals 201, representative of the personal number, are transmitted by the subscriber line 170 to the service switching point 41 that originates the call. The service switching point 41 which originates the call will initiate a call attempt through the switching point 40 of the service serving the PNS system. The details of this process are well known to those skilled in the art and are not included in Figure 2. The Service Switching Point 40 responds to call initiation by transmitting an attempt to terminate attempt message (TAT - termination attempt trigger) 202 to the Service Control Point 20 through the communication path 203. The details of the communication path 203 (not shown in Figure 2) include the links of digital data lines 131 and 120 that are P1711 / 99MX connected by the Signal Transfer Point 30 (shown in Figure 1). At the Service Control Point 20, the termination attempt trigger message 202 is recognized as a PNS call attempt, as shown in the process block 204 and the call is then routed to the Service Node. Other services are performed by the Service Control Point 20, such as: providing return ringing and busy indicators for the Service Switching Point 41; however, the details of these processes are well known to those skilled in the art and are not necessary in describing the embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, the routing process of the call to the Service Node 50 is well known to those skilled in the art and is generally shown in Figure 2 when it is completed by transmitting a packet 205 of digital data to the Switching Point. of Termination Service 40, by the communication path 206, and then the Service Switching Point 40 transmits another digital packet 207 to the Service Node 50 via the ISDN link 151. In the process block 208, the Switching Point of Service 40 establishes a call path 209 between the Service Node 50 and the source 70 that originates the call.

P1711 / 99MX The Service Node 50 recognizes the incoming call request as a PNS call and initiates the PNS processing 210. The PNS transmits a hold warning 211 to the call originator on the voice path 209, attempts to identify the call originator and then prepare an identification notice 212 for the subscriber. The waiting message 211 requests the call originator to wait while the call is routed. While the call originator is waiting, the Service Node retrieves a routing list and attempts to route the call to the subscriber in one of the destinations in the routing list. For each destination, the Service Node will originate a call to the destination number to establish a voice path between the Service Node 50 and the destination. Figure 2 illustrates the speech path 213 between the Service Node 50 and the destination 71. Although the details of establishing a connection between the service node 50 and the various destinations are not shown, these procedures are well known to those with expertise in the field of telephony. For each selected destination, a speech path similar to 213 is established and an identification notice 212 is delivered. The answering party provides arrangement information 216 to the Service Node 50 indicating whether the call is P1711 / 99MX formally accepted or formally rejected. If the call is formally accepted, then a data packet 214 is transmitted to the terminating Service 40 Switching Point, which will ultimately result in establishing a bridge of the communication path 218 between the calling originating equipment. 70 and the team located in the successful destination. If the disposition information indicates a formal rejection, then a default destination is selected and a voice channel is established between the originating call equipment 70 and the default destination. Finally, if the call is rejected informally, then the next destination in the list is selected and a voice channel is established between the Service Node and the next destination, a warning is delivered and disposition information is requested. Returning now to the details of the PNS processing 210 of a call, Figures 3a and 3b are flow charts illustrating the operation of the PNS in response to receiving a call to a personal number. Returning to Figure 3a, the process block 300 illustrates the reception of the personal number call. In the process block 300, a Call End indicator is initialized in FALSE and an identification message is generated (212 in Figure 2). In decision block 305, the P? S determines whether the call requires processing P1711 / 99MX, such as receiving fax or administrative functions. If special processing is required, process block 310 is entered where special processing is carried out, the Call End indicator is set to TRUE, and PNS processing 210 is terminated. If the call does not require special processing (it is say, the call is to be routed to a personal number subscriber), process block 315 is entered to retrieve a routine list and send a waiting message (211 in Figure 2) to the call originator. When decision block 325 is entered for the first time, the Call End indicator is FALSE and the recovered routing list has not been exhausted. In this way, the THEN branch of decision block 325 is followed to process block 330. In process block 330, the first destination from the routing list is extracted and an attempt to route the number call is initiated. personal to the first destination. Processing will continue between decision block 325 and process block 330 until the call is completed or until the routing list is exhausted. When either of these two events occurs, decision block 340 will be entered to determine the reason why it is necessary to leave the circuit comprising the block.

