Call-processing system and method
First Claim
1. A call-processing system for processing a telephone call comprising call audio and call data, wherein the call audio of the telephone call is routed to a destination by a matrix switch that includes a matrix switch processor, the call-processing system comprising:
- a network control processor that provides an interface between the matrix switch and a common channel signaling network, said network control processor comprising;
means for receiving the call data for the telephone call, that is intended for the matrix switch, from said common channel signaling network,means for determining a routing for the call audio of the telephone call,means for sending switch control data to the matrix switch processor of the matrix switch to effect said routing of the call audio of the telephone call, andmeans for sending operator control data to an operator console connected to the matrix switch via a connection between said network control processor and said operator console to support a telephone call that requires operator assistance.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call dam, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage. The call processing system also includes a validation system, a billing system, a distribution system, and a fraud detection and prevention system. The validation system is used to validate call information to determine whether the call can be placed. The billing system determines rates for calls and calculates the cost of completed calls. The distribution system distributes changes that are made to a master database to the appropriate slave database. The fraud detection and prevention system monitors originating and in-process calls to detect and possibly prevent possible fraudulent uses of phone services and systems. A client interface is provided to facilitate communications among applications and DEF records are used to define specific call processing actions.
220 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A call-processing system for processing a telephone call comprising call audio and call data, wherein the call audio of the telephone call is routed to a destination by a matrix switch that includes a matrix switch processor, the call-processing system comprising:
a network control processor that provides an interface between the matrix switch and a common channel signaling network, said network control processor comprising; means for receiving the call data for the telephone call, that is intended for the matrix switch, from said common channel signaling network, means for determining a routing for the call audio of the telephone call, means for sending switch control data to the matrix switch processor of the matrix switch to effect said routing of the call audio of the telephone call, and means for sending operator control data to an operator console connected to the matrix switch via a connection between said network control processor and said operator console to support a telephone call that requires operator assistance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23)
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14. A method for processing a telephone call comprising call audio and call data, wherein the call audio of the telephone call is routed to a destination by a matrix switch that is controlled by a matrix switch processor, comprising the steps of:
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receiving, in a network control processor, the call data for the telephone call, that is intended for the matrix switch, from a common channel signaling network, wherein said network control processor provides an interface between the matrix switch and said common channel signaling network; determining by said network control processor how the call audio of the telephone call is to be routed by the matrix switch; sending by said network control processor switch control data to the matrix switch processor of the matrix switch; routing by the matrix switch the telephone call to a destination based on said switch control data received by the matrix switch processor; and sending by said network control processor operator control data to an operator console connected to the matrix switch via a connection between said network control processor and said operator console if the telephone call requires operator assistance. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification