Importance

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Abstract

A system, method and computer program product implement a Virtual Network Call Processor with a CALL PULLBACK mechanism for providing a type of screened call transfer. Callers, while attempting to contact an intended recipient, have their calls sent to the Virtual Network Call Processor, which places the caller on soft hold while attempting to locate the intended recipient. The Call Processor uses another external line to call the intended recipient at one of a number of predetermined locations identified by stored numbers where each number is serviced by perhaps different local telephone equipment having different characteristics and attributes. The CALL PULLBACK mechanism is used to identify signaling attributes of signals provided by the respective local telephone equipment, by analyzing frequency and cadence information from the signals and normalize the signals so as to detect a status of the Call Processor's attempt to reach the intended recipient. The signaling attributes and customer-specific information are controlled by objects, which are well thought out preprogrammed and proven software constructs that simplify programming and ensure reliable operations. The calling party is kept on soft hold while the intended recipient of the call is attempted to be contacted at the different locations. If the CALL PULLBACK mechanism determines that the signals provided by the local telephone equipment, after being normalized, indicate the intended recipient does not pick up the call, the CALL PULLBACK mechanism attempts to reach the intended recipient at another one of the numbers, all the while the calling party is kept on soft hold. In this way, the global Virtual Network Call Processor, is capable of servicing not only individuals and companies serviced by a single PBX with a call process, but also for any number of other users not serviced by the PBX.

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First Claim