Abstract: A method is provided for parallelizing overlay operations in an overlay network. The method includes: identifying an overlay operation having a parallel messaging scheme; determining a destination address for each parallel message in the messaging scheme; encoding each destination address into a data packet; and transmitting the data packet over the overlay network using a multi-destination, multicast routing protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reducing wireless telecommunication costs for enterprises having a plurality of PBX-equipped sites, connected by either a public network (e.g., the PSTN, the Internet, etc.), a private network (e.g., leased lines, a virtual private network [VPN] over the Internet, etc.), or some combination of public and private networks. In particular, the illustrative embodiments of the present invention attempt to reduce telecommunication costs by advantageously routing calls from an off-premises wireless terminal belonging to the enterprise via one or more of the enterprise's private branch exchanges. The present invention is especially advantageous in that it can reduce telecommunication costs for calls from an off-premises wireless terminal to any type of destination: another cell phone, a wireline terminal, a private branch exchange, etc.

Abstract: One or more system components participate in a SIP-enabled service discovery protocol. Participation includes using SIP capability to publish, subscribe to, and/or notify of services using: (a) a service description formatted according to a predefined service discovery protocol; and/or (b) a service description query formatted according to the predefined service discovery protocol. The predefined service discovery protocol can be SLP. The system component can be a service providing device, a service subscribing device, and/or a network node. Service subscribing devices can use subscribe and notify components of a SIP event package to send service description queries and obtain service descriptions. Service providing devices can advertise service descriptions using the SIP publish method. Network nodes can propagate service advertisements downstream using the SIP publish method, and/or can inform subscribing devices of services using the notify component of the SIP event package.

Abstract: The instant messaging and presence (IMP) protocol implementations are swapped in and out as a client application roams among various service provider networks. The IMP API, and hence the IMP application, remains unchanged. Moreover, the IMP application continues to operate seamlessly and transparently. When the client application roams and a service provider change is detected, the system signals to the new service provider a profile containing the old IMP session details. A new IMP implementation is swapped into the existing IMP application. The IMP implementation may be downloaded in real-time, or it may exist on a SIM card or an SD card, or other suitable memory device.

Abstract: A caller identification system for an instant messaging service identifies the sender of a message to the recipient. The caller identification system includes audio data, visual data, a private code, or other data indicative of the sender in an invite request. The recipient receives the invite request and is able to decide whether to allow a communication session with the sender based on the data.

Abstract: The personal messaging proxy is deployed as a component in a messaging or instant messaging system. The proxy provides information processing and routing services not found in conventional messaging or instant messaging and presence systems. The proxy provides session mobility, parental control, message aggregation, redistribution and filtering. The proxy also maintains personal information profiles for different kinds of devices based on presence and messaging services.

Abstract: The virtual instant messaging system adds instant messaging and presence capability to devices and appliances which are not natively designed for instant messaging. The virtual instant messaging system performs the physical communication handling and semantic translation issues to allow legacy devices to operate within the instant messaging paradigm. Virtual devices, representing real devices or information sources, may be constructed, on the fly as needed, or on a more permanent or persistent basis. Multiple virtual devices may be combined to compose or synthesize a new virtual device, affording capabilities not found in the real world devices or information sources themselves.

Abstract: The system converts polled information sources into event information sources and then intelligently synthesizes new events, based on other polled, queried and subscribed-to notification messages. The newly synthesized events can be used to generate instant messages or for other purposes such as setting presence attributes, controlling devices and performing other actions. An event gateway collects event information and packages and delivers the information in the form of instant messages for other data to mobile and stationary devices according to the user's wishes.

Abstract: Rapid instant messaging input is enabled through a system that displays frequently used or useful message phrases in a pop-up window from which the user may select a desired phrase to be inserted into the message stream. The system allows multiple phrase lists to be utilized and individual phrase messages are tagged with context information, allowing them to be selectively retrieved to provide only the most useful messages for a given context or scenario. The system automatically generates phrase lists by scanning the message stream data within instant messaging log files and the scanned information is then processed to select phrases for inclusion in the phrase list based on predefined heuristics.

Abstract: Personal jewelry or other wearable electronic devices provide a visual, audio, vibration and/or tactile indication to the user when an incoming call, instant message, presence attribute change, calendar event or proximity reminder occurs. A personal area network mediates the incoming information and communicates it with one or more wearable devices associated with the user. The personal area network may communicate directly with other communication devices operated by the user, and also with networked devices via a gateway.

Abstract: Electronic reminders are created and managed using instant messages and/or multimedia messages. Reminders can be associated with future location or proximity events. Proximity data provides qualitative information about the user's location and this qualitative information may be used to provide reminders through the instant messaging infrastructure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for situation-based management of natural and artificial systems using event correlation and a situation manager. Input is provided from multiple sources in the form of a collection of events. A first level of processing performs event correlation over the collection of events and infers new events and new qualities of events. A second level of processing manages situations based on the collection of events, where situations are recognized, maintained, and given a degree of confidence. Situations are periodically updated based on incoming events. The assertion of a situation may call for information from external sources, provide information for external sources, and provide control instructions to external sources. Given a current situation, past, and possible future situations are inferred. Additionally, a method and apparatus for bi-directional communication between the event correlator and situation manager.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for situation-based management of natural and artificial systems using event correlation and a situation manager. Input is provided from multiple sources in the form of a collection of events. A first level of processing performs event correlation over the collection of events and infers new events and new qualities of events. A second level of processing manages situations based on the collection of events, where situations are recognized, maintained, and given a degree of confidence. Situations are periodically updated based on incoming events. The assertion of a situation may call for information from external sources, provide information for external sources, and provide control instructions to external sources. Given a current situation, past, and possible future situations are inferred. Additionally, a method and apparatus for bi-directional communication between the event correlator and situation manager.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for situation-based management of natural and artificial systems using event correlation and a situation manager. Input is provided from multiple sources in the form of a collection of events. A first level of processing performs event correlation over the collection of events and infers new events and new qualities of events. A second level of processing manages situations based on the collection of events, where situations are recognized, maintained, and given a degree of confidence. Situations are periodically updated based on incoming events. The assertion of a situation may call for information from external sources, provide information for external sources, and provide control instructions to external sources. Given a current situation, past, and possible future situations are inferred. Additionally, a method and apparatus for bi-directional communication between the event correlator and situation manager.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for situation-based management of natural and artificial systems using event correlation and a situation manager. Input is provided from multiple sources in the form of a collection of events. A first level of processing performs event correlation over the collection of events and infers new events and new qualities of events. A second level of processing manages situations based on the collection of events, where situations are recognized, maintained, and given a degree of confidence. Situations are periodically updated based on incoming events. The assertion of a situation may call for information from external sources, provide information for external sources, and provide control instructions to external sources. Given a current situation, past, and possible future situations are inferred. Additionally, a method and apparatus for bi-directional communication between the event correlator and situation manager.

Abstract: A census surveying system may include a residence position collection apparatus to be carried by a vehicle. The residence position collection apparatus may include a range finder for determining nearby residence positions as the vehicle advances along a path of vehicle travel over an area for the census. The census surveying system may also include a processor for downloading and processing the residence positions from the residence position collection apparatus.