Technique for returning calls in response to received messages

Abstract

When a caller calls a called party through an information assistance system, the caller is afforded an option to leave a message for the called party in the event that the call cannot be successfully completed. The system creates a data file associated with the message which contains, among others, the caller's and called party's telephone numbers. The system then establishes from time to time a first connection to the called party's number to attempt to deliver the message thereto. When the called party receives the message through the first connection, in accordance with the invention, the called party is afforded an option to call the caller back, without first terminating the first connection. Once the called party selects the option, e.g., by pressing a predetermined key on the keypad, in response the system establishes a second connection to the caller's number, which is stored in the associated data file. The system then bridges the first connection to the second connection, thereby connecting the called party to the caller.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a communications system and method, and particularly to a system and method for facilitating communications between a calling party and a called party of a communication call, e.g., telephone call.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is a common experience to call a telephone operator for information assistance. In a typical information assistance call, a caller identifies to the operator the name and address of a party whose telephone number is desired. In response, the operator locates the desired destination number using, e.g., a computer database. The destination number is then provided to the caller, e.g., by a computerized voice response unit (VRU) which provides automated voicing of the number, and the caller is afforded an option to be connected to the destination number without the need of first terminating the information assistance call.

[0004] It is also known in prior art that a voice messaging service may be provided in the event that a caller when calling a called party encounters a busy signal or a ring-no-answer condition. One such voice messaging service is disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,754. Specifically, when the caller encounters a busy signal or a ring-no-answer condition in reaching the called party, a prompt offering of the voice messaging service comes on the line. The caller may then press a predetermined key on the telephone keypad to accept the service, whereby the caller can leave a recorded message for the called party. The recorded message is subsequently delivered to the called party when he/she becomes available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Although the prior art messaging service provides a convenient way for a caller to convey a message to a called party whom the caller cannot successfully reach, the prior art does not address the common need of the called party to efficiently call the caller back after the called party receives the message. The invention overcomes the prior art limitations by utilizing a switch in a system, which provides, e.g., typical information assistance services, to establish a first connection to the called party to deliver the caller's message therethrough. In accordance with the invention, while the called party is on the first connection, the system monitors for a predetermined signal, e.g., a DTMF signal, generated by the called party which indicates an initiation of a call to the caller. In response to such a signal, the switch establishes a second connection to the caller's telephone number. The switch then bridges the first connection to the second connection, and the called party thereby calls the caller back, without first terminating the first connection conveying the message.

[0006] The caller's telephone number may be obtained by the information assistance system as an automatic number identifier (ANI), which is included in the call set-up signals received by the system in establishing an initial information assistance call by the caller to the system. It may also be elicited from the caller when the caller wants to leave a message for the called party, especially when the caller wants the called party to call the caller back at a number different from the ANI. The caller's telephone number is stored in association with the caller's message in the system.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the caller may also optionally specify his/her preferences in delivering the message to the called party, e.g., the time range within which the message is to be delivered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0008] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing showing an illustrative embodiment of the invention, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an information assistance system in accordance with the invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a switch connected to other components in the system of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a voice response unit (VRU) connected to other components in the system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a routine for preparation for delivery of a message recorded by a caller to a destination party through the system of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a data format of a data file used for delivery of the recorded message in accordance with the invention; and

[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B jointly illustrate a routine for delivering the recorded message to the destination party and providing the destination party with an option to call back the caller in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The invention is directed to a technique for facilitating communications between a caller and a called party of a communication call, e.g., telephone call. The inventive technique enables a called party to effectively return a telephone call to a caller who earlier left a message for the called party, which message is delivered through an information assistance system.

[0016] In a well known manner, a caller can call an information assistance system, e.g., by dialing a predetermined access number, to request, among other information, the telephone number of a desired destination party. In response to such a request, an operator at the system searches a computer database for the requested destination number based on certain data provided by the caller, e.g., the destination party's name/address. (It should be pointed out that the term “operator” here broadly encompasses entities that are capable of providing assistance in a telecommunication environment, including without limitation human operators, voice response/recognition capabilities, web-enabled operator services, and other automated and electronic access.) The caller is then afforded an option to be connected to the destination number without the need of first terminating the information assistance call. Once the caller accepts such an option, a connection to the destination number is established through the information assistance system.

