WO2000051327A1 - Procedes et systemes permettant un retour a la meme position dans l'ecoute des messages d'un systeme de messagerie vocale a l'aide d'une etiquette ou d'un identificateur memorises dans le systeme de messagerie vocale - Google Patents

Procedes et systemes permettant un retour a la meme position dans l'ecoute des messages d'un systeme de messagerie vocale a l'aide d'une etiquette ou d'un identificateur memorises dans le systeme de messagerie vocale Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000051327A1
WO2000051327A1 PCT/US2000/004766 US0004766W WO0051327A1 WO 2000051327 A1 WO2000051327 A1 WO 2000051327A1 US 0004766 W US0004766 W US 0004766W WO 0051327 A1 WO0051327 A1 WO 0051327A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subscriber
vms
communication
identifier
review
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/004766
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Maria Adamczyk
Joel Brand
Robert E. Braudes
Original Assignee
Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation filed Critical Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
Priority to AU32449/00A priority Critical patent/AU3244900A/en
Priority to CA002364802A priority patent/CA2364802A1/fr
Priority to EP00910337A priority patent/EP1153503A1/fr
Priority to US09/914,388 priority patent/US6891931B1/en
Publication of WO2000051327A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000051327A1/fr
Priority to US10/923,655 priority patent/US7327835B2/en
Priority to US12/026,335 priority patent/US8111816B2/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
    • H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
    • H04Q3/0029—Provisions for intelligent networking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/533—Voice mail systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
    • H01L23/52—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames
    • H01L23/522—Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another, i.e. interconnections, e.g. wires, lead frames including external interconnections consisting of a multilayer structure of conductive and insulating layers inseparably formed on the semiconductor body
    • H01L23/5227—Inductive arrangements or effects of, or between, wiring layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
    • H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
    • H01L2924/0002—Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2207/00—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place
    • H04M2207/12—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place intelligent networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/533—Voice mail systems
    • H04M3/53333—Message receiving aspects
    • H04M3/53341—Message reply

Definitions

  • the present inventions relate to the field of telecommunications, and particularly, relate to the use of voice messaging systems in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) of a communications system.
  • AIN Advanced Intelligent Network
  • a person typically uses a telephone answering machine or a voice mail service to provide a caller with an opportunity to leave a message should the person be unavailable to take the call.
  • a number of messages may be accumulated and made available for retrieval. As the person goes through the accumulated messages, he or she may simply listen to some of the messages. For other messages, the person may desire to speak directly to the callers in "live calls to the callers". In other words, the person may desire to make a reply call to one of the callers who left the person a message.
  • the method referred to herein as the "urgent-reply”.
  • the reply call is made as soon after listening to the relevant message as desired.
  • a caller may have left an urgent message for the person.
  • the person may initiate the reply call.
  • the person interrupts his or her review of messages to make the "urgent-reply".
  • the person misses the rest of his or her messages.
  • some systems require the person to call back into the system and to repeat a review of previously reviewed messages.
  • a bounce-back method One way of making a reply call that returns a subscriber to the place in the review of messages where the subscriber left off is referred to herein as a "bounce-back" method, which is generally available only from advanced voice mail systems.
  • Such an advanced voice mail system requires the person to call-in for messages, allows a reply call to be made after a particular message, and then allows the person to return to the voice mail service without the person having to make another call into the system.
  • the bounce-back method may be implemented through the use of a platform such as an intelligent peripheral (IP) that maintains control over the person's call into the system and over the reply call.
  • IP intelligent peripheral
  • One manner in which to maintain control is to bridge the person's call into the system with the reply call to the caller who left the message. After the reply call is finished, then the bridge may be torn down, and the person may return to a review of messages or other voice mail functions.
  • the manner in which the bounce-back method allows the person to return to the voice mail service without having to make a separate call into the system has drawbacks. Maintaining control over the person's call into the system and the reply call (by making a bridge or otherwise) has the effect of including the platform of the voice mail service as an element in the call path. By remaining an element in the call path, the platform takes up resources of the telecommunications network. In addition, by remaining an element in the call path, the platform may limit, if not eliminate, its own resources to take other calls for the person. Rather than being able to take another call for the person, the platform may be effectively 'busy". Whether the resources that are taken up are those of the telecommunications network, the platform, or the voice mail service, the result of the take-up in resources is an increase in cost in at least operation of the platform and service.
  • the present inventions relate to methods and systems for enabling a subscriber to interrupt a review of messages in a voice mail system (VMS) so as to make a call or take some other action such as to make a reply call to one of the messages, and to return to the same position as occupied at the time of the interruption in the VMS.
  • VMS voice mail system
  • the VMS is not included in the call path with respect to the subscriber's communication.
  • the subscriber may be returned to the same position in the VMS without the subscriber having to make a separate call into the VMS.
  • a subscriber is in a review of messages in the VMS and indicates a desire to interrupt the review such as by making a call in response to one of the messages retrieved from the VMS.
  • an identifier is created to mark the position of the subscriber's communication in the review.
  • the identifier is stored in the VMS.
  • the VMS transmits a release message with respect to the subscriber's communication and the message may include a copy of the identifier.
  • the message also may indicate the action to be implemented with respect to the subscriber's communication (such as the routing of a reply call), and may include information related to the action such as the reply telephone number or other information.
  • the message may be a GR-1129 message including a remote operations (RO) parameter with the copy of the identifier and/or other information.
  • the release message effectively removes the VMS from further involvement with the subscriber's communication at least until the subscriber's communication is rerouted to the VMS.
  • the message from the VMS may be received by the service switching point (SSP) serving the VMS (SSP of VMS), which in turn, routes the message (and/or the information from the message) to a service control point (SCP).
  • SSP service switching point
  • SCP service control point
  • the SCP stores the copy of the identifier (if included) and causes whatever action is indicated in the message to be taken with respect to the subscriber's communication.
  • the SCP may direct the SSP of VMS to route the communication to the subscriber's directory number.
  • a reason for first routing the communication to the subscriber's directory number is to have the communication appear as if it is being made from a line corresponding to the subscriber's directory number.
  • the communication is to appear as if it is being made from the subscriber's directory number for purposes of creating a billing record billing the subscriber, who has elected to make a reply call to a voice mail message.
  • the communication In the course of routing the subscriber's communication to the subscriber's directory number, the communication typically is routed to the SSP serving the subscriber's directory number (subscriber's SSP).
  • the subscriber's SSP pauses in the processing of the communication and queries the SCP for instructions.
  • the SCP then instructs the subscriber's SSP to take action with respect to the communication. For example, if the action is a reply call to a party who left the subscriber a message, then the action may include routing the communication for termination to an intelligent network element (INE) such as an intelligent peripheral (IP).
  • INE intelligent network element
  • IP intelligent peripheral
  • the INE is provided with the reply telephone number, and may be provided with a copy of the identifier.
  • the INE In response to the termination of the subscriber's communication to the INE, the INE initiates an INE call to the reply telephone number.
  • the INE also bridges the subscriber's communication and the INE's call to form the reply call.
  • the subscriber is provided with a reply call to the reply telephone number.
  • VMS is not involved in this reply call from the subscriber through to the reply number.
  • the release of the VMS from the subscriber's communication frees up the VMS for other calls, reduces use of the infrastructure of the communications network by obviating the connections of the subscriber's communication to the VMS, and otherwise improves the efficiency of processing the reply call.
  • the subscriber may return to a review of messages in the VMS.
  • the subscriber may return to the VMS without having to make a separate call into the VMS.
  • the subscriber may be returned to the same position in the review that the subscriber occupied when the interruption occurred.
  • the interruption is a reply call to a message left for the subscriber in the VMS.
  • the subscriber's communication has been bridged with the INE's call to form the call to the reply telephone number.
  • the reply call is monitored for a disconnect signal such as a disconnect event, the input of particular digits, or the like.
  • the bridge between the subscriber's communication and the INE's call is dismantled so as to disconnect the INE's call to the reply telephone number.
  • the INE may provide a release message to the SSP serving the INE so as to indicate the INE's withdrawal or release from usage with respect to the subscriber's communication. This release message from the INE may include the copy of the identifier.
  • the SSP serving the INE may obtain instructions with respect to the subscriber's communication from the SCP. In the course of obtaining these instructions, the SSP serving the INE may provide the SCP with the copy of the identifier. The query for instructions from the SSP serving the INE may put the SCP on notice that a network element other than the VMS has released the subscriber's communication. To return the subscriber to the VMS, the SCP provides the SSP serving the INE with directions to route the subscriber's communication to the VMS. The directions may include the copy of the identifier for transmission to the VMS. The subscriber's communication is routed by the SSP serving the INE to the
  • VMS may include the copy of the identifier.
