Methods and apparatus for controlling call handling in a communications network
AssigneeSiemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
InventorsPeggy M. Stumer, Eugene A. Wodka
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling call handling in a communications network. The methods and apparatus include special processing and network signalling (between network communications devices) which enable a caller to complete a critical transaction, without interruption. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.
Claims63
In a communications network including a first communications device and a second communications device, a method for controlling call handling, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining a pull back status which indicates whether the first communications device is allowed to pull back a call, said determination of pull back status being based on a first call criterion;
- and
- (b) notifying the first communications device of the pull back status.
An incoming call processing apparatus, comprising:
- (a) a first communications device having transaction processing means for processing simple transactions and critical transactions;
- (b) a second communications device coupled to said first communications device, said second communications device including means for transferring a call to said first communications device and means for pulling back a call from said first communications device;
- and
- (c) status determining means for determining a pull back status which indicates whether said second communications device is allowed to pull back a call, the determination of pull back status being based on a first call criterion.
A method for allowing a caller to complete a critical transaction without interruption by a first communications device while connected to a second communications device, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining whether the first communications device can interrupt a transaction with the second communications device, said determination being based on a first call criterion;
- and
- (b) notifying the second communications device whether the first communications device can interrupt a transaction.
An apparatus for allowing a caller to complete a critical transaction without interruption by a first communications device while connected to a second communications device, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) first determining means for determining whether the first communications device can interrupt a transaction with the second communications device, said determination being based on a first call criterion;
- and
- (b) means for notifying the second communications device whether the first communications device can interrupt a transaction.
A signaling protocol for call handling by a first communications device and a second communications device, said protocol comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining, based on a first call criterion, a pull back status which indicates whether the first communications device has the ability to pull back a call from the second communications device;
- and
- (b) notifying the second communications device of the pull back status.
A method for processing and incoming call in a communications network having a first communications device and a second communications device, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) the first communications device signaling initial call control information to the second communications device;
- and
- (b) the second communications device signaling a request to change call control information to the first communications device.
A method for processing and incoming call in a communications network having a first communications device and a second communications device, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) the first communications device signaling initial call control information to the second communications device;
- and
- (b) the first communications device signaling to the second communications device whether it has permission to request a change in the call control information.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.