[0017] However, the caller may encounter a busy signal, a ring-no-answer condition, or other communication problem on the connection, and thus unsuccessfully reach the destination party. In that case, in an illustrative embodiment the caller is afforded an option to leave a message for the destination party. Once this option is selected, the caller is prompted to record the message and any other information. One or more components including, e.g., a switch host computer and voice response unit (VRU) in the information assistance system described below then establish in a cooperative fashion an outbound connection to the destination number to attempt delivery of the recorded message to the destination party. However, it should be noted that the components used for the establishment of the connection for the message delivery may vary with the actual implementations.

[0018] In accordance with the invention, after the destination party receives the message from the information assistance system on the phone, the destination party may choose to be connected to the caller who left the message, without first terminating the message delivery call.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates information assistance system 100 embodying the principles of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, one or more external communication links 102 connect information assistance system 100 to telephone networks. Communication links 102 connect to switch 104, which is connected to switch host computer 106 via switch data link 108.

[0020] Switch 104 is attached via a T1 communication link to channel bank 110, and from there connects to operator channel 112 and operator telephone 116. Operator telephones are located at each of one or more operator positions, numerically denoted 114. Using operator data terminal 118, a human operator at operator position 114 in this instance accesses one or more system servers 120, which are interconnected via data network 122. Switch host computer 106 is also connected to data network 122. Finally, switch 104 is connected to one or more VRUs. Each connection to a VRU employs a T1 voice server link (a first voice server link 124 is shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] As stated above, communication links 102 provide telephone connections to information assistance system 100 for incoming information assistance calls and also provide access to external telephone networks over which outgoing calls are placed. An incoming call is received via one of inbound channels 102a (shown in FIG. 2), each of which provides two-way communications. On the other hand, an outgoing call is placed over one of outbound channels 102b (shown in FIG. 2), each of which provides two-way communications. There is generally one outbound channel for every inbound channel, so that for every incoming call to information assistance system 100, there is an outbound channel for an outgoing call to the caller's desired party. Communication links 102 may, in an illustrative embodiment, be comprised of one or more T1 communication spans which are known in the art. In such an embodiment, each individual call over a T1 span, whether into or out of switch 104, utilizes one of the 24 individual channels into which a T1 span is segmented, each channel providing two-way communications.

[0022] Alternatively, all 24 channels of a T1 span may be utilized for both inbound and outbound calls, with well known telecommunications techniques handling any glare conditions.

[0023] Switch 104 will now be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 2. Operation of switch 104 is governed by computer-readable instructions stored and executed on switch host computer 106. In one embodiment of the invention, switch 104 comprises an Excel LNX 2000 switch and switch data line 108 comprises a 38.4 kb serial link; in another embodiment, switch data link 108 comprises an Ethernet link.

[0024] Switch 104 includes expandable central processing unit (“EXCPU”) 204 and/or matrix central processing unit (“MXCPU”) 204. EXCPU/MXCPU 204 serves as an interface for switch 104 to switch host computer 106 (via switch data link 108).

[0025] EXCPU/MXCPU 204 and other components of switch 104 communicates through shared communication path 202, commonly called a “midplane.” In the present embodiment, midplane 202 utilizes a time division multiplexing (“TDM”) method of sharing a common pathway. Thus, a plurality of data and/or voice streams can be interlaced onto the single path, separated by time.

[0026] Another board-level component of switch 104 is multi-frequency digital signal processor (“MFDSP”) unit 210, which includes four single in-line memory module (“SIMM”) packagings. Each SIMM packaging is comprised of four DSP arrays. Each DSP array is composed of multiple, illustratively sixteen, programmable DSPs. The DSPs can be programmed or reprogrammed to function as, among other things, call progress analyzers (“CPA”), call progress generators (“CPG”), multi-frequency (“MF”) receivers or transmitters, dual-tone multi-frequency (“DTMF”) receivers or transmitters, or conference units, depending upon the demand placed on system 100 and switch 104 for each corresponding function.

[0027] CPAs, numerically denoted 218, are sensitive to, and capable of identifying, telephone connection status conditions and signals including ring tone, busy, recorder, PBX intercept, SIT intercept, vacant code, reorder-SIT, no circuit LEC, reorder-carrier, no circuit-carrier, dial tone, continuous on tone, and silence. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each CPA monitors only one of outbound channels 102b at a time. In other embodiments of the invention, one CPA may be applied to more than one outbound channel. However, to ensure that connection status condition are properly detected, the number of outbound channels monitored by one CPA should be kept to a minimum. In still other embodiments of the invention, two or more DSPs may be applied to a single outbound channel.