  • the VMS uses the copy of the identifier with the identifier to place the subscriber's communication in the same position occupied previously in the review. If the VMS is not provided with the copy of the identifier, the VMS may otherwise access the appropriate identifier for the subscriber's communication (such as through use of the subscriber's directory number, etc.) and use the identifier to place the subscriber's communication in the same position occupied previously in the review.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary messaging system such as a region- wide messaging system that may be used in connection with the present inventions.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary reply call from the subscriber to the reply telephone number without the involvement of the VMS in the reply call.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary table 60 such as may be used in connection with the retrieval of messages in the exemplary embodiments.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary connection of the subscriber's communication for interaction with the VMS after the disconnection of the reply call and without the subscriber having to call back into the VMS.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions provide methods and systems for enabling a subscriber to interrupt a review of messages in a voice mail system (VMS) so as to make a call or take some other action such as to make a reply call to one of the messages, and to return to the same position as occupied at the time of the interruption in the VMS.
  • VMS voice mail system
  • the VMS is not included in the call path with respect to the subscriber's communication.
  • the subscriber may be returned to the same position in the VMS without the subscriber having to make a separate call into the VMS.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions are used, preferably, with a region-wide messaging (RWM) system, as described in greater detail below. Nevertheless, the present inventions may be used with any type of messaging system with the appropriate functionality.
  • RWM region-wide messaging
  • the RWM system described herein may allow a subscriber to the messaging system within the region of the service provider to send, receive, forward, and reply to messages, including voice mail messages and Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM) Messages. Subscribers may receive messages from other subscribers and non- subscribers. Subscriber-to-subscriber messaging, however, illustrates the advanced features of the RWM system, which may be available, such as: (1) each subscriber may send a message to another subscriber; (2) each subscriber may reply to a message received from another subscriber; (3) each subscriber may reply to a telephone message received from a non-subscriber by implementing a feature that dials the non-subscriber; and (4) each subscriber may receive and reply to Internet voice messages or fax messages.
  • Exemplary RWM System - Fig. 1 Exemplary RWM System - Fig. 1
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary RWM system 10 (also referred to as a telecommunications messaging network).
  • the network 10 includes a variety of interconnected network elements.
  • a group of such elements includes the plurality of end offices which are indicated as service switching points (SSPs or switches) 12a, 12b, 12c.
  • An SSP typically includes switch functionality, but also includes other functionality so as to communicate with other network elements, and in particular, with Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) elements.
  • SSP 12a and SSP 12c are each coupled to a subscriber line, which also may be referred to as a line or a calling line.
  • Each SSP 12a, 12b, 12c serves a designated group of lines, and thus, the SSP that serves a particular line may be referred to as its serving switch.
  • the line is typically connected to a piece of terminating equipment including telephones 14, 38.
  • telephones 14, 38 are illustrated as the terminating equipment, those skilled in the art will understand that such terminating equipment may include other telecommunications devices including, but not limited to, facsimile machines, computers, modems, etc.
  • End offices may further be coupled through a tandem office (not illustrated), which may be used to connect and switch circuits between and among end offices.
  • Each active line in an AIN is assigned a ten digit (NPA-NXX-XXX) line number regardless of whether seven or ten digits are dialed to reach the subscriber.
  • a line number is commonly referred to as a telephone number or a directory number.
  • SSP 12b is connected by trunks to a voice mail system (VMS) (messaging platform) 15. (These trunks use Signaling System 7 signals for call set-up and other actions.)
  • SSP 12c is connected by trunks to a voice mail system (VMS) (messaging platform) 17.
  • VMS voice mail system
  • SSPs 12a, 12b, 12c are interconnected by a plurality of trunk circuits 18. These are the voice path trunks that connect the SSPs to connect communications.
  • STP local signal transfer point
  • STP local signal transfer point
  • SS7 Signaling System 7
  • the system 10 may also include intelligent network elements (INEs) such as the INE 39 illustrated as connected to SSP 12c.
  • An INE may be an intelligent peripheral (IP) such as a service node (SN) (sometimes referred to as a service circuit node).
  • IP intelligent peripheral
  • SN service node
  • DTMF dual tone multi-frequency
  • the INE 39 may be connected to the SSP 12c through a data link using an X.25 or other protocol and typically may be connected to one or more SSPs via an Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) links.
  • ISDN Integrated Service Digital Network
  • a trigger in the AIN is an event associated with a particular call that generates a packet to be sent to an SCP.
  • the SCP queries its databases or service package applications (SPAs) for processing instructions with respect to the particular call.
  • SPAs service package applications
  • the results are sent back to the SSP in a response from the SCP 22 through STP 20.
  • the return packet includes instructions to the SSP as to how to process the call.
  • the instructions may be to take some special action as a result of a customized calling service or an enhanced feature.
