Cooperative databases call processing system

Abstract

A system for processing a database-queried call uses the call processing capabilities of a carrier's database and a subscriber's database as part of a total communication switching system. Generally, origination information such as as ANI, dialed number and caller entered information are forwarded by the originating switch to the carrier's database which sends them to the subscriber's database. The latter uses prestored programs and callers' related information to formulate a processing label for the call. The processing label is comprised of i) a routing label which provides input to the carrier's database to select a destination number for the call ii) an end point label which includes information to be passed to the subscriber's premise equipment and iii) a billing information label which can be used by the originating switch to create a customized billing record for the call. If desired, the subscriber's database, upon finding that the received call origination information is insufficient to positively identify a caller, can request additional information from the caller. This allows the communication switching system to provide call-by call routing features to subscribers without subjecting all callers to post-dial delay inconveniences caused by an ordinary prompting arrangement. In order to update a file of call handling resources available at all subscriber's locations, the carrier's database can send the selected destination number after the call has been completed to the subscriber's database.