[0028] CPGs, numerically denoted 212, generate tones to customers connected to system 100, such as the ringback tome customers hear when they are routed to an operator.

[0029] DTMF receivers, numerically denoted 214, listen for DTMF tones generated by customers' telephones, such as when a customer presses a telephone key. DTMF receivers are capable of detecting and identifying which key was pressed (i.e., the numbers 0-9 or the characters “*” or “#”) and passing that information to switch host computer 106 for appropriated action. DTMF receivers are assigned to monitor inbound channels for a configurable period of time, illustratively, from the time of a caller's initial connection to switch 104 to the time the caller disconnects, including the duration of all outbound call legs made on the caller's behalf. Once applied to an inbound channel, a DTMF receiver allows switch 104 to detect the press of a telephone key, perhaps done in order to activate tone-triggered return transfer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,092 issued Aug. 18, 1998 to Cox et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, or another feature of information assistance system 100.

[0030] Conference units, numerically denoted 216, enable switch 104 to connect two or more voice paths in a balanced manner, thereby providing the necessary voice connections between calling parties, called parties and information assistance providers.

[0031] In the present embodiment, each DSP array provides multiple instances of the function for which it is programmed, the exact number depending upon the specific function. For example, each DSP array programmed to provide CPA, CPG, or DTMF receiver functions provides sixteen instances of the chosen function. In other words, a DSP array programmed to provide call progress analyzer functions contains sixteen separately and independently functional and controllable CPAs. A DSP array programmed to provide conference unit functions, however, provides only four instances of such function. The programmable DSPs on MFDSP unit 210 are managed by switch host computer 106 via EXCPU/MXCPU 204, which keeps track of which DSPs are available and which are allocated.

[0032] An additional board-level component of switch 104 is T1 interface unit 230. Switch 104 contains one or more T1 interface units; each unit provides connections to eight T1 (1.544 Mb/sec) spans, each of which is comprised of 192 64 kb voice channels per T1 interface unit. In FIG. 2, T1 interface 230 dedicates twelve channels on each of six of the eight spans to incoming calls and the other twelve to outgoing calls. Alternatively, as mentioned before, all 24 channels on a T1 span may be shared by both incoming and outgoing calls. The seventh T1 span serves as voice server link 124, and the eighth functions as a link to channel bank 110 and operator channel 112. Voice server link 124 and operator channel 112 are used to connect information assistance callers to a voice server or a human operator, respectively.

[0033] It should be noted that the arrangement of the T1 spans in FIG. 2 is for illustrative purposes only. The actual number of T1 spans per VRU or operator may vary in different implementations. For example, the T1 spans may be arranged in a group of 16 or more, rather than 8 as in the illustrative embodiment.

[0034] It will also be recognized by one skilled in the art that multiple instances of switch 104 may be incorporated into a telephone network or information assistance system 100 without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0035] Switch host computer 106 stores and executes computer-readable instructions for the purpose of, among others, configuring and operating switch 104 and directing the transfer of calls through switch 104. It also directs the playback of recorded greeting and messages to callers connected to system 100. Switch host computer 106 directs the playback of the appropriate message by identifying the inbound channel 102a to which the caller is connected and specifying the message to be played.

[0036] Further, switch host computer 106 maintains call data for each information assistance call connected to system 100. The call data stored on the host computer consists of the most recent assistance request from each caller, and includes one or more of: the originating or caller's telephone number derived from a call set-up signal known as an “ANI”, the date and time of the caller's connection to information assistance system 100, the T1 span and channel the caller is connected to, the caller's desired telephone number, the status of the caller's previous information assistance request, which operator assisted the caller, etc. Some of such call data and additional call data are stored on system servers 120, as described below. The call data stored on switch host computer 106 and system servers 120 are provided to information assistance providers when a caller makes multiple information assistance requests in one call to system 100. By considering the collected call data, such as the information that was provided to a caller in a previous request, an information assistance provider can tailor subsequent assistance to be more effective.

[0037] Switch host computer 106 also directs the transfer of information between itself and system 120 (via data network 122) as well as between system servers 120 and switch 104 and operator position 114 (via channel bank 110 and operator channel 112).

[0038] Operator position 114 includes means by which a human operator receives calls, determines caller's informational needs, searches for and retrieves information from system servers 120, provides information to callers, and initiates outgoing calls. In an illustrative embodiment, an operator at operator position 114 is provided with a telephone headset 116 for interacting with callers, and data terminals 118, connected to data network 122, for interacting with system servers 120.