  • the SSP moves through the remaining call states, may encounter further triggers, and generates further packets that are used to set up and route the call.
  • Similar devices for routing calls among various local exchange carriers are provided by regional STP (not illustrated) and by regional SCP (not illustrated) which may be connected to STP 20, SCP 22, and/or to the elements described herein through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 26.
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • Each VMS 15, 17 includes subscriber administration, message retrieval, send, reply, forward, and mailbox maintenance functions, among others.
  • Each VMS 15, 17 includes or is functionally connected respectively to a subscriber profile database 28, 30 (subscriber data).
  • Each subscriber profile database stores subscriber-specific profile information (subscriber information) for retrieval by VMS functions.
  • the VMSs 15, 17 are elements of the messaging system or service. To the protected TCP/IP network(s) 32 described below, each of the messaging platforms 15, 17 look like a valid TCP/IP element.
  • the VMSs 15, 17 may be assigned a TCP/IP (or IP) address and/or a domain name.
  • the TCP/IP or other address or domain name of the VMS 15, 17 may be stored in a region- wide messaging directory (RMD) 25 discussed below, or may be stored on some domain name server (not illustrated) either in the protected TCP/IP network(s) 32, in some other element, or as a separate element.
  • the VMSs 15, 17 may also provide operations access to mail administrative destinations, in addition to subscriber messaging mailbox destinations.
  • each VMS 15 or 17 is an SS7 network element and as such is assigned an identifier such as a directory number, a destination point code (DPC) or the like.
  • DPC destination point code
  • the VMSs 15, 17 communicate with the SSP and the SCP according to the AIN 0.2 Switch - Intelligent Peripheral Interface Generic Requirements - 1129-CORE Specification, AINGR: Switch -Intelligent Peripheral Interface (IPI) (A module of AINGR, FR-15); Document Number: GR-1129; Issue Number: 03; Updates: REV01 - Oct. 1998; Issue Date: Sept. 1997; Product Type: Industry Requirements and Standards (RS); Component of FR-15, ("GR-1129”) which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • This GR-1 129 describes the use of a Remote Operations (RO) parameter for indicating the invocation of a supplementary service.
  • the RO parameter may be used to allow the SCP 22 and the VMSs 15, 17 to share information.
  • RO Remote Operations
  • TCP/IP messaging is allowed via a private Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network (protected TCP/IP network(s)) 32.
  • TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • the VMSs 15, 17 through the network 32 may use a Light-weight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) to communicate with other elements such as a domain name server (not illustrated) and/or directories such as RMD 25 to obtain information with respect to the proper destination/recipient of a message.
  • LDAP Light-weight Directory Access Protocol
  • An Internet gateway 34 provides secure access between the private TCP/IP network 32 and the Internet 36.
  • the gateway 34 limits the access of VPIM traffic to and from the Internet 36.
  • the gateway 34 performs authorized LDAP messaging directory lookups to route messages received from the Internet 36.
  • a subscriber's line number generally may be the subscriber's mailbox number associated with a messaging platform rendering service to the subscriber in the RWM system.
  • a message addressed to the subscriber may include the subscriber's line number, which may also be the subscriber's mailbox number.
  • the subscriber's mailbox number may relate to some other identifier associated with the subscriber.
  • the subscriber's address may be based on the ten digit directory number (DN) using an International Telecommunications Union (ITV) Standard E.164 compliant address.
  • DN ten digit directory number
  • ITV International Telecommunications Union
  • Fig. 1 also illustrates the exemplary use of a region-wide messaging directory 25 (RMD or directory) in the messaging system 10.
  • the RMD 25 is functionally connected to the other elements of the messaging system 10 through inclusion in or a connection to the TCP/IP network 32.
  • the RMD 25 is illustrated as connected to the system 10 through the TCP/IP network 32, the RMD 25, or course, may be connected to the system 10 in other ways or even be included in an element of the system such as in association with the directories 24 of SCP 22.
  • An RMD provides high-speed directory look-up for messaging subscribers.
  • an RMD stores information so as to determine which messaging platform of the RWM system serves which subscriber.
  • an RMD may keep track of other information relating to subscribers of the RWM system.
  • the RMD may act as both a client and a server with respect to the Light-weight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).
  • LDAP Light-weight Directory Access Protocol
  • the RMD stores subscriber, service, and other messaging data.
  • the RMD supports the LDAP attributes field for LDAP clients to choose the fields that they desire to retrieve from the server. Clients may retrieve the subscriber profile from the RMD.
  • Subscriber data may be stored in the RMD in the following exemplary fashion:
  • Subscriber data is used to look up subscribers in the RMD.
