US20070154002A1 - Method and system for generating a call processing record - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for creating a call processing control record are disclosed. Generally, a call processing control record generator compares electronic schedule data with stored data to determine whether the electronic schedule data different from the stored data. In response to determining the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data, the call processing control record generator generates a call processing control record including an indication of an announcement to be transmitted to a caller in response to receipt of a call placed to a destination location during a defined time period.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/141,702, filed May 31, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/676,856 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,153), filed Sep. 29, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/144,600 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,103), filed Aug. 31, 1998, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
• The present invention relates generally to telecommunications services and more particularly to call processing.
• Call forwarding systems that forward incoming calls based upon the day of the week on which and/or the time of day during which incoming calls are received are well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,541 to Fleischer et al. describes a system that forwards incoming calls based upon the date and/or the time of day a call is received. The calls are forwarded in response to a call processing control record that can be created by a user. To create the call processing records, the user utilizes his/her telephone to sequentially transmit data in the form of dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) input to a telecommunications network. The data typically consists of the telephone number to which incoming calls are to be forwarded along with date and time of day during which such forwarding should occur. This data is received by the network and is used to create the call processing control record that contains the information provided by the user. The call processing control record can be used to forward incoming calls. The forwarding of incoming calls in response to the call processing control record can typically be activated and deactivated through input commands, such as DTMF input, provided by the user. Other call forwarding systems require the user to provide the same type of information to the network via voice input.
• Call forwarding systems such as these suffer from a common problem associated with the time and effort required to create the call processing control records. These types of systems require the user to create the call processing control records by entering the data required to produce the call processing control record. The user is typically required to sequentially input the necessary data through the use of a telephone or by providing voice input. This process can be cumbersome and time consuming, especially when multiple call processing control records must be created by a user.
• Accordingly, an improved system and method are needed for creating call processing control records that overcome these deficiencies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system of a preferred embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for generating a call processing control record of a preferred embodiment.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first preferred embodiment of the telecommunications system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the telecommunications system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a more detailed flow chart of a first preferred embodiment the method ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a third preferred embodiment of the telecommunications system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the telecommunications system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 8 is a more detailed flow chart of a second preferred embodiment the method ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method of a preferred embodiment for forwarding a call in response to a call processing control record.
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method of a preferred embodiment for transmitting an announcement to a calling party in response to a call processing control record.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below include a method and system for creating a call processing control record. Electronic schedulers have become an increasing popular way for users to keep track of upcoming events such as meetings and appointments. Electronic schedulers allow the user to create a schedule that includes one or more schedule entries that include details about the meetings, appointments, or other events that are scheduled to take place. Each schedule entry typically comprises a plurality of data entries such as the date or dates that the event is scheduled to occur, the starting time of the event, the ending time of the event, the location of the event, the title of the event and the attendees of the event. The user typically enters the appropriate data into the electronic scheduler to create the schedule entry. In addition to the above data entries, the schedule entry may include one or more telephone numbers designated by the user or an announcement identifier designated by the user. This data can also be used to create call processing control records without requiring the user to duplicate his/her efforts by entering the same data a second time.
• In one embodiment, an electronic scheduler containing a schedule comprising at least one schedule entry can transmit data to a call processing control record generator. The data preferably comprises the plurality of data entries described herein. The call processing control record generator generates a call processing control record in response to the data received from the electronic scheduler. The call processing control record preferably comprises a starting date, an ending date, a starting time of day, an ending time of day, and one or more call forwarding telephone numbers or an announcement identifier. The call processing control record enables calls received on a specific date and/or at a specific time of day to be forwarded to a call forwarding telephone number. Alternatively, the call processing control record can enable the transmission of announcements to a calling party when a call is received on a specific date and/or at a specific time of day.
• By way of example,FIG. 1 depicts asystem10 of a preferred embodiment. Thesystem10 comprises anetwork20 and anelectronic scheduler40 removably coupled with thenetwork20. The term “coupled with,” as used herein, means directly coupled with or indirectly coupled with through one or more components.
