Dynamic call vectoring

A method of processing a call in a telecommunications switching system, comprising the steps of:

• in response to receiving for processing a call associated with an individual vector directory number (VDN), processing the call by executing a first call-processing vector possessed by the switching system and corresponding to the individual VDN;
• as a part of executing the first call-processing vector, the switching system requesting another call-processing vector from a source external to the switching system;
• in response to the request, the source selectively creating in real-time a second call processing vector for processing only said call exclusive of other calls and sending the second call-processing vector to the switching system;
• in response to receiving the second call-processing vector, comprising a plurality of vector commands, from the external source, the switching system continuing processing of the call by executing the second call-processing vector instead of continuing execution of the first call-processing vector;
• and
• in response to not receiving the second call-processing vector, the switching system continuing processing of the call by continuing to execute the first call-processing vector.

A telecommunications switching system comprising:

• an effector of processing a received call by executing a first call-processing vector possessed by the switching system, in response to receiving the call;
• an effector of requesting a call-processing vector from a source that is external to the switching system, as a part of executing the first call-processing vector;
• and
• an effector responsive to receiving from external source a second call-processing vector created in real-time by the external source in response to the request and for processing only said call exclusive of other calls and comprising a plurality of vector commands, of continuing processing of the call by executing the received second call-processing vector, and responsive to not receiving from the external source the second call-processing vector, of continuing processing of the call by continuing to execute the first call-processing vector.

A telecommunications switching system comprising:

• first means, responsive to receipt for processing by the switching system of a call associated with an individual vector directory number (VDN), for processing the call by executing a first call-processing vector possessed by the switching system and corresponding to the individual VDN;
• second means, cooperative with the first means, for requesting another call-processing vector from a source external to the switching system when called on to do so by the first means;
• wherein the first means call on the second means to request the second call-processing vector as a part of executing the first call-processing vector;
• and
• the first means are further responsive to receipt from the external source of a second call-processing vector comprising a plurality of vector commands, created by in real-time by the external source in response to the request and for processing only said call exclusive of other calls, for continuing processing of the call by executing the received second call-processing vector instead of continuing execution of the first call-processing vector, and are responsive to not receiving from the external source the second call-processing vector, for continuing processing of the call by continuing to execute the first call-processing vector.