  • the data is also used for the purposes of routing and billing a subscriber's calls and messages to and from the messaging platforms.
  • Service data may be stored in the RMD in the following exemplary fashion:
  • the service data contains messaging platform-specific information to perform certain checks during directory look-up and call/message routing.
  • the RMD may also store service provider data to ensure that a service provider has access to only its authorized subscribers' information.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary reply call from the subscriber to a reply telephone number without the involvement of the VMS in the reply call. Additional information on reply calls such as the exemplary reply call described in connection with Fig. 2 may be found in the commonly assigned and owned patent application entitled “Methods and Systems for Enabling a Reply Call to a Voice Mail Message", filed concurrently on February 25, 2000 with the United States Patent and
  • VMS 48 to retrieve messages.
  • the subscriber 40 interrupts to take action on a message by placing a reply call.
  • the subscriber desires to return to the position in the review of messages where he or she left off at the time of the interruption.
  • solid arrows and cross-hatched arrows illustrate the call path of a communication.
  • dashed arrows illustrate the paths between or among elements in the exchange of data or control signals.
  • Subscriber 40 dials a "pilot" or "administration" number, which also may be referred to as a messaging access telephone number.
  • the subscriber's communication is routed to the service switching point serving the subscriber ("subscriber's SSP") 42.
  • subscriber's SSP routes the subscriber's communication to the SSP serving the VMS ("SSP of the VMS") 44.
  • the communication encounters a trigger provisioned on the SSP of the VMS 44 with respect to the pilot number.
  • the SSP of the VMS 44 engages in a query/response exchange (not illustrated in Fig. 2) with an SCP 46 and is provided with instructions to route the communication to the VMS 48.
  • the SSP of the VMS 44 routes the subscriber's communication to the VMS 48.
  • the VMS 48 uses the calling number (i.e., the subscriber's directory number) to access the subscriber's voice mailbox and to make any message available to the subscriber.
  • the call path is from: the subscriber's equipment 40 to the subscriber's SSP
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary table 60 such as may be used by the VMS 48 and/or presented to the subscriber 40 in connection with the retrieval of messages.
  • the table 60 includes two columns: the left "position" column 62; and the right "identifier" column 64. Each column includes entries that correspond row by row alignment to the entries of the other column.
  • the position column 62 includes entries which indicate the position of the subscriber in the voice mail service.
  • the identifier column 64 provides a respective identifier in each of its entries to correspond to the appropriate entry in the position column.
  • this table 60 illustrates is that a subscriber may interrupt a review of messages at any point.
  • the subscriber has decided to interrupt a review of messages in the VMS 48 to make a reply call (a "live call") to a called party who left him or her the second voice mail message.
  • a reply call a "live call"
  • the subscriber desires to make a reply call to a particular voice mail message
  • he or she provides some indication to the VMS 48 such as the input of a particular code.
  • the code may be input by the subscriber while the subscriber is listening or reviewing the particular message, or after the end of the particular message.
  • the subscriber may input this code and make a reply call to a message even though other messages are awaiting review by the subscriber.
  • the subscriber does not have to wait until all of the messages have been reviewed or otherwise reach the end of the accumulated messages in order to make a reply call to a particular message.
  • the VMS 48 notes the receipt of the indication [AudioDTMF[nn]] that the subscriber desires to make a reply call to a message, and in this example, to the second message.
  • the VMS 48 creates and stores an identifier to correspond to the second message. Referring to table 60, entry 70 entitled "second message retrieved" in the position column 62 is the relevant entry, and its corresponding entry 71 in the "identifier" column is filled with an identifier marked "16" in this example.
  • the identifier also may be referred to as a bookmark, an access number or code, or the like.
  • the exemplary VMS 48 selects an integer ("16") from a pool of integers available for use as identifiers.
  • the VMS 48 stores the identifier in the table 60 (or in another device or area) so that the identifier corresponds to the menu level of the subscriber's communication in review of messages ("second message retrieved" in this example).
  • the VMS 48 sends an ISUP Release (ISUP REL) message to the SSP of the VMS 44.
  • the message is a release of the subscriber's communication by the VMS 44.
  • the message may be a GR-1129 message and may include a remote operations (RO) parameter with fields: (1) an identifier for implementation of a reply call (which may be characterized as an identifier of an operation type and abbreviated as "OperType"); (2) a destination number (DestNumber) for the reply call which may be referred to as the reply telephone number (which may be included by the VMS as taken from the information associated with the message to which the subscriber is making the reply call); (3) a subscriber number that identifies the subscriber with respect to his or her mailbox and/or for billing purposes; and (4) a copy of the identifier (i.e., the "16" entry) corresponding to the subscriber's position in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the release message effectively removes the VMS 48 from further involvement with the subscriber's communication or with the reply call (at least until the subscriber's communication is returned to the VMS 48).