P1711 / 99MX decision 325 and process block 330. For this case where the routing list has been exhausted, the THRESHOLD branch of decision block 340 is followed to process block 345 where the call is routed to the destination by default before ending the PNS operation. Otherwise, the OTHERWISE branch of decision block 340 is followed and processing 210 is terminated. Turning now to Figure 3b, the details of block 330 and the operation of the circuit including decision block 325 are provided and process block 330. In process block 350, a destination number is extracted from the routing list and the personal number call is routed to it. If the call is not answered at the first destination, the branch THEN of the decision block 355 is followed and the processing returns to the decision block 325. If the call is answered at the first destination, the branch OTHERWISE of the block is followed. of decision 355 to process block 360. The identification notice (212 in Figure 2) is transmitted to the answering party in process block 360. Identification notice 212 may be used to (a) identify the call originator, (b) identify the originator for which the call is intended, (c) request disposition information regarding the call, or a P1711 / 99MX combination of (a-c). In any case, once the call is answered, the PNS waits for disposition information regarding the call before proceeding to the decision block 365. The disposition information may be either an action or an omission of the call originator. The disposition information will contain a formal acceptance or a formal rejection of the call. If the call is not answered, it is informally rejected and the OTHERWISE branches of decision block 365 and decision block 370 will be followed and the processing will return to decision block 325. Because the Terminate Call indicator is still in FALSE , if the routing list has not been exhausted, the THEN branch of decision block 325 will be followed back to process block 350, where the next destination will be extracted from the routing list and the personal number call will be routed to the same. If the next destination results in another informal rejection, this process will continue until the reception of a formal acceptance or a formal rejection, or until the routing list is exhausted. Returning to decision block 365, if the personal number call is formally rejected, the OTHERWISE branch of decision block 365 is followed, and the THEN branch of the block is P1711 / 99MX decision 370 is followed to the processing block 380. The call is routed to a default destination in processing block 380. This generally includes routing the call to a voice mail service. In addition, in the process block 380, the Call End indicator is set to TRUE and the decision block 325 is entered. Again, in process block 365, if the personal call is formally accepted, the THEN branch of decision block 365 will be followed to process block 375. In process block 375, the establishment of a speech path will begin between the call originator and the subscriber, the Call End indicator will be set to TRUE and the processing will continue in decision block 325. Returning again to Figure 3a, if the Call End indicator is set to TRUE due to an acceptance Formal or formal rejection, the OTHERWISE branch of decision block 325 will be followed to decision block 340. If the Call Completion indicator is set to FALSE, but the routing list has not been exhausted, this will also result in following the branch OTHERWISE towards the decision block 340. In any case, the processing will then proceed as described in the above, and the P1711 / 99MX PNS operation will be completed. Turning now to Figure 4, improvements to the operation of the PNS provided by the present invention are illustrated. In Figure 4, blocks 315 (a-d) replace process block 315 of Figure 3a. In the process block 315 (a) the identification criterion is determined. The identification criteria define the basis for selecting a routing list. This criterion may include the identity of the call originator, the type of call, the line identification that originates the call (CLID), or other similar information. This process can be carried out in a variety of methods and the specific examples provided herein are intended for illustration purposes only and do not limit the scope of this application in any way. If the routing list is selected based on the identification of the call originator, the system may request identification information from the call originator. The call originator can provide the identification information in the form of a DTMF code, a menu selection or by providing a speech sample. If the routing list is selected based on the type of call, the system can request the call originator to identify the type of call. The call originator can enter a DTMF code P1711 / 99MX to select a specific call type or to select a call type from a menu selection list. Finally, if the routing list is selected based on the identification of the originating call line, the system can detect and decode the call originator identification information transmitted by the telephone line. Alternatively, the system can request the call originator to enter a DTMF code to identify the line that originates the call. Another criterion can also be used in making this determination, for example, using the time of day or day of the week to identify the call as a personal or business call. In addition, special treatment can be given to calls based on the codes of the area where the call originates. Once the identification criterion is determined for the call, you enter decision block 315 (b). In decision block 315 (b), if a routing list exists in correspondence with the identification criteria, the branch THEN goes to process block 315 (c) from which the routing list is extracted. If there is no routing list that meets the identified criteria, the OTHERWISE branch of decision block 315 (b) is followed to the process block P1711 / 99MX 315 (d) where a default routing list is retrieved. One embodiment of the invention is to select routing lists based on the identification of the line where the call originates. The PNS may require a dedicated routing list for each line where the call originates and use the default routing list in the absence of a dedicated routing list. Alternatively, the PNS could use a routing list for a group or class of line IDs where the call originates. For example, calls from a particular area code can invoke the use of a list, while local calls can invoke the use of another list. This could also be expanded to use a routing list based on the telephone exchange of the line originating the call. Thus, calls received from telephone exchanges in the city center may have a tendency to be business-related and invoke the use of a business-oriented list. On the other hand, calls received from suburban telephone exchanges may have a tendency to be unrelated to business and would invoke the use of a personal list. Additionally, calls from telephone exchanges Cellular P1711 / 99MX could also use a separate routing list. In another embodiment of the invention, the call originator may be requested to provide identification information to the PNS. This could be done by entering a code on the keypad, selecting an identification from a list provided by a menu or performing a speech recognition for a spoken identification from the call originator. This information can then be used to determine which routing list to retrieve. If the PNS uses a code to identify the call originator, the subscriber can provide routing lists for each code or group of codes. In operation, the subscriber can provide separate codes for business associates, vendors or vendors, friends and family. Here, a routing list could be selected based on the type of code entered. Alternatively, the subscriber can provide a unique code for each person and maintain more flexibility in routing calls on an individual basis. If the PNS uses a list provided by the menu to perform the process of identifying the call originator, the call originator may be requested to enter the digits from the keyboard to select from among several options. In this P1711 / 99MX mode, the system can provide additional flexibility to subscribers. For example, the menu system can be used to identify the originator of the call or the originator class as well as to select the routing list for other special circumstances, such as weekend calls, calls during business hours and calls from emergency.

