Abstract:
A method for providing call services in a telecommunications system includes receiving a call request from a call origination station via the Internet. The call request may involve an advanced call service. The method may also include validating the call request and initiating a communications link between the call origination station and a telephony server via the Internet when the call request is validated. The method may further include initiating a telephony link between the telephony server and a call termination station when the call request is validated.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/001,699 filed Dec. 31, 1997, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to advanced telephony services. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Modern telephone call processing systems have enabled users to take advantage of many advanced telephony services. For example, the publicly switched telephone network (PSTN) now incorporates technology to allow users to take advantage of advanced services to make collect calls, calling card calls, debit card calls, etc. Often, these and other advanced services have been made possible through implementation and use of Intelligent Services Network (ISN) systems that are coupled to the PSTN. Such ISN systems include sophisticated computer and data processing systems and associated peripherals. 
     Although there has been wide-spread use of ISN systems within the PSTN to provide advanced telephony services, other technologies have been developed which are quickly becoming recognized for their ability to support telephony communications. For example, the proliferation of the Internet has given rise to Internet-based telephony systems. These systems allow a user along with his personal computer to operate a client software program (i.e., a World Wide Web “WWW” browser) to access an Internet site to engage in Internet telephony. The accessed Internet site typically includes a central server that acts as a hub to process and deliver digital streams (e.g., packet data representative of a user&#39;s voice) to another user that waits for the same. In essence, a call may be established via the central telephony server if the calling party and the called party are both available and ready to communicate. Unfortunately, however, such Internet-based telephony systems do not allow users to place calls to parties outside of the Internet such as parties that are coupled to the PSTN. Moreover, such Internet telephony systems do not offer advanced call processing services that PSTN users have come to enjoy and expect as a result of the use of ISN systems. 
     Accordingly, Internet telephony service providers face a significant problem in terms of how to implement advanced telephony services like those that are already available to users of the PSTN (e.g., collect call services, calling card services, etc.). At the same, ISN-based service providers also face a problem in that they have made significant investments in their ISN systems that do not presently incorporate links to Internet-based telephony technologies. As a result, users have no way of placing calls via the Internet which are destined for call termination locations that are coupled to other telecommunications networks such as the PSTN. 
     Thus, there exists a need to provide a system wherein telephone calls may originate via the Internet and be routed to call termination locations that are coupled to the PSTN. In order to be commercially feasible, such a system must allow calls that originate via the Internet to be provided with advanced telephony services such as collect call services, calling card services, debit card services, etc. Without such a system, Internet telephony users will not be able to take advantage of the advanced services and telephony features that are already available to the users of the PSTN. Moreover, in the absence of such a system, two distinct telecommunications systems will exist with no way to bridge the same to realize new and heightened levels of communication. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problems associated with the related art by providing a system for servicing telephone calls that originate via the Internet. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a telecommunications system wherein advanced telephony services may be provided to calls that originate via the Internet. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to allow telephony users to place advanced telephony service calls via the Internet and have such calls routed to other Internet telephony stations or to any other telecommunications stations regardless of the telecommunications system to which they are connected. 
     The present invention has achieved such objects and, in so doing, has provided certain benefits in terms of call processing. For example, a person can now make a calling card or other advanced services type telephone call from an Internet telephony station and have that call routed to a telephony station that may be coupled to a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN). Additionally, Internet telephony service providers can now benefit from the advanced systems and services that are provided by the present invention by realizing revenues associated with servicing calls originating via the Internet and which may terminate in other telecommunications systems. As such, the present invention provides an enriched and expanded telecommunications system. 
     The present invention achieves its objects and provides the aforementioned benefits by providing a system and method for servicing a call request within a telecommunications system that includes and involves a client sub-system that is configured to generate a call request and to transmit the same via the Internet. The call request includes a call termination address and a service identifier. The call termination address corresponds to a call termination station that is coupled to a switching system. Also included and involved is an intelligent services network that is coupled to the client sub-system via the Internet and which is operative to receive and validate the call request and to process the call request in accordance with the service identifier. A telephony gateway sub-system is coupled to the intelligent services network via the switching system and to said client sub-system via the Internet. The telephony gateway sub-system is operative to communicate with the intelligent services network via the switching system to cause the intelligent services network to initiate a call to the termination address via the switching system and to couple the call to the client sub-system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram that illustrates a system wherein advanced telephony services such ISN-based services are provided to calls that originate via the internet; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram that illustrates the structural components of the Internet telephony gateway system illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is flowchart illustrating the operations carried out within the system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a continuation of the flowchart started in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart that illustrates certain operations of the Internet telephony gateway system illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to carry out call processing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is another flowchart that illustrates certain operations of the Internet telephony gateway system depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to carry out call processing according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is now described in detail with regard to the drawing figures that were briefly described above. Unless otherwise indicated, like parts are referred to with like reference numerals. 