  • the message from the VMS 48 is received by the SSP of the VMS 44, which, in turn, transmits a TCAP Resource Clear (TCAPResClear) message to the SCP 46 as indicated by dashed arrow G.
  • TCAPResClear TCAP Resource Clear
  • the message from the SSP of the VMS 44 to the SCP 46 may include the message from the VMS 48 or the relevant parts thereof such as identification of the operation to be implemented (i.e., reply call), the reply telephone number, the subscriber's directory number, and a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the SCP 46 In response to receipt of the message from the SSP of the VMS 44, the SCP 46 analyzes the message and determines that an operation is to be implemented with respect to the subscriber's communication. In this example, the operation to be implemented is a reply call and the reply call is to be made to the called party number. Accordingly, the SCP 46, as indicated by dashed arrow H, sends a TCAP Analyze_Route (TCAPAnalRte) message to the SSP of the VMS 44, which instructs the SSP of the VMS 44 to route the subscriber's communication to the subscriber's directory number. The message from the SCP 46 sets the called number to the subscriber's directory number.
  • TCAP Analyze_Route TCAP Analyze_Route
  • the SCP 46 also includes at least the reply telephone number (for example, as the redirecting number) and may include the other information from the RO parameter in its message to the SSP of the VMS 44 such as the copy of the identifier marking the subscriber's position in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the SCP 46 directs the SSP of the VMS 44 to route the subscriber's communication to the subscriber's directory number.
  • a reason for first routing the communication to the subscriber's directory number is to have the communication appear as if it is being made from a line corresponding to the subscriber's directory number.
  • the communication is to appear as if it is being made from the subscriber's directory number for purposes of creating a billing record billing the subscriber, who has elected to make a reply call to a voice mail message.
  • the communication may be routed directly to the reply telephone number.
  • the SSP of the VMS 44 uses an ISUP message in routing the communication to the subscriber's directory number.
  • the ISUP message may include a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of messages in the VMS 48.
  • the communication is directed to the SSP serving the subscriber's directory number (subscriber's SSP) 42, where a termination attempt (TAT) trigger is encountered with respect to the subscriber's directory number.
  • TAT termination attempt
  • the subscriber's SSP 42 pauses in the processing of the communication and queries the SCP 46 for instructions by using a TCAP termination attempt (TCAP TermAttempt) message.
  • TCAP TermAttempt TCAP termination attempt
  • the message from the subscriber's SSP 42 may include the message or the relevant information from the message (i.e., the RO parameter information) relating to the reply call such as provided by the VMS 48 and including an identifier for the operation to be implemented, the reply telephone number, the subscriber's directory number, and a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the transmission of the query from the subscriber's SSP 42 to the SCP 46 is illustrated in Fig. 3 by the dashed arrow J.
  • the SCP 46 examines the information received in the TCAP TermAttempt message, and determines that the communication is an outdial call. The SCP 46 then uses a TCAP Forward_Call message, as indicated by dashed arrow K, to instruct the subscriber's SSP 42 to route the communication for termination to an intelligent network element (INE) such as an intelligent peripheral (IP) 52.
  • INE intelligent network element
  • the instructions may include a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the subscriber's SSP 42 routes the subscriber's communication to the SSP of the IP 50 and may include a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of the messages in the VMS.
  • the subscriber's SSP 42 uses an ISUP IAM message with the called number as the directory number of the IP 52 and may include the information of the RO parameter. As indicated by solid arrow M, the SSP of the IP 50 then terminates the subscriber's communication to the IP 52.
  • the SSP of the IP 50 uses a PRI Setup message and may include the information of the RO parameter including a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the call path of the subscriber's communication does not include the VMS 48.
  • the call path is illustrated in Fig. 2 as from: the subscriber's equipment 40 to the subscriber's SSP 42 (arrow A); the subscriber's SSP 42 to the SSP of the IP 50 (arrow L); and the SSP of the IP 50 to the IP 52 (arrow M).
  • the call path also may include the SSP of the VMS 44.
  • IP 52 initiates a call to the reply telephone number ("IP's call").
  • IP's call is initially routed from the IP 52 to the SSP of the IP 50 as indicated by cross-hatched arrow N and uses a PRI Setup message.