• Thenetwork20 preferably comprises a call processingcontrol record generator50 and a call processingcontrol record database60. The call processingcontrol record generator50 preferably comprises a computer usable medium having first, second, and third computerreadable program codes52,54,56 embodied therein. It is important to note that while the call processingcontrol record generator50 and theprogram codes52,54,56 have been shown as separate elements, their functionality can be combined and/or distributed. It is also important to note that “medium” is intended to broadly include any suitable medium including analog or digital, hardware or software, now in use or developed in the future. Thenetwork20 preferably further comprises a telecommunications network as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, thenetwork20 can comprise a computer network such as the Internet, or any other network that is adapted to transmit, store and retrieve information.
• The call processingcontrol record database60 preferably comprises a telecommunications network storage element as known to those skilled in the art. According to an alternative embodiment, the call processingcontrol record database60 can comprise any suitable storage element adapted for use in the present embodiments. The call processingcontrol record database60 can be located within thenetwork20 or external to thenetwork20.
• Theelectronic scheduler40 preferably comprises a personal computer running a scheduler software program such as Outlook, Schedule+, ACT!, Sidekick or other suitable scheduler software programs as known to those skilled in the art. According to an alternative embodiment, theelectronic scheduler40 can comprise a portable electronic scheduler such as a Palm Pilot, a hand-held personal computer, or a palm-size personal computer as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, theelectronic scheduler40 can comprise any combination of hardware and/or scheduler software.
• Thesystem10 ofFIG. 1 can be used to implement themethod100 depicted inFIG. 2. a user creates or modifies at least one schedule entry comprising a plurality of data entries using the electronic scheduler40 (step110). The data entries preferably relate to a scheduled event and in this example comprise the starting date of the event, the ending date of the event, the time of day on which the event begins, the time of day on which the event ends, and one or more telephone numbers designated by the user or an announcement identifier designated by the user. The one or more telephone numbers preferably comprise telephone numbers where the user can be reached during the event. The announcement identifier preferably identifies the specific announcement that the user has selected from a plurality of standard pre-recorded announcements or custom announcements that the user has recorded. The data entries can also comprise a subscriber identification. The subscriber identification can comprise a password that can be used to prevent unauthorized modification of the call processing control records.
• The data entries created by the user are then transmitted from theelectronic scheduler40 to the call processing control record generator50 (step120). When the data entries are transmitted to the call processingcontrol record generator50, the first computerreadable program code52 receives the data and arranges the data into the appropriate data fields used in a call processing control record (step130). The call processing control record preferably comprises a plurality of data fields including: a subscriber identification, one or more forwarding telephone numbers or an announcement identifier, the date on which the processing begins, the time at which processing begins, the time at which processing ends, the date on which the processing ends, a flag or counter, and one or more blank identifier fields. The blank identifier fields can be used to monitor and audit, for example, the number of calls forwarded and the number of calls completed. After the data has been deciphered, the second computerreadable program code54 compares the received data with the data, if any, that is presently stored in a current call forwarding control record (step140). The received data and the stored data can be compared based upon current starting and/or ending dates and times. The received data can take precedence over stored data that corresponds to the same starting and/or ending dates and times. If the received data differs from the stored data, the third computerreadable program code56 generates a call processing control record (step150) by replacing the stored in the appropriate data fields with the received data for the corresponding data fields. This type of call processing control record can be used by thenetwork20 to forward incoming calls placed to the user.
• By way of further example,FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of thesystem10 described above. Thesystem200 comprises service switching points (SSPs)220,280, a signal transfer point (STP)230, a service control point (SCP)240, adatabase242, a service management system (SMS)250, aSMS database252, a service node/intelligent peripheral (SN/IP)295, acentral office260, a calledtelephone station222, a forwardingtelephone station224, a callingtelephone station262 and theelectronic scheduler40 as described above. In this embodiment, theelectronic scheduler40 is removably coupled with theSSP280. Intelligent network system components, commonly referred to as advanced intelligent network (AIN) components, suitable for implementing the present embodiment are commercially available from many telecommunications component manufacturers and are know to those skilled in the art. AIN components can implement computer readable program code. Manufacturers of AIN components typically have a preferred programming language and operating platform.
• SSPs220,280 preferably comprise AIN switches that route calls, recognize and respond to triggers, generate queries to obtain call information and respond to returned call information.SSP220 connects calledtelephone station222 withcentral office260 to enable a customer at calledtelephone station222 to place calls to and receive calls fromtelephone station262.SSP280 is adapted to be removably coupled with theelectronic scheduler40 to enable transmission of data between theelectronic scheduler40 and theSCP240.SSPs220,280 preferably communicate with the other network elements in accordance with a signaling protocol such as Signaling System 7 (SS7) or other such signaling protocols is known to those skilled in the art or developed in the future.SSPs220,280 preferably generate queries toSCP240 and receive responses fromSCP240.