     System Overview 
     The paragraphs that follow outline the structures and their corresponding operations that enable the provision of advanced telephony services to telephone calls that originate via the Internet. In particular, the present invention allows users of Internet telephony technologies to take advantage of advanced services that were originally developed to service calls originating in a circuit-switched telephony environment. 
     According to the present invention, a call such as a calling card call originating via the Internet from an Internet telephony station (e.g., a multi-media personal computer equipped with sound production and voice capture capabilities) can be terminated at a call termination station that is coupled to the PSTN (e.g., a land-line telephone, a cellular telephone, a pager, a satellite telephone, etc.). To achieve such functionality, the present invention employs an Internet Telephony Gateway (ITG) system. The ITG system provides an interface between an Internet Protocol (IP) network (e.g., the Internet) and a telephony network such as the PSTN. 
     For example, in the case of a telephone call to a PSTN destination, an Internet user can originate a call session from an Internet telephony station to an Internet telephony service provider. After entering certain call request information (e.g., a called number, a calling card number, and personal identification number, etc.) into a web site maintained by the Internet telephony service provider, the Internet telephony service provider will engage in a call validation process to validate the call request. That call validation process will involve a query of an Intelligent Services Network (ISN) system database by the Internet telephony service provider to determine if the call can made and billed appropriately. If the call is validated, certain call information including a special telephone system routing number—a 1-800 number—corresponding to the ISN system is sent back to the Internet telephony station via the Internet. The Internet telephony station will then use that information to establish an Internet session with an ITG system which is maintained by the Internet telephony service provider. 
     In turn, the ITG system establishes a call on a circuit-switched telephony network via a bridging switch to the ISN system which will service the Internet-originated call. The ITG system will initiate its call to the ISN system by dialing the aforementioned special routing number (e.g., the 1-800 number corresponding to the ISN system) which was received by the Internet telephony station earlier during the call validation process as described above. On behalf of the Internet-originated call, the ISN system will then initiate a call to a call termination location via the bridging switch. Thereafter, when a called-party receives the call at the call termination location, the ISN system will cause the bridging switch to couple the two call legs (i.e., the leg from the Internet telephony station to the ITG system, and the leg from the ISN system on behalf of the Internet-originated call to the call termination location). 
     During the course of the call, the ITG system converts the IP packets of the calling party received by the ITG system via the Internet to telephony signals that can be carried over the PSTN, connected appropriately, and then delivered to the called party at the call termination location. Additionally, the ITG system will convert the telephony signals received via the PSTN from the called party to IP packets which may be transported to the calling party via the Internet. 
     The ISN system also is used within the present invention to provide advanced services to calls that originate via the internet. ISN systems were developed to provide services such as calling card services, debit card services, operator Services, 1-800 services, collect call services, etc. The present invention allows telephony customers to utilize such services via the Internet through use of the aforementioned ITG system and special telephony routing approaches which are described below with regard to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     As such, the following paragraphs describe exemplary components and systems employed within the present invention to provide advanced telephony services to calls that originate via the Internet. 
     System Description 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  depicted therein is a block diagram of a system for providing advanced telephony services such as ISN-based services to customers who originate telephone calls over the internet. In particular, system  100  includes and involves an Intelligent Services Network (ISN) system  102 , a Data Management Zone (DMZ)  136  (which contains an ITG system  140 ), the Internet  132 , a call origination station  130 , a bridging switch  122 , the publicly switched telephone network (PSTN)  124 , and a call termination station such as call termination station  126 . Each of these structures is further described below. In many cases, however, these structures will be readily understood by those skilled in the art and, accordingly, a detailed discussion is omitted for purposes of brevity. 
     Within system  100 , ISN system  102  incorporates a network information distribution system (NIDS) server  104  which is an automatic data processing system (e.g., a server computer and data storage sub-system configuration) that is configured to provide call processing data to other call processing components maintained within ISN system  102 . NIDS system  104  is coupled to a data store  106  and to an ISN Ethernet local area network  108 . ETHERNET is a trademark of the XEROX Corporation. An ISN Adjunct Processor (ISNAP)  110  performs call processing functions along with an Automated Call Distributor  112  (ACD) system to service and route calls through ISN system  102 . ISN system  102  also includes one or more manually operated service consoles (MOC)  114  and Network Audio Servers  120  (NAS). 
