Flexible ANI

US6421428B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Bell Atlantic Services Network · US

Inventors

• John M. Carman · Alexandria, US
• David H. Cave · Fairfax, US
• Lin H. Kerns · Springfield, US
• Andrew Smith · London, GB
• Michael G. Pilkerton · Fairfax, US
• R. Andrew Poole · Round Hill, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 16, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04Q2213/13376
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

In various forms of telephone network signaling, automatic number identification information (ANI) includes a field of two or more ‘information’ (II) digits, typically used to indicate a calling line attribute, such as hospital line, residential line, payphone, etc. A number of situations have arisen where it is desirable to use these digits to control network functions and it is necessary to accurately pass the digits through with all call related signaling. For example, accurate II digits can enable appropriate processing, billing and payments for toll-free calls from payphones. Existing switch software, however, does not always provide the correct II digits or pass the digits through unchanged. In accord with the invention, a call requiring flexible ANI functionality triggers access to a central database, preferably in a service control point (SCP) or a signaling transfer point (STP). The response message from the database provides the appropriate information digits for the ANI field, and the network switches pass the signaling with those digits for all further processing of the call.