Patent ReferencesData base communication call processing method Method for customer definable telephone capability Telephone office service assist and handoff Computerized system for incoming calls Area wide centrex Signaling system for broadband communications networks Patent #: 5473679 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 524306 filed on 09/06/1995US Classes:379/230, Signalling path distinct from trunk (e.g., CCIS)370/426, Having a signaling feature379/221.09, Service control point (SCP, ISCP, external database)379/221.1, Signal transfer point (STP, ISTP)379/229Interexchange signallingExaminersPrimary: Zele, Krista M.Assistant: Hong, Harry S. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH04M 007/00H04M 003/42 H04Q 011/04 H04J 003/12 AbstractAn intelligent network, such as might provide telephone services or the like, comprises local communication links, one or more trunk circuits and a number of separately located central office switching systems. The network selectively provides switched call connections between at least two of the local communication links. The switching systems also exchange signaling messages via an interoffice signaling network, as part of the procedures for establishing call connections. The interoffice signaling network includes an Intelligent Signaling Transfer Point (ISTP) which communicates with the switching offices via signaling links that are separate from the local communication links and the trunk circuit(s). In accord with the present invention, the ISTP includes a database storing call processing data associated with a plurality of the local communication links for control of call processing through one or more of the central office switching systems. The ISTP also includes a program controlled processor. The processor recognizes a predetermined condition or trigger regarding the call and retrieves call processing information from the database. The ISTP may route the message to a distant network element to provide the necessary response, or the ISTP may formulate and transmit a response message, based on the call processing information and specific conditions relating to the call and/or the signaling message. The response message goes back through the ISTP and one of the signaling links to the central office switching system, to control subsequent processing of the call. | |