     ISN system  102  further includes an automated call processor (ACP) to control the operations of its NAS unit(s). ACP  118  and NAS  120  are commonly grouped and classified as an Audio Response Unit (ARU) as indicated by the phantom lines forming the box identified as ARU  116 . ACP  118  may be implemented on a computer system such as the IBM RS/6000 manufactured and market by International Business Machines Corporation, or a DEC alpha-based computer system manufactured and marketed by Digital Equipment Corporation. 
     Within ISN system  102 , ACD  112  is coupled to PSTN  124  via bridging switch  122 . As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the ACD is configured and arranged to receive calls from and/or routed through bridging switch  122 , and to distribute those calls over voice telephony trunks to MOC  114  or to NAS  120  for processing. MOC  114  typically is a specialized computer-based workstation that is operated by a live operator and which is used to provide various operator services. NAS  120  is a computer system that is equipped with voice telephony ports to provide audio response services to a caller. NAS  120  is controlled by ACP  118  via ISN Ethernet  108 . As noted above, NAS  120  and ACP  118  form ARU  116  which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. A suitable ACD system that may be incorporated into ISN system  102  is the NORTHERN TELECOM DMS-100 system. 
     ISNAP  110  is included within ISN system  102  to control ACD  112 . In particular, ISNAP  110  is a computer system that performs call processing functions for ACD  112 . For example, when a call is received by ACD  112 , ACD  112  queries ISNAP  110 . ISNAP  110  determines which peripheral (MOC  114  or NAS  120 ) to which to route the call. Additionally, ISNAP  110  responds to ACD  112  with a command sequence for proper routing and then sends a “Call Offered” message over ISN Ethernet  108  to the selected peripheral. 
     NIDS  104  is a computer system that provides call processing data to the other call processing components that form ISN system  102 . In particular, NIDS  104  stores data such as service subscriber account data for each service offered and provided by ISN system  102 . For example, NIDS  104  stores calling card numbers and corresponding personal identification numbers (PIN numbers) that are used by ISN system  102  to validate calling card calls. Call request and call validation techniques carried out by a system such as ISN system  102  will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Within system  100 , ISN system  102  is coupled to bridging switch  122  via an inter-machine trunk (IMT) line/RLT telephony link. Bridging switch  122  is a digital matrix switch such as a Northern Telecom DMS-250 or other switch of similar functionality that has release line trunk (RLT) signaling capabilities. In turn, bridging switch  122  is further coupled to a call termination unit  126  via a telephony link in a conventional manner. Additionally, Bridging switch  122  is further coupled to ITG system  140  via an FGD telephony type link which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. It is important to note that bridging switch  122  may be coupled to other switches in PSTN  124  via additional IMT links or other types of links. Additionally, although bridging switch  122  is shown as a single switch, the present invention is not so limited. Other switch configurations may be chosen and implemented. All that is required, is that bridging switch  122  be able to connect a call that is to be routed to ACD  112  within ISN system  102 . 
     As noted above, in system  100 , ITG system  140  is part of DMZ  136  (shown in phantom lines). DMZ  136  represents an Internet service facility (which may be geographically dispersed) wherein a network web server such as an internet web server  138  is coupled to ITG system  140 . Web server  138  and ITG  140  are coupled via a network link such as an internet protocol link (i.e., a TCP/IP link—referred to hereinafter as an IP link) through a router  134  via the Internet  132  to a call origination station  130  which is equipped with a personal computer and Internet client software (e.g., the NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR V.4.0 which is manufactured by NETSCAPE COMMUNICATIONS CORP.) and multi-media capabilities (e.g., sound capture such as through use of a micro-phone and sound production facilities such as through use of speakers or a head-set unit). DMZ  136  also is coupled via an IP link to a router system  142  which is further coupled to ISN Ethernet  108  of ISN system  102 . NETSCAPE is a trademark of NETSCAPE Communications Corporation. 
     It should be understood that call origination station  130  preferably is a personal computing device operated by a subscriber of an advanced telephony service which is provided by an entity that operates ISN system  102 . Of course, any device capable of interacting with a network such as the Internet may be considered as a call origination and/or call termination station according to the present invention. Preferably, however, a calling party that desires to originate an advanced service telephone call according to the present invention will configure his personal computing device and a world wide web browser to visit and transmit call initiation information to a web site maintained by an Internet telephony service provider. 