OPERATION WITHIN PRIVATE TELEPHONE SYSTEMS In addition to being implemented within the public switched telephone network, the present invention can also be implemented within the context of a private telephone system. In a large office, individuals may be required to move between locations within the confines of the private telephone system. In this scenario, individuals may want calls identified as internal calls to be routed to all the various locations in the office where the originator of the call may be located, while calls identified as external calls can only be routed to a subset of possible locations. Figure 5 illustrates the embodiment of the present invention within a private telephony system 85. A private telephone exchange (PBX) 501 connects in cascade with the public telephony network P1711 / 99MX switched 90 through one or more 510 trunk lines. In general, a PBX is a telephone switching system that belongs to a business or is leased by it and provides switching functions for internal calls and access to the public switched telephone network. The PNS 500 platform is interfaced with the local PBX 501 on the 511 interface line. The PNS operates on calls within the system as well as on external calls arriving at the local PBX 501. In response to receipt of a call, the PNS 500 platform can then select a routing list and route the call to various locations within the private telephony system 85 in accordance with the present invention. In this manner, a person within the private telephone system 85 can be located on his desk 502, in a conference room 503, in a production room 504 or in a plurality of other locations within the private telephone system. In addition, the PNS 500 platform can operate to route calls to external locations through the PBX 501. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this mode, a conventional personal computer operates as the platform for the PNS implemented as a program module. The personal computer consists of the P1711 / 99MX processing unit 600 which is interfaced with a storage means 607, a deployment device 601 and a user input device 602. Access to the public switched telephone network 90 is provided through a device in interface 603 that supports at least two subscriber lines 605 and 606 of public switched telephone network. In addition, the local terminating device 604 can also be connected to one or more of the subscriber lines through the local line 608 and the interface device 603. Initially, the routing lists can be introduced in the PNS 600 platform through the input device 602 or by inserting a storage medium 607 that contains the routing lists. The processing unit 600 can detect the reception of a call on one of the subscriber lines either by receiving a signal from the interface device 603 or by polling the interface device 603. If a call is received on one of the subscriber lines (605 for illustrative purposes), the processing unit will operate to retrieve a routing list from the storage medium 607 based on the identity of the call originator or line where the call originates. Routing attempts can then be made P1711 / 99MX on the other subscriber line 606 to the destinations in the routing list. When a call is routed successfully, the processing unit can instruct the interface device to derive the two subscriber lines. From the above description, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a method for routing calls to a subscriber based on the identification of the call originator, the type of call, or the line originating the call. Although the present invention has been described mainly being incorporated into the PNS operating within the public switched telephone network, it can be appreciated that the present invention can be used in any call routing telecommunications system. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any particular telephony system or application. The above method of the present invention can be conveniently implemented in one or more program modules as well as hardware components. No particular programming language has been indicated to carry out the various tasks described in the foregoing, because it is considered that the operation, the steps and the procedures described in the specification and that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings are enough P1711 / 99MX exposed to allow a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present invention. Moreover, in view of the very diverse types of computers, computer platforms and program modules that can be used to practice the present invention, it is not practical to provide a representative example of a computer program that would be applicable to these very diverse systems. Each user of a particular platform will be aware of the language and tools that are most useful for the user's needs and purposes to implement the present invention. The present invention has been described in relation to particular modalities which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those experienced in the field, will understand that the principles of the present invention can be applied to various program modules and incorporated into them, for execution on various types of computers or computer platforms regardless of the telephone system being supported. . Other alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, without departing from its spirit and scope.

P1711 / 99MX Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is described by the appended claims and is supported by the foregoing description.