• In addition,SSP220 may include a call forwarding number field for each of the telephone numbers assigned toSSP220 as known to those skilled in the art. The call forwarding number field enables incoming calls to be automatically forwarded bySSP220 to the telephone number included within the call forwarding number field when a call is placed to a particular telephone number. The inclusion of a telephone number within the call forwarding number field can be controlled by theSCP240 or theSMS250 as described herein.
• STP230 preferably comprises a network element that transfers signaling communications in accordance with signaling protocols such as SS7 as known to those skilled in the art.STP230 preferably transfers queries fromSSP220 toSCP240 and responses to the queries fromSCP240 toSSP220.
• SCP240 preferably comprises an AIN element that stores call processing information and receives and responds to queries as known to those skilled in the art.SCP240 preferably stores call processing information indatabase242 and accesses the stored call processing information.SCP240 can be configured to generate call processing control records as described herein and to store such call processing control records indatabase242.SC240 receives queries generated bySSP220 and preferably responds to the queries by performing database searches to locate the requested call processing information.SCP240 can forward the located call processing information toSSP220.
• In addition,SCP240 can be used to control the inclusion of a telephone number within the call forwarding number field ofSSP220. In response to the creation of a call processing control record,SCP240 can populate the call forwarding number field with the telephone number included within the call processing control record. TheSCP240 can also remove the telephone number from the call forwarding number field in response to the call processing control record.
• SMS250 preferably comprises a network element that stores and processes data and transmits data to and receives data fromSCP240.SMS250 typically stores data required to properly generate bills for telecommunications services as known to those skilled in the art.SMS250 can store data in and retrieve data fromSMS database252 as known to those skilled in the art.SMS250 can be configured to generate call processing control records as described herein and store such call processing control records inSMS database252.SMS database252 can be configured internally within or externally ofSMS250 as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively,SMS250 can transmit data or call processing control records toSCP240 as described herein.
• In addition,SMS250 can be used to control the inclusion of a telephone number within the call forwarding number field ofSSP220. In response to the creation of a call processing control record,SMS250 can populate the call forwarding number field with the telephone number included within the call processing control record. TheSMS250 can also remove the telephone number from the call forwarding number field in response to the call processing control record.
• Database242 preferably comprises a data storage element for use withSCP240 as known to those skilled in the art.Database242 preferably stores call processing information that can be implemented bySSP220 to control the processing of calls. Such call processing information is known to those skilled in the art.Database242 can be configured internally within or externally ofSCP240 as known to those skilled in the art.
• Central office260 preferably comprises a network switches as known to those skilled in the art.Central office260 connectstelephone station262 withSSP220 to enable callers attelephone station262 to place calls to and receive calls from the user at calledtelephone station222. Alternatively,central office260 can comprise a AIN network switch as known to those skilled in the art.
• Telephone stations222,224,262 preferably comprise analog telephone sets as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively,telephone stations222,224,262 can comprise wireless, PCS, ISDN or any other form of communication station known to those skilled in the art.
• SN/IP295 preferably comprises a network element that comprises hardware and software as known to those skilled in the art. SN/IP295 can be used to record custom announcements and can store both custom announcements and standard pre-recorded announcements. SN/IP295 can also transmit announcements totelephone stations222,224,262 in response to a call processing control record as known to those skilled in the art.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the system ofFIG. 3 is shown. In this embodiment, theelectronic scheduler40 can be removably coupled toSSP280 to enable the transmission of data from theelectronic scheduler40 toSMS250.SMS250 can be adapted to generate call processing control records as described herein. Alternatively,SMS250 can transmit the data received fromelectronic scheduler40 toSCP240 whereSCP240 can generate a call processing control record in response to the data as described herein.
• The systems depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4 can be utilized to implement themethod300 depicted inFIG. 5. In this embodiment, a user creates or modifies a schedule entry comprising a plurality of data entries using electronic scheduler40 (step310). A predetermined telephone number is called (step320) to removably coupleelectronic scheduler40 withSCP240 orSMS250. The telephone number can be dialed by the user or by theelectronic scheduler40 as known by those skilled in the art. When the telephone number is dialed, the call is routed toSSP280 where it is sent toSCP240 orSMS250.SCP240 orSMS250 determines the protocol thatelectronic scheduler40 is utilizing (step330) through traditional handshaking procedures as known to those skilled in the art. In response to the determination of the protocol,electronic scheduler40 is coupled withSCP240 or SMS250 (step340) such that data is transmitted fromelectronic scheduler40 toSCP240 orSMS250. The data entries are then transmitted from theelectronic scheduler40 to theSCP240 or SMS250 (step350). The data entries can be transmitted as packet information as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the data entries can be transmitted in accordance with synchronization procedures such as those provided by Microsoft's Active Sync software and Puma Technology's Intellisync software as known to those skilled in the art. WhenSCP240 orSMS250 receives the data, the data is automatically arranged into the appropriate fields that comprise the call processing control record (step360). The received data is then compared to data stored in existing call processing control records (step370). If there are differences between the data, a call processing control record is automatically generated bySCP240 orSMS250 in response to the data (step380). The call processing control record is then stored indatabase242 or SMS database252 (step390). Alternatively, the appropriate forwarding telephone number can be placed in the call forwarding number field of theSSP220 as described herein.
• Referring now toFIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the system ofFIG. 3 is shown. In this embodiment,electronic scheduler40 is removably coupled with acomputer network290 such that data is transmitted fromelectronic scheduler40 toSCP240. Thecomputer network290 preferably comprises the Internet. Alternatively, thecomputer network290 can comprise any form of computer network configured to transmit data as known to those skilled in the art. Thecomputer network290 preferably utilizes a transmission protocol to enable the transmission of data fromelectronic scheduler40 toSCP240. One example of a suitable transmission protocol is TCP/IP as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the transmission protocol can comprise X.25, a client-server protocol, or any other suitable transmission protocol as known to those skilled in the art or developed in the future.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, an alternate embodiment of the system ofFIGS. 4 and 6 is shown. In this embodiment, theelectronic scheduler40 is removably coupled withcomputer network290 such that data can be transmitted fromelectronic scheduler40 toSMS250 as described herein.
• The systems depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7 can be utilized to implement themethod305 depicted inFIG. 8. In this embodiment, a user creates or modifies a schedule entry comprising a plurality of data entries using electronic scheduler40 (step310). The user then removably coupleselectronic scheduler40 with computer network290 (step315). Theelectronic scheduler40 andcomputer network290 can be removably coupled through traditional dial-up procedures as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively,electronic scheduler40 andcomputer network290 can be removably coupled through electronic transmissions of data as known to those skilled in the art. The data entries are transmitted fromelectronic scheduler40 toSCP240 orSMS250 via the computer network290 (step325). The data entries can be transmitted as packet information as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the data entries can be transmitted in accordance with synchronization procedures such as those provided by Microsoft's Active Sync software and Puma Technology's Intellisync software as known to those skilled in the art. WhenSCP240 orSMS250 receives the data, the data is arranged into the appropriate fields that comprise the call processing control record (step335). The received data is then compared to data stored in existing call processing control records (step370). If there are differences between the data, a call processing control record is automatically generated bySCP240 orSMS250 in response to the data (step380). The call processing control record is then stored indatabase242 or SMS database252 (step390). Alternatively, the appropriate forwarding telephone number can be placed in the call forwarding number field of theSSP220 as described herein.
• Referring now toFIG. 9, a call placed to the calledtelephone station222 is forwarded to the forwardingtelephone station224 in response to a call processing control record created in accordance with the above methods. Assume for purposes of this example that a call processing control record has been created in response to a schedule entry using the systems and methods described herein. The call processing control record indicates that during a prescribed time period, the user can be reached at the forwardingtelephone station224 instead of his/her normal location at the calledtelephone station222. When a caller at callingtelephone station262 places a call to called telephone station222 (step410), the call is routed to SSP220 (step420). WhenSSP220 receives the call, a terminating attempt trigger is activated (step430). In response to the trigger, a query is generated and transmitted to SCP240 (step440). In response to the query, theSCP240 accessesdatabase242 and retrieves the call processing control record created by the called party (step450). TheSCP240 returns the appropriate call control information to SSP220 (step460) in response to the call processing control record. In response to the call control information,SSP220 forwards the call to forwarding telephone station224 (step470).
• Referring now toFIG. 10, an announcement can be played to a calling party in response to a call processing control record created in accordance with the above methods when a call is placed to the calledtelephone station222. Assume for purposes of this example that a call processing control record has been created in response to a schedule entry using the systems and methods described herein. The call processing control record indicates that during a prescribed time period, the user is unavailable and that an appropriate announcement should be played to the calling party when a call is placed to the user during the prescribed time. When a caller at callingtelephone station262 places a call to called telephone station222 (step510), the call is routed to SSP220 (step520). WhenSSP220 receives the call, a terminating attempt trigger is activated (step530). In response to the trigger, a query is generated and transmitted to SCP240 (step540). In response to the query, theSCP240 accessesdatabase242 and retrieves the call processing control record created by the called party (step550). TheSCP240 returns the appropriate call control information to SSP220 (step560) in response to the call processing control record. In response to the call control information,SSP220 routes the call to SN/IP295 (step570). After receiving the call, SN/IP transmits an announcement to calling telephone station262 (step580). The announcement can indicate that the user is unavailable. In addition, the announcement can indicate a telephone number at which the user can be reached. Alternatively, the announcement can indicate that the user will return the call or that the calling party should try to reach the user at a later time.
• It should be noted that in the case of an error involving the call processing control record whereby the call processing control record sought cannot be found or does not exist, theSCP240 can be configured to complete the call as dialed.
• In accordance with an alternative embodiments, different schemes can be used to indicate when the call processing control record is to be activated. For example, the hours in a year could be consecutively numbered and starting and ending hours could be used in place of the starting and ending dates and times. Alternatively, a duration field could be used in conjunction with a starting time and/or starting date in place of an ending time and/or date.
• It is to be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications to the embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are contemplated. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A method for creating a call processing control record, the method comprising:

comparing electronic schedule data with stored data to determine whether the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data; and

generating a call processing control record in response to determining the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data, the call processing record comprising an indication of an announcement to be transmitted to a caller in response to receipt of a call placed to a destination location during a defined time period.

2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

receiving the electronic schedule data.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the electronic schedule data is received via a telecommunications network.

4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the electronic schedule data is received via the Internet.

5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the electronic schedule data is received via a computer network utilizing a TCP/IP protocol.

6. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the electronic schedule data is transmitted via a computer network utilizing a X.25 protocol.

7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

receiving a call from a calling party; and

transmitting the announcement to the calling party based upon the generated call processing record.

8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising:

accessing the generated call processing record.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein accessing the generated call processing record comprises:

generating a query to telecommunications network element; and

accessing the generated call processing record with the telecommunications network element.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the announcement indicates that a user is unavailable.

11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the announcement indicates a destination location where a user can be reached during the defined time period.

12. A system for creating a call processing control record, the system comprising:

a call processing control record generator operative to compare electronic schedule data with stored data to determine whether the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data and to generate a call processing control record in response to determining the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data;

wherein the call processing record comprises an indication of an announcement to be transmitted to caller in response to receipt of a call placed to a destination location during a defined time period.

13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the call processing record is further operative to receive the electronic schedule data.

14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the call processing control record generator comprises a service management system.

15. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the call processing control record generator comprises a telecommunications network component.

16. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising:

a telecommunications network element in communication with the call processing control record generator, the telecommunications network element operative to receive a call from a calling party and to transmit the announcement to the calling party based upon the generated call processing record.

17. A computer readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions for creating a call processing control record, the set of instructions to direct a processor to perform the acts of:

comparing electronic schedule data with stored data to determine whether the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data; and

generating a call processing control record in response to determining the electronic schedule data differs from the stored data, the call processing record comprising an indication of an announcement to be transmitted to a caller in response to receipt of a call placed to a destination location during a defined time period.

18. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 17, further comprising a set of instructions to direct a processor to perform the acts of:

receiving the electronic schedule data.

19. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 17, further comprising a set of instructions to direct a processor to perform the acts of:

receiving a call from a calling party; and

transmitting the announcement to the calling party based upon the generated call processing record.

20. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 19, further comprising a set of instructions to direct a processor to perform the acts of:

accessing the generated call processing record.

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