     The links coupling the various components of system  100  will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. For example, establishing, managing and operating a link from a call origination station at a calling party&#39;s PC through the internet to a web server will be readily understood by those skilled in the art of Internet technologies. Moreover, those skilled in the art of telephony technologies will readily understand FGD and IMT/RLT telephony links. Moreover, networking specialists will certainly understand the interconnection of computing elements via an Ethernet such as the links coupling the components of ISN system  102  via ISN Ethernet  108 . Finally it will be readily understood that the link from PSTN  124  to call termination location  126  (e.g., a telephone) can be Dedicated Access Line (DAL), a local exchange carrier (LEC) line, an FGD link to another switch, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , depicted therein is a block diagram of ITG system  140 . In particular, ITG system  140  includes an automatic data processing system having a processor  202  and a data storage sub-system  204 . A suitable computer system that may be used to implement ITG system  140  is a SUN SPARC 20 computing system manufactured and marketed by SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC., or one of similar or like functionality. Processor  202  is configured to be controlled via computer software programs and routines. Additionally, processor  202  includes hardware components that are capable of carrying out input and output on one or more I/O ports to communicate across a network architecture such as an Ethernet. The network I/O capabilities of processor  202  ere illustrated by the bi-directional arrow indicating that packet data may be processed by processor  202 . 
     In addition to communicating with a network architecture like ISN Ethernet  108 , processor  202  also is configured to communicate call signals via an FGD telephony link to bridging switch  122  as shown in  FIG. 1 . A configuration of the hardware and software necessary to carryout such FGD telephony type communications will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. 
     System Operation 
     The structures depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are configured to operate together to provide advanced telephony services such as ISN based services to callers who originate and receive telephone calls via the internet according to the present invention. 
     The following discussions illustrate the operations of the present invention in processing a calling card advanced service call that originates over the Internet and which is destined for a PSTN terminal location (e.g., a telephone). Other advanced services such as debit card services, collect call (e.g., 1-800-COLLECT) services, operator services, directory assistance services, etc. will be managed in similar fashion. And, other terminal devices such as cellular telephones, pagers, satellite telephone systems, radio telephones, etc. may be substituted for the PSTN terminal telephone station. 
     Accordingly, referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , depicted therein is a flowchart that illustrates the operations of a calling party, a called party, and the structures within system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) that are used to provide advanced telephony services via the Internet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     Many of the operations illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are carried out by ITG system  140 . The system depicted in  FIG. 1  and within ITG system  140 , are configured to provide Internet telephony by using commercially available Internet telephony products such as network server applications developed, manufactured, and marketed by NETSPEAK CORPORATION (e.g., the NETSPEAK GATEWAY EXCHANGE package Release 0.9.9.14 as part of NETSPEAK BUILD Version 0.114) and database server applications to enable resource management by ITG system  140 . 
     With specific reference to  FIG. 3A , processing starts at Step S 3 - 1  and immediately proceeds to Step S 3 - 2  where a calling party accesses DMZ web server  138  ( FIG. 1 ) via his web browser and is prompted (e.g., via an HTML data entry form that has appropriate CGI data gathering scripts supporting the same) to enter call initiation information. Accordingly, at Step S 3 - 3  the calling party will enter a service option which designates the advanced service that is desired. Since calling card services are illustrated, the calling party also will enter a called number (the number or address of the called party), a calling card number, and a personal identification (PIN) number or identifier. 
     It is important to note that depending on the service that the calling party selects via his web browser, DMZ web server  138  ( FIG. 1 ) will prompt calling party accordingly. Generally, except for directory assistance services, the calling party will most likely be prompted to enter a called number. 
     In any case, after the calling party enters the appropriate information based on a desired advanced telephony service, processing proceeds to Step S 3 - 4 , where web server  138  will send a message to NIDS server  104  via an IP link to validate the calling party&#39;s call request. The validation message sent by web server  138  will contain the service option, the calling card number, and the PIN number entered by the calling party. 