[0039] System servers 120, which are interconnected via data network 122, include one or more data servers 120a which provide and manage data services within system 100. Data servers 120a maintain databases containing telephone and business directories, billing information, and other information in computer-readable form to be searched by operators in response to callers' requests. Data servers 120a also store call data for later retrieval by information assistance providers furnishing subsequent assistance to a caller.

[0040] The software used to create and manipulate the databases on data servers 120a is known in the art and allows information assistance providers to search the databases by name, address, type of goods or services, geographic region, etc.

[0041] System servers 120 also include one or more VRUs, e.g., VRU 120b in FIG. 1, which provides all or a subset of the operator functions provided by a human operator at operator position 114. For example, VRU 120b stores and delivers messages that human operators would otherwise be required to frequently repeat for callers, such as greetings, closing messages, and the callers' requested telephone numbers. In addition, in accordance with the invention, VRU 120b allows a caller to store a message for a called party whom the caller cannot successfully reach, subsequently establishes a connection from system 100 to deliver the message to the called party, and enables the called party to call back the caller without first terminating the connection.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates VRU 120b, which is connected to switch 104 via voice server link 124, and to switch host computer 106 and data servers 120a via data network 122. VRU 120b includes, inter alia, at least one voice card, e.g., voice card 302, which serves as an interface between voice server link 124 and VRU 120b. Voice card 302 monitors and controls communications over voice server link 124. Its capabilities include DTMF tone detection and generation, voice recording and playback, and call progress analysis. Thus, similar to switch 104, VRU 120b is capable of detecting connection status conditions, detecting customer key presses, and generating tones.

[0043] VRU 120b also includes typical computer components such as central processing unit (CPU) 304, data storage unit 306, and bus 310 for transferring voice and data signals. VRU 120b may also contain a voice recognition subsystem (not shown) for receiving verbal input from a party connected to the VRU.

[0044] Voice server link 124 provides voice connections between switch 104 and VRU 120b, thereby connecting callers to VRU 120b to receive automated operator assistance. Link 124 in this instance is comprised of one or more T1 spans, with each one of the 24 channels of each span providing two-way communications.

[0045] For example, an information assistance call is received by system 100 at T1 interface 230 of switch 104 via one of inbound channels 102a. The information assistance call may originate at virtually any communication device capable of communications with system 100, e.g., a wireless telephone, wireline telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile communication device, etc. In receiving the call, system 100 also receives call set-up signals containing data concerning the caller's identity, such as the caller's ANI, and the area of the call's origination, such as the originating cell site. This information may be used to verify that the caller is authorized to be connected to the desired destination party via system 100.

[0046] Switch host computer 106 collects call data. The call data is updated as information assistance system 100 takes action on behalf of the caller. If no operator is immediately available, the call is placed in an automatic call distribution queue, which is maintained by switch host computer 106. Once connected to an operator, computer 106 directs the playback of a greeting message from VRU 120b for the caller.

[0047] The caller typically then states his/her information assistance request by identifying the destination party he/she wishes to contact. The operator searches databases of information (e.g., listings of private individuals and businesses), stored on data servers 120a, for the appropriate destination telephone number. Database records matching the caller's query may be displayed on the inquiring operator's data terminal 118 in a variety of formats, such as alphabetical, random, etc. In this instance, the operator selects the appropriate destination number and initiates an outgoing call for the caller through one of outbound channels 102b. Switch host computer 106 is notified of the outgoing call and automatically instructs switch 104 after outdialing to apply CPA 218 to the outbound channel and DTMF receiver 214 to the inbound channel which the caller is on. Switch 104 then connects the caller on the inbound channel to the outgoing call on the outbound channel. A successful call, in which the destination telephone is answered, is recognized by T1 interface 230 by detecting, on the outbound channel, an answer supervision occasioned by the bit transition that occurs when the destination telephone converts from an on-hook status to an off-hook status.

[0048] It should be noted that where SS7 out-of-band signaling is implemented, e.g., the answer supervision coming from an SS7 signaling link, separate from the outbound channel, CPA 218 does not need to be applied to the SS7 voice trunk. Instead, call progress information (busy, ring-no-answer, number unavailable, answer supervision, etc.) can advantageously be determined more effectively from the SS7 signaling protocol than the in-band counterpart through the outbound channel.

