Peripheral apparatus for intelligent networks and method for providing user services in intelligent networks

An apparatus and method for providing user interaction functionality in connection with providing call services (e.g., toll-free calls, 900 calls, calling card calls, etc.) in an intelligent network, especially, but not necessarily only, an advanced intelligent network. More specifically, an apparatus is provided in association with a given service control point (that offers a given call service). According to the present invention, user information needed to set up or otherwise provide the call service (e.g., a calling card number) is collected and, if needed, feedback is provided to the user. In particular, the feedback is customized with respect to a particular user (e.g., using language and/or dialect corresponding to a geographic location of the user). Collecting user information can include speech recognition, including speech recognition across multiple languages and synonymous terms. The present invention may be embodied, for example, in a computer system that processes input information and outputs information to the user. The system may include a signaling interface unit for communicating with the intelligent network. The system is connected to a service switching point and may additionally be connected to a service connection point. The nodal connections are made on an out-of-band signaling network, such as a Signaling System 7 network.