     Thereafter, at Step S 3 - 5  the NIDS server will validate the call against the NIDS database  106  based on comparisons with the calling party&#39;s calling card number and his PIN number. If, at Step S 3 - 6 , the call is not validated (e.g., the calling party entered invalid information) processing proceeds to Step S 3 - 7  where the NIDS server  104  will return a validation-negative message to DMZ web server  138 . Thereafter, DMZ web server  138 , at Step S 3 - 8 , will notify the calling party (via his web browser) that the call was not validated. Of course, looping constructs could be implemented to allow the calling party to re-enter certain information for another validation attempt. 
     Processing Ends at Step S 3 - 9 . 
     If at Step S 3 - 6  the call was validated, processing proceeds to the step S 3 - 10 . At Step S 3 - 10 , the NIDS server  104  will return a validation-positive message to DMZ web server  138 . Thereafter, processing proceeds to Step S 3 - 11  where DMZ web server  138  will write a call context record to the NIDS database  106 . 
     The call context record written to the NIDS database  106  will contain:
         An automatic number indicator (ANI) (i.e., a 10 byte character field) containing a Key to the call context record   Card Number &amp; PIN   Called Number (Terminating Number specified by the calling party received via the Internet)   Validation Status       

     The Key is returned by NIDS server  104  to DMZ web server  138 . The Key field is used to later access the record in the NIDS database. The Key may look like “1102345678” or any other string or representation of key characters or the like. Such Keys will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Next, at step S 3 - 12  DMZ web server  138  will send a network COOKIE to the calling party&#39;s web browser. The COOKIE can, for purposes of discussion herein, be considered as an IP phone spawn file. Accordingly, DMZ web server  138  will create the IP phone spawn file which is to be used by the calling party&#39;s web browser ultimately to instruct ITG system  140 . The IP phone spawn file will contain the following pieces of information:
         IP Address of the ITG System  140     1-800 for the advanced telephony service (i.e., the telephone number that ITG System  140  must dial—the aforementioned “special routing” number)   A single use tag (SUT) or the Key to the NIDS database record (as discussed above)       

     Thereafter, at Step S 3 - 13 , the calling party&#39;s web browser establishes a session with ITG system  140  using the COOKIE/IP phone spawn file provided by DMZ web server  104 . In this way, a session is created between the calling party&#39;s web browser and the ITG system  140  using the H.323 standard for Internet call control protocol and the G723 algorithm for compressed digital audio over telephone lines. Both the H.323 standard and the G723 algorithm will be readily recognized and understood by those skilled in the art. Processing then proceeds at the top of  FIG. 3B . 
     At step S 3 - 14  at the top of  FIG. 3B , the ITG system  140  will initiate an FGD call to bridging switch  122  by using the 1-800 number contained in the IP phone spawn file discussed above in regard to Step S 3 - 12 . The 1-800 number contained in the IP phone spawn file is the special routing number that will allow ITG system  140  to initiate a call to the proper ISN system that is ready to deliver advanced telephony services (e.g., card calling services) to the call via the Internet. 
     Accordingly, at Step S 3 - 15 , bridging switch  122  will route the call to the ACD  112  of ISN system  102  based on the special routing number (i.e., the 1-800 number stored in the IP phone spawn file). 
     Thereafter, at step S 3 - 16 , the ACD  112  and ISNAP  110  will route the call to ARU  116  port, specifically an NAS  120  port. In standard ISN processing, this is done by having the ACD  112  send a query to the ISNAP  110  which contains the dialed number (in this case the special routing number—the 1-800 number specified in the IP phone spawn file as discussed above in regard to Step S 3 - 12 ). Based on the dialed number, the ISNAP  110  determines which ISN component or peripheral (NAS or MOC), and a group of ports on that peripheral, to which to route the call. Such processing is known as ISN Group Select. In effect, the ISNAP  110  will send a call to the ARU  116  to route the call to a particular port. 
     It is important to note that if the call, identified by the dialed number (i.e., the special routing 1-800 number) is for a service type that may require some sort of audio recording of the calling party&#39;s response, then the call is routed to an ARU. For example, for a 1-800-COLLECT call, an ARU must record the calling party&#39;s spoken name. The call may also be routed to an ARU if monitoring of the call is required such as for placing multiple outbound calls during one single call initiation. Alternatively, if the call does not require an ARU recording or monitoring processes, the call can then be held in queue on ACD  112  while it awaits processing. 
     In any case, at Step S 3 - 17 , ACP  118  will translate the dialed number to what is known as an “Auth Property” to thereby identify that the call originated via the Internet. 