[0049] However, the call is unsuccessful if CPA 218 detects a busy signal, ring-no-answer condition, or other telephone connection status condition or signal indicative of a communication problem such as reorder, PBX intercept, SIT intercept, vacant code, reorder-SIT, no circuit LEC, reorder-carrier, no circuit-carrier, no dial tone, continuous on tone, or silence. Switch 104 identifies the condition or signal, and notifies switch host computer 106. Subsequent action depends upon which connection status condition or signal was detected.

[0050] If the detected condition is identified as a busy signal, ring-no-answer condition or a communication problem, switch 104 drops CPA 218 and DTMF receiver 214 and transfers the call to VRU 120b through voice server link 124. Switch host computer 106 and data servers 120a transmit over data network 122 to VRU 120b the associated call data including, among others, the caller's telephone number (i.e., the ANI) and the destination telephone number. VRU 120b then plays a message to the caller, explaining the detection of the busy signal, ring-no-answer condition or communication problem, and initiates a DTMF detection, which capability is provided by voice card 302, on the inbound channel associated with the caller to detect keys pressed by the caller.

[0051] VRU 120b also presents the caller with an audio menu offering several information assistance options. By way of example, the audio menu includes such choices as having VRU 120b to recite the dialed telephone number by pressing the “#” key, to transfer the caller to an operator by pressing the “*” key, to record a message for later delivery to the destination party by pressing the “2” key, and so forth. The caller's selection may, alternatively, be spoken into the caller's communication device and received by a voice recognition subsystem associated with, or contained within, VRU 120b.

[0052] Assuming in this instance that the caller presses the “2” key to choose to record a message for later delivery to the destination party, VRU 120b leads the caller through a succession of prompts and responses, making the necessary recordings, including the message to be delivered, and checking the caller's satisfaction with the results. In this illustrative embodiment, the caller is afforded an option to record the caller's name and/or the destination party's name. VRU 120b then elicits from the caller preferences concerning delivery of the recorded message.

[0053] It should be pointed out at this juncture that in actual implementations such options and preferences affordable to the user may vary and, indeed, some or all of the options and preferences may be pre-configured, or their selections may be skipped by the user in favor of default settings.

[0054] For example, VRU 120b elicits from the caller the preferred time range within which the delivery of the message is attempted, as indicated at step 403 in FIG. 4. In response, the caller may press the appropriate keys to indicate the start and end times of the preferred range. For instance, depression by the caller of “8,” “0,” and “0” keys in that order at a start time prompt, followed by “1,” “7,” “0,” and “0” keys in that order at an end time prompt, indicates that the preferred time range is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. VRU 120b is then disconnected from the caller, as indicated at step 415. VRU 120b at step 419 creates a message file (denoted 333) which contains the message, and any caller's name and destination party's name recorded by the caller. Message file 333 is stored in storage 306. VRU 120b at step 423 assigns a message file identification (ID) for identifying message file 333.

[0055] VRU 120b at step 427 creates a data file (denoted 335) associated with message file 333. FIG. 5 illustrates the data fields in file 335, which contains therein the message file ID in field 455. It also contains the originating telephone number, which may be derived from the ANI, in field 458; the destination telephone number in field 461; the date and time when the message was recorded in field 464; the time of the last attempt to deliver the message in field 467; the time of the next attempt to deliver the message in field 470; the caller's preferred time range during which the message is delivered in field 473; the retry count associated with a busy signal encounter in field 476; the retry count associated with a ring-no-answer condition encounter in field 479; the retry count associated with a communication problem encounter in field 482; the delivery attempt frequency associated with a busy signal encounter in field 485, the delivery attempt frequency associated with a ring-no-answer condition encounter in field 488; the delivery attempt frequency associated with a communication problem encounter in field 491; the result of the last attempt, e.g., encountering a busy signal, ring-no-answer condition, or communication problem, in field 494; an originating carrier identification (ID) in field 497; etc. The originating carrier ID identifies the carrier providing the telephone service to the caller, which in this instance specifies the values in fields 476, 479, 482, 485, 488 and 491 as part of the service requirements. Alternatively, some or all of these field values may be specified by the caller as his/her preferences. In any event, the retry count values 476, 479 and 482 may or may not be identical. They are initially set to a predetermined maximum value. As further described below, each time when a particular condition (e.g., busy, ring-no-answer or communication problem) is encountered in a message delivery attempt, the corresponding retry count value is decremented until it reaches zero. At such time, no further delivery attempt would be made.

