Graphical user interface (GUI) based call application system

• US 8,799,794 B2
• Filed: 07/11/2006
• Issued: 08/05/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Santa, Phyllis, Gilbert, Paul D., Cobb, Dale L.
• Primary Examiner(s): ITURRALDE, ENRIQUE W
• Application Number:
  US11/484,185
• Publication Number:
  US 20060253789A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,947 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 715/762
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2111/02 CAD in a network environment, e.g. collaborative CAD or distributed simulation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/00 Computer-aided design [CAD]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/355 Interactive dialogue design tools, features or methods

Abstract

An approach for providing self-service call plan application development is disclosed. A graphical system includes a computing system that is configured to cause a graphical user interface (GUI) to be present for automated creation of an application for controlling call flow logic. The application supports a predefined feature set. Additionally, the system includes a database that is coupled to the server and configured to store the application. The server is further configured to determine whether the application is valid and to initiate deployment of the application. The deployment may be performed on a real-time basis.

Claims

1. A method for developing a call application, the method comprising:

initiating display of a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes, a create application image for prompting a user for selection of an application, the application including a self-service application for controlling a call flow,

a status image for providing information on status of testing of the application, wherein the application is web-based and deployable in real-time, and

a call profile screen corresponding to the call flow, the call profile screen specifying a call profile that provides information about the call flow to generate the application; and

validating the call profile by the user prior to making the call profile available to customers by ensuring that the call profile contains all information necessary to build a call application.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the call profile includes a runnable profile that automatically converts into the application.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface (GUI) further includes an image for indicating that the application is valid in response to successful testing of the application.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the application supports a predefined feature set including one of audio play, database access, take back and transfer (TNT), logic branching, logical comparison, call extension, multiple entry points, exits, DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) input, jump, menu routing, recording audio, provisioning audio, manipulating data, or service independent voice recognition.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein rules for validating a call profile include:

a profile must not contain any untyped nodes other than a last node;

all required properties of all nodes must be specified; and

all referenced audio files must exist.

5. An apparatus for developing a call, the apparatus comprising:

a processor configured to initiate display of a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes,

a create application image for prompting a user for selection of an application, the application including a self-service application for controlling a call flow,

a status image for providing information on status of testing of the application, wherein the application is web-based and deployable in real-time, and

a call profile screen corresponding to the call flow, the call profile screen specifying a call profile that provides information about the call flow to generate the application, the call profile being validated by the user prior to making the call profile available to customers by ensuring that the call profile contains all information necessary to build a call application.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the call profile includes a runnable profile that automatically converts into the application.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the graphical user interface (GUI) further includes an image for indicating that the application is valid in response to successful testing of the application.

8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the application supports a predefined feature set including one of audio play, database access, take back and transfer (TNT), logic branching, logical comparison, call extension, multiple entry points, exits, DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) input, jump, menu routing, recording audio, provisioning audio, manipulating data, or service independent voice recognition.

9. A system for developing a call application, the system comprising:

an input device configured to receive an input from a user; and

a display configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes,

a create application image for prompting the user for selection of an application, the application including a self-service application for controlling a call flow,

a status image for providing information on status of testing of the application, wherein the application is web-based and deployable in real-time, and

a call profile screen corresponding to the call flow, the call profile screen specifying a call profile that provides information about the call flow to generate the application, the call profile being validated by the user prior to making the call profile available to customers by ensuring that the call profile contains all information necessary to build a call application.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the call profile includes a runnable profile that automatically converts into the application.

11. A system according to claim 9, wherein the graphical user interface (GUI) further includes an image for indicating that the application is valid in response to successful testing of the application.

12. A system according to claim 9, wherein the application supports a predefined feature set including one of audio play, database access, take back and transfer (TNT), logic branching, logical comparison, call extension, multiple entry points, exits, DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) input, jump, menu routing, recording audio, provisioning audio, manipulating data, or service independent voice recognition.