     The Auth Property is used by ACP  118  and NIDS server  104  to identify a call type or application. Since the dialed number (the 1-800 number dialed by ITG system  140 ) specifies both the selected service option and the fact that it is an Internet-originated call, the Auth Property uniquely identifies the application that needs to be processed to NIDS server  106  and to ACP  118 . The Call Offered message contains the Key to the call context record and Auth Property stored in the NIDS database  106 . As noted above, ACP  118  will use ANI as the Key to access the database record in the NIDS database  106  to complete the call. 
     Next, at Step S 3 - 18 , the ACP also the ANI as the Key corresponding to the call context record to retrieve the call context record from the NIDS server  104  and the NIDS database  106 . 
     Thereafter, at Step S 3 - 19 , the ACP  118  will process the call and send a command message to the ISNAP  110 . The ACP  118  reads the called number which is stored in the call context record and will thereby know to place an outbound call to the called number. 
     At step S 3 - 20 , the ACD  112  will initiate a call to the called number. In particular, the ACP  118  sends a command message to instruct the ISNAP  110  to place a call to the called number using RLT. The ISNAP  110  generates the appropriate ACD commands. The ACD  112  initiates the call to the called number over the bridging switch  122 . In accordance with RLT, the bridging switch  122  then connects or couples the termination call leg to the called number with the originating call from the calling party and, in particular, from the calling party&#39;s personal computer or other Internet telephony station. Once coupled, bridging switch  122  releases ACD  112  from the call. 
     It should be noted that not all calls that extend from ISN system  102  will use RLT signaling. Some calls need to be monitored by ISN ARU  116 , and will therefore be extended via a conference link on the ACD  112 . 
     In any case, at Step S 3 - 21  the call will be completed via the PSTN or, alternatively, via ITG system  140  over the internet to another termination station such as a call termination telephone station  126 . 
     In any case, the call initiated via the Internet will have benefited from the advanced call processing services provided by ISN system  102 . 
     Finally, at Step S 3 - 22 , ACP  118  will write a billing detail record (BDR) to NIDS server  104  and NIDS database  106 . Bridging switch  122  will create an operator service record (OSR). The BDR is used to bill the call, and contains various data including the calling party&#39;s account code (i.e., calling card number) and the called number. The OSR is based on the call routed to the ACD  112 . The BDR and OSR are later matched and merged for appropriate processing. 
     Processing Ends at Step S 3 - 23 . 
     The operations illustrated above are based on typical ISN processing approaches and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , depicted therein is a flowchart that illustrates a process carried out by ITG system  140  to convert packet data received from a call origination station into FGD telephony signals which may be routed through bridging switch  122  to a call termination station coupled to a publicly switched telephone network. Processing starts Step S 4 - 1  and immediately proceeds to Step S 4 - 2 . At Step S 4 - 2 , ITG system  140  receives packet data via the Internet. Thereafter, processing proceeds to Step S 4 - 3  where ITG system  140  will convert the packet data to telephony signals for transport. Such a conversion will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Next, at Step S 44 , ITG system  140  will transport the telephony signals to bridging switch  122  via an FGD telephony link. Thereafter, processing proceeds to Step S 4 - 5  where bridging switch  122  will receive and cause the telephony signals to be routed to call termination location  126 . 
     Finally, at Step S 4 - 6 , when the call is terminated either by the calling party or by the called party, ITG system  140  will terminate the FGD telephony link. 
     Processing Ends at Step S 4 - 7 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , depicted therein is a process carried out by ITG system  140  to convert FGD telephony signals into packet data which may be transported to a calling party via the internet. Processing starts at Step S 5 - 1  and immediately proceeds to Step S 5 - 2  where ITG system  140  will receive FGD telephony signals from bridging switch  122 . Thereafter, ITG system  140  will convert the FGD signals in to packet data for transport. 
     Finally, at Step S 54 , ITG system  140  will transport the packet data via a network link and the Internet to the calling party for appropriate processing. 
     Processing Ends at Step S 5 - 5 . 
     In addition to the functionality described above, the present invention can be enhanced to allow subscribers and users of advanced telephony services to manage their subscriptions and accounts maintained by ISN system  102  via remote operation and over the Internet. Such functionality is described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled INTERNET-BASED SUBSCRIBER PROFILE MANAGEMENT OF A COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, Ser. No. 08/925,370, filed on Sep. 8, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Thus, having fully described the present invention by way of example with reference to the attached drawing figures, it will be readily appreciated that many changes and modifications may be made to the invention and to any of the exemplary embodiments shown and/or described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.