[0056] Similarly, the delivery attempt frequency values x (i.e., once every x minutes) in fields 485, 488 and 491 may or may not be identical. In fact, the delivery attempt frequency value associated with a busy signal encounter in field 485 is preferably higher than that associated with a ring-no-answer condition encounter in field 488. This stems from the fact that an encounter of a busy signal in a delivery attempt indicates that a person is currently attending to a call at the destination station and only unavailable until the end of the current call. Thus, a relatively high delivery attempt frequency in that situation is warranted to increase the likelihood that the message delivery call would be answered by at least the same person shortly after the current call. On the other hand, an encounter of a ring-no-answer condition in a delivery attempt may indicate that no one is at the destination station answering the call, and may remain status quo for an indeterminate period. The result of the last attempt registered in field 494 determines which corresponding frequency in field 485, 488 or 491 is to be used for timing the next delivery attempt.

[0057] Data file 335 in this instance is stored in storage 306. In an alternative embodiment, information in data file 335 is stored in a relational database, e.g., of the SQL type, in a central location. In that case, based on the collective data file information in the central location, the status of the nationwide message delivery activity can be more readily obtained, tracked and/or displayed in real time.

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 4, at step 430 VRU 120b places data file 335 on a message queue, which specifies the time for the next message delivery attempt in field 470. Such time is determined based on the time of the last attempt in field 467, the selected delivery attempt frequency, and the preferred time range in field 473. When data file 335 reaches the front of the message queue and when the specified delivery time arrives, VRU 120b is triggered to attempt delivery of the message. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, VRU 120b at step 503 looks up the destination telephone number in field 461 of data file 335. VRU 120b initiates an outgoing call by seizing a first one of outbound channels 102b from T1 interface 230, as indicated at step 506. VRU 120b then transmits the destination telephone number, through switch host computer 106, to switch 104 to outdial the destination telephone number, as indicated at step 509.

[0059] Switch host computer 106 then causes application of a CPA 218 in switch 104 to the first outbound channel to determine the status of the message delivery call. The call status is reported back to VRU 120b. VRU 120b at step 515 determines whether the message delivery call is unanswered as a busy signal, ring-no-answer condition or other communication problem (e.g., PBX intercept, SIT intercept, vacant code, reorder-SIT, no circuit LEC, reorder-carrier, no circuit-carrier, no dial tone, continuous on tone, and silence) on the first outbound channel is detected by CPA 218. In that case, VRU 120b terminates the call and decrements the retry count value associated with the detected condition (i.e., the corresponding retry count value in field 476, 479 or 482) by one, as indicated at step 518. VRU 120b at step 521 determines whether such a retry count value has reached zero. If it is determined that the retry count value has reached zero, VRU 120b at step 524 abandons further delivery of the message, deletes message file 333 and associated data file 335, and logs this abandonment event. Otherwise, VRU 120b at step 527 places data file 335 back to the aforementioned message queue, with fields 467 and 470 updated to reflect the time of the last delivery attempt, and the appropriate re-delivery time, respectively.

[0060] Referring back to step 515, if it is determined that the message delivery call is answered, VRU 120b at step 529 retrieves message file 333 identified by the message file ID in field 455 of data file 335. In a first embodiment of the invention, VRU 120b automatically plays the caller's message from message file 333 to the answering party. However, in this second embodiment where the caller's message may be private, which needs to be delivered to its intended recipient directly, VRU 120b at step 530 plays a first announcement on the first outbound channel and waits for any response therefrom. Assuming in this instance that the caller previously recorded the destination party's name which is registered in message file 333, the first announcement illustratively says, “Hello, I have an important and private recorded message for [destination party's name]. Please press one when this person is on the line. If [destination party's name] is not available, please press two,” where [XX] denotes insertion by VRU 120b of previously recorded XX.

[0061] This first announcement may be repeated for a predetermined number of times. If VRU 120 receives (a) no response within a predetermined time-out period due, perhaps, to an answering machine's picking up the call, or (b) a DTMF tone corresponding to depression of a “2” key from the destination station, sensed by the DTMF function of voice card 302, the subject routine proceeds to step 518 previously described. However, if a DTMF tone corresponding to depression of a “1” key is sensed, the subject routine proceeds to step 533 described below. Otherwise, if a DTMF tone corresponding to depression of any key other than the “1” or “2” key is sensed, the subject routine proceeds to step 524 previously described.

[0062] At step 533, VRU 120b plays a second announcement on the first outbound channel. Assuming in this instance that the caller also recorded the caller's name which is registered in message file 333, the second announcement illustratively says, “This message is from [caller's name] recorded on [date] and [time].” VRU 120b at step 536 in FIG. 6B plays the caller's message from message file 333. After delivering the message, VRU 120b at step 539 plays a third announcement and then waits for any response. For example, this third announcement may say, “That concludes the message for [caller's name]. To replay this message, press one now, to call the sender back, press two now, to end this call, simply hang up.” If VRU 120b receives a DTMF tone corresponding to depression of a “1” key from the destination station, the subject routine returns to step 536. If VRU 120b receives a DTMF tone corresponding to depression of a “2” key, the subject routine proceeds to step 545 described below. Otherwise, VRU 120b at step 542 terminates the call after a predetermined time-out period expires, and deletes message file 333 and associated data file 335.

[0063] At step 545 where the destination party has chosen to call the caller back, VRU 120b plays a fourth announcement on the first outbound channel, e.g., “Please stand by while we attempt to connect you to [caller's name].” VRU 120b at step 547 looks up the caller's telephone number in field 458 of data file 335, and transmits the number to switch host computer 106. At step 550 VRU 120b, which is connected to the destination station through the first outbound channel as a 2-party call, requests switch host computer 106 to transfer the call from itself to the caller's station, thereby relinquishing the VRU part in the connection. In response, computer 106 seizes a second one of outbound channels 102b from T1 interface 230, provides the caller's telephone number to switch 104 to outdial the caller's telephone number, and bridges the first outbound channel to the second outbound channel, thereby connecting the destination party to the caller's telephone number. The bridged connection allows the destination party to converse with the caller through the first and second outbound channels until either party disconnects. At such time, switch 104 tears down the connection and returns the first and second outbound channels to the reserve.

[0064] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous other arrangements which embody the principles of the invention and are thus within its spirit and scope.

[0065] For example, the announcements, including key selectable options, used in the above-described message delivery call are for illustrative purposes only. It will be appreciated that these announcements will vary depending on whether the caller's name and/or the destination party's name is recorded by the caller; whether the message is private, i.e., for the intended recipient only; etc.

[0066] In addition, in the illustrative embodiment, after the caller decides to leave a message for the destination party, the caller is prompted to record the message. However, in an alternative embodiment, the caller is afforded a selection of prefabricated messages provided by VRU 120b. One such prefabricated message selectable by the caller for the destination party may simply be “Please call back.” Upon hearing this message in an automated voice, the destination party may proceed to select the call-back option in accordance with the invention.

[0067] Further, in the illustrative embodiment, the telephone number used for calling the caller back is, by default, the telephone number of the station from which the initial information assistance call by the caller originates. However, in an alternative embodiment, the caller is prompted to provide a desired telephone number for the destination party to call back, which may be different from the originating number. In that embodiment, the desired call-back number may be registered in field 458 of data file 335 in lieu of the originating number.

[0068] Finally, information assistance system 100 is disclosed herein in a form in which various functions are performed by discrete functional blocks. However, any one or more of these functions could equally well be embodied in an arrangement in which the functions of any one or more of those blocks or indeed, all of the functions thereof, are realized, for example, by one or more appropriately programmed processors.

Claims

1. Apparatus for facilitating communications between a caller and a called party, the apparatus comprising: storage for storing a message for the called party from the caller, and a telephone number for contacting the caller; a switch interface for causing an establishment of a first connection to deliver the message therethrough to the called party; and a device for detecting a signal generated by the called party, which indicates an initiation of a call to the caller, the switch interface, in response to the detected signal, causing an establishment of a second connection to the telephone number, the first connection being bridged to the second connection.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the message is recorded by the caller.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a message identification is assigned to the message for association with the telephone number.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the telephone number is derived from an automatic number identifier (ANI).

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the telephone number is provided by the caller.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal includes a DTMF signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a voice response unit (VRU).

8. A messaging system comprising: storage for storing a message for a called party from a caller whose call to a called station associated with the called party was previously unanswered, and a telephone number for contacting the caller; an interface for eliciting from the caller at least one preference concerning delivery of the message; a switch for establishing a first connection to the called station to deliver therethrough the message in accordance with the preference; and a device for detecting a predetermined signal from the called station, the switch, in response to the detected predetermined signal, establishing a second connection to a calling station associated with the stored telephone number, the first connection being bridged to the second connection.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the preference includes a time range within which the message is delivered.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the number of attempts to deliver the message is not greater than a predetermined maximum limit.

11. The system of claim 8 wherein the call was unanswered due to a busy condition.

12. The system of claim 8 wherein the call was unanswered due to a ring-no-answer condition.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the call was unanswered due to a communication problem.

14. The system of claim 8 wherein the telephone number is derived from an ANI.

15. The system of claim 8 wherein the telephone number is provided by the caller.

16. The system of claim 8 wherein the predetermined signal includes a DTMF signal.

17. A communications system accessible by a customer for obtaining information about a desired party, the system comprising: a server for providing a destination telephone number for contacting the desired party; a switch for establishing a first connection to a destination station associated with the destination telephone number; a processor for monitoring signals on the first connection; an interface for prompting the customer to leave a message when a signal from the first connection indicating that the destination station is not answering is detected; storage for storing the message and a calling telephone number for contacting the customer, the switch establishing a second connection to the destination station to deliver the message therethrough; and a device for detecting a predetermined signal from the destination station, the switch, in response to the detected predetermined signal, establishing a third connection to a calling station associated with the calling telephone number, the second connection being bridged to the third connection.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the monitored signals include a busy signal.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the monitored signals include a signal indicative of a ring-no-answer condition.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein the monitored signals include a signal indicative of a communication problem.

21. The system of claim 17 further comprising an operator assisting the customer to obtain the information.

22. The system of claim 17 wherein the calling telephone number is derived from an ANI.

23. The system of claim 17 wherein the calling telephone number is provided by the caller.

24. The system of claim 17 wherein the predetermined signal includes a DTMF signal.

25. A method for facilitating communications between a caller and a called party, the method comprising: storing a message for the called party from the caller, and a telephone number for contacting the caller; causing an establishment of a first connection to deliver the message therethrough to the called party; detecting a signal generated by the called party, which indicates an initiation of a call to the caller; in response to the detected signal, causing an establishment of a second connection to the telephone number; and bridging the first connection to the second connection.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the message is recorded by the caller.

27. The method of claim 25 further comprising assigning a message identification to the message for association with the telephone number.

28. The method of claim 25 wherein the telephone number is derived from an ANI.

29. The method of claim 25 wherein the telephone number is provided by the caller.

30. The method of claim 25 wherein the signal includes a DTMF signal.

31. A method for use in a messaging system, comprising: storing a message for a called party from a caller whose call to a called station associated with the called party was previously unanswered, and a telephone number for contacting the caller; eliciting from the caller at least one preference concerning delivery of the message; establishing a first connection to the called station to deliver therethrough the message in accordance with the preference; detecting a predetermined signal from the called station; in response to the detected predetermined signal, establishing a second connection to a calling station associated with the stored telephone number; and bridging the first connection to the second connection.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the preference includes a time range within which the message is delivered.

33. The method of claim 31 wherein the number of attempts to deliver the message is not greater than a predetermined maximum limit.

34. The method of claim 31 wherein the call was unanswered due to a busy condition.

35. The method of claim 31 wherein the call was unanswered due to a ring-no-answer condition.

36. The method of claim 31 wherein the call was unanswered due to a communication problem.

37. The method of claim 31 wherein the telephone number is derived from an ANI.

38. The method of claim 31 wherein the telephone number is provided by the caller.

39. The method of claim 31 wherein the predetermined signal includes a DTMF signal.

40. A method for use in a communications system accessible by a customer for obtaining information about a desired party, the method comprising: providing a destination telephone number for contacting the desired party; establishing a first connection to a destination station associated with the destination telephone number; monitoring signals on the first connection; prompting the customer to leave a message when a signal from the first connection indicating that the destination station is not answering is detected; storing the message and a calling telephone number for contacting the customer; establishing a second connection to the destination station to deliver the message therethrough; detecting a predetermined signal from the destination station; in response to the detected predetermined signal, establishing a third connection to a calling station associated with the calling telephone number; and bridging the second connection to the third connection.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the monitored signals include a busy signal.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein the monitored signals include a signal indicative of a ring-no-answer condition.

43. The method of claim 40 wherein the monitored signals include a signal indicative of a communication problem.

44. The method of claim 40 further comprising assisting the customer to obtain the information using an operator.

45. The method of claim 40 wherein the calling telephone number is derived from an ANI.

46. The method of claim 40 wherein the calling telephone number is provided by the caller.

47. The method of claim 40 wherein the predetermined signal includes a DTMF signal.