  • the IP's call is routed, as illustrated by cross-hatched arrow O, to the SSP serving the reply telephone number ("called party's SSP") 54.
  • the called party's SSP 54 further routes the IP's call to the equipment of the called party 56 as indicated by cross-hatched arrow P.
  • the call path of the IP's call is from: the IP 52 to the SSP of the IP 50 (arrow N); the SSP of the IP 50 to the called party's SSP 54 (arrow O); and the called party's SSP 54 to the called party 56 (arrow P).
  • the IP 52 connects or merges the subscriber's communication and the IPs call such as by making a bridge 58, or otherwise, to form the reply call.
  • the bridge 58 between the subscriber's communication and the IP's call, the subscriber is provided with a reply call to the reply telephone number.
  • the VMS 48 is not involved in this reply call from the subscriber through to the reply number.
  • the release of the VMS 48 from the subscriber's communication frees up the VMS 48 for other calls, reduces use of the infrastructure of the communications network by obviating the connections of the subscriber's communication to the VMS 48, and otherwise improves the efficiency of processing the reply call.
  • An advantage of the present inventions is that they provide methods and systems to connect the subscriber to the VMS 48 for interaction with the VMS 48 after an interruption in the retrieval of messages without the subscriber having to make a separate call into the VMS and by placing the subscriber in the position in the review of messages at the point where the subscriber left off for the interruption.
  • the reply call is monitored by the IP 52 for a disconnect signal such as a disconnect event, the input of particular digits, or the like [AudioDTMF "*"].
  • a disconnect signal such as a disconnect event, the input of particular digits, or the like [AudioDTMF "*"].
  • the IP 52 disconnects the called party 56 so as to disconnect the IP's call.
  • the bridge between the subscriber's communication and the IP's call is dismantled so that only the subscriber's communication remains.
  • the IP 52 releases the subscriber's communication, which is routed to the VMS 48.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the exemplary environment of Fig. 3, but after the IP 52 has received a disconnect signal and has disconnected the called party, and only the subscriber's communication remains. Unlike Fig. 3, there is no call path from the IP 52 to the SSP of the IP 50, nor a call path from the SSP of the IP 50 to the called party's SSP 54, and no call path from the called party's SSP 54 to the called party 56.
  • the IP 52 disconnects the IP's call, the IP 52 sends an ISUP Release (ISUP) message to the SSP of the IP 50.
  • ISUP ISUP Release
  • This message may include a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of messages in the VMS.
  • the SSP of the IP 50 obtains instructions in a query/response exchange from the SCP 46 with respect to the subscriber's communication (dashed arrows Q and R).
  • the SSP of the IP 50 may provide a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of the messages in the VMS.
  • the SCP 46 may provide a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of the messages in the VMS.
  • the subscriber's communication is processed so as to route the communication to the VMS 48 without the subscriber having to call back into the VMS.
  • the subscriber's communication is routed by the SSP of the IP 50 to the directory number of the VMS 48.
  • Solid arrow S from the subscriber's SSP 42 to the SSP of the VMS 44 and solid arrow T from the SSP of the VMS 44 to the VMS 48 illustrate that the call path of the subscriber's communication has been returned to that illustrated by arrows A, B, and E of Fig. 2 when the subscriber 40 was in communication with the VMS 48.
  • the VMS may be provided with a copy of the identifier marking the position of the subscriber's communication in the review of the messages in the VMS.
  • the subscriber does not have to make a call back into the VMS 48 to continue to interact with the VMS 48, but the subscriber may simply hang on after disconnection of the reply call to be routed back to the VMS 48.
  • the VMS 48 places the subscriber's communication in the same position occupied previously in the review (i.e., before the interruption).
  • the VMS 48 may accomplish this placement by using the copy of the identifier with the identifier the VMS 48 has stored with respect to this subscriber and/or to this subscriber's communication.
  • the copy of the identifier may be compared for a match to the entries in the identifier column of the table 60 of the subscriber's communication.
  • the VMS may otherwise access the appropriate identifier for the subscriber's communication (such as through use of the subscriber's directory number, etc.) and use the identifier to place the subscriber's communication in the same position occupied previously in the review.
  • the VMS 48 may delete or otherwise eliminate the identifier from its entry in the table 60 of the subscriber's communication.
  • the identifier may be returned to the "pool of identifiers" for reuse.
  • the exemplary embodiments described above are related to use in a messaging system such as a voice mail system. Nonetheless, the present inventions may be implemented in other contexts. For example, rather than returning a subscriber to a previous position in the retrieval of messages, the present inventions may be used in connection with returning a user to a particular place in the review of other matter such as documents, audio messages, videos, music, educational or commercial programs or materials, and the like.