P1711 / 99MX

Claims (16)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property: 1. A method for routing a telephone call, based on the identity of a source which originates the call in a computer-integrated telephone system, capable of transmitting criteria to identify the source that originates the call, comprising the steps of: maintaining a plurality of routing lists, each of the routing lists being associated with at least one source that originates the call and comprises a plurality of directory numbers; receive the call from the source that originates the call; selecting a routing list associated with the source that originates the call, coming from the plurality of routing lists; and direct the call in accordance with the selected routing list. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of selecting a routing list further comprises the steps of: detecting a directory number of the P1711 / 99MX source that originates the call; retrieve an associated routing list for the directory number; and retrieve a default routing list if the associated routing list does not exist. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of selecting a routing list further comprises the step of: requesting the source originating the call to provide an identification code; receive the identification code; retrieve an associated routing list for the identification code; and retrieve a default routing list if the associated routing list does not exist. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer-integrated telephone system provides a line identification service where the call originates and the step of selecting a routing list further comprises the steps of: receiving an identification of line that originates the call for the party that originates the call; retrieve an associated routing list for the identification of the line where P1711 / 99MX originates the call; retrieve a default routing list, if the associated routing list does not exist. 5. The method for routing a communication from a call originator addressed to a personal number subscriber in a computer-integrated telephone system capable of transmitting criteria for identifying the call originator, comprising the steps of: maintaining a plurality of routing lists, each of the routing lists is associated with at least one call originator and with at least one personal number and comprises a plurality of directory numbers; receive a communication addressed to a personal number from a call originator; select a routing list associated with the personal number and with the call originator; and route the call according to the routing list. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of selecting a routing list further comprises the steps of: detecting a directory number for the call originator; retrieve a list of associated routing P1711 / 99MX for the directory number; and retrieve a default routing list if the associated routing list does not exist. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of selecting a routing list comprises the steps of: requesting the call originator to enter an identification code; receive the identification code; retrieve an associated routing list for the identification code and the personal number; and retrieve a default routing list if the associated routing list does not exist. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of selecting a routing list further comprises selecting the associated routing list of a group of routing lists identified for the call originator, based on the day of the week in which the communication is received. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of selecting a routing list further comprises selecting the associated routing list of a group of routing lists identified for the originator of the routing list. P1711 / 99MX call based on the time of day when the communication is received. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of selecting a routing list further comprises selecting the associated routing list, from a group of routing lists identified for the call originator based on the day of the week and at the time of day when the communication is received. 11. A computer system for routing calls for a personal number subscriber in the CLID received from a call originator, comprising: a processing unit; an operational memory storage device for storing a plurality of routing lists for the personal number subscriber, each of the routing lists comprising a plurality of directory numbers; a receiving interface device, coupled to the processing unit for receiving calls; a transmission interface device, coupled to the processing unit for the location of calls; the processing unit is operative to: receive a call on the device P1711 / 99MX reception interface, originating from the call originator, the call is directed towards the personal number subscriber; detect a CLID for the call originator; recover from the memory storage device for the CLID an associated routing list, retrieve a default routing list, from the memory storage device if the associated routing list does not exist; and directing a call establishment request, in accordance with the recovered routing list. The computer system according to claim 11, wherein the processing unit addresses the call set-up requests by performing the following: (a) selecting a first directory number from the recovered routing list; (b) routes the call to the first directory number; (c) receives communication disposition information from the first directory number; and (d) if the communication arrangement indicates that the call was not terminated, selects a next directory number from the routing list and repeats steps (b) - (d) in the P1711 / 99MX next directory number. 13. A computer readable medium in which a computer program is stored to select a routing list based on identification criteria, and a data file containing a plurality of routing lists for a call originator, the The computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the steps of: receiving a communication for the call originator; obtain the identification criteria; retrieve a routing list from the data file based on the identification criteria; and direct the communication in accordance with the routing list. 14. The means which can be read on the computer, wherein a computer program is stored to select a routing list based on identification criteria, and a data file containing a plurality of routing lists for a call originator , the computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the steps of: receiving a communication for the originator Call P1711 / 99MX; obtain the identification criteria; retrieve a routing list from the data file, based on the identification criteria; and direct the communication in accordance with the routing list. 14. The means that can be read on a computer mentioned in claim 13, wherein the identification criterion comprises a CLID message and the step of obtaining an identification criterion further comprises the reception of the CLID message. 15. The medium that can be read on a computer mentioned in claim 13, wherein the identification criterion comprises a DTMF code sequence and the step of obtaining an identification criterion further comprises the detection of the DTMF code sequences. 16. The means that can be read on a computer mentioned in claim 13, wherein the identification criterion comprises a DTMF code sequence and the step of obtaining an identification criterion further comprises the steps of: providing menu selection options by keyboard for the call originator; and receive a DTMF signal that corresponds to a P1711 / 99MX keyboard menu selection of the call originator. P1711 / 99MX