  • An example of such an alternative use is in connection with a customer who accesses materials relating to a product the customer is interested in purchasing.
  • the present inventions may be used to allow the customer to interrupt his or her review of the product materials, and then after the interruption, to return to the position occupied in the product materials prior to the interruption.
  • Another alternative use is in connection with the review of a compilation of songs by a potential customer.
  • the customer may be engaged in reviewing the compilation track-by-track, but then be interrupted for some reason.
  • the customer may be returned to the track of the compilation which he or she was reviewing at the time of the interruption.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des procédés et des systèmes permettant à un abonné d'interrompre l'écoute des messages dans un système de messagerie vocale (VMS), afin d'effectuer un appel ou une autre action, et de retourner à la même position qu'au moment de l'interruption de l'écoute des messages du système de messagerie vocale (VMS). En réponse à une indication de la communication de l'abonné visant à arrêter l'écoute, un identificateur est créé afin de marquer la position de la communication de l'abonné dans l'écoute. L'identificateur est mémorisé dans le système VMS qui transmet un message de libération par rapport à la communication de l'abonné, ledit message comprenant une copie de l'identificateur. Le message peut être un message GR-1129 comprenant un paramètre d'opérations à distance (RO) avec la copie de l'identificateur. En réponse au message de libération, un point de commande de service (SCP) mémorise la copie de l'identificateur et permet que soit mise en oeuvre l'action indiquée dans le message par rapport à la communication de l'abonné. En réponse à la réception du message de libération d'un élément de réseau autre que le système VMS, le SCP achemine la communication de l'abonné comprenant la copie de l'identificateur du système VMS. Le système VMS utilise la copie de l'identificateur et l'identificateur pour placer la communication de l'abonné dans la même position que celle occupée précédemment lors de l'écoute.
PCT/US2000/004766 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Procedes et systemes permettant un retour a la meme position dans l'ecoute des messages d'un systeme de messagerie vocale a l'aide d'une etiquette ou d'un identificateur memorises dans le systeme de messagerie vocale WO2000051327A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU32449/00A AU3244900A (en) 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Methods and systems for enabling return to same position in a review of messagesin a voice mail system using tag or identifier stored in the voice mail system
CA002364802A CA2364802A1 (fr) 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Procedes et systemes permettant un retour a la meme position dans l'ecoute des messages d'un systeme de messagerie vocale a l'aide d'une etiquette ou d'un identificateur memorisesdans le systeme de messagerie vocale
EP00910337A EP1153503A1 (fr) 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Procedes et systemes permettant un retour a la meme position dans l'ecoute des messages d'un systeme de messagerie vocale a l'aide d'une etiquette ou d'un identificateur memorises dans le systeme de messagerie vocale
US09/914,388 US6891931B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2000-02-25 Methods and systems for enabling return to same position in a review of messages in a voice mail system using tag or identifier stored in the voice mail system
US10/923,655 US7327835B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2004-08-20 Methods and systems for enabling return to same position in a review of messages in a voice mail system using tag or identifier stored in the voice mail system
US12/026,335 US8111816B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2008-02-05 Methods and systems for enabling return to same position in a review of messages in a voice mail system using tag or identifier stored in the voice mail system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12193299P 1999-02-26 1999-02-26
US60/121,932 1999-02-26

Related Child Applications (2)

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US09914388 A-371-Of-International 2000-02-25
US10/923,655 Continuation US7327835B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2004-08-20 Methods and systems for enabling return to same position in a review of messages in a voice mail system using tag or identifier stored in the voice mail system

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US7327835B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2008-02-05 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Methods and systems for enabling return to same position in a review of messages in a voice mail system using tag or identifier stored in the voice mail system
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EP1255397A1 (fr) * 2001-04-30 2002-11-06 Lucent Technologies Inc. Services de messages vocaux dans un réseau intelligent sans fil
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WO2002096081A1 (fr) * 2001-05-23 2002-11-28 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Procede de traitement de courrier electronique de rappels sur messages electroniques
WO2002100119A1 (fr) * 2001-06-06 2002-12-12 Elisa Communications Oyj Procede et appareil permettant d'etablir une connexion a l'aide d'une fonction de rappel de service de messagerie vocale et systeme de messagerie vocale dote d'une fonction de rappel permettant d'etablir une connexion
WO2006032589A1 (fr) * 2004-09-24 2006-03-30 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Procede pour realiser le traitement d'emission de messages enregistres dans des boites postales d'un systeme de memoire de messages
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