Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and system for providing time synchronization among first and second computer systems, where each of the computer systems includes hardware, operating system software and a layer of microcode operating between said hardware and said software. The method comprises the steps of using the microcode of the first computer system to provide a first timestamp, using the microcode of the second computer system to provide a second timestamp and a third timestamp, and using the microcode of the first computer system to provide a fourth timestamp. The method comprises the further steps of using the first, second, third and fourth timestamps to determine a timing difference between the first and second computer systems, and adjusting the timing among said first and second computer systems on the basis of said determined timing difference.

Abstract: A method of controlling a graphical user interface (GUI) at a wireless device is disclosed and includes storing a set of audio GUI controls at an interactive voice response server and creating an audio GUI control string that is to be communicated to the wireless device within a voice stream. The audio GUI control string corresponds to a text string that is selectably presentable at the wireless device. Further, the method can include embedding the audio GUI control string within the voice stream. Additionally, the method can include transmitting the voice stream with the embedded audio GUI control string to the wireless device.

Abstract: A call flow guidance system helps a call center agent navigate the maze of complex call flows that apply to an enormous spectrum of caller issues, and further improves adoption rates and training timelines for the call center agents. Through the system, call center agents easily navigate multiple call flows and view information tailored to improve average handle time (AHT) and first call resolution (FCR). The system provides dynamic content attached to call flows and improve call flow navigation by implementing links that bridge nodes between display sections of a particular call flow and links that cross from one call flow to another.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the system includes a processor (referred to herein as a tandem access controller) connected to the PSTN which would allow anyone to directly provision, that is to say set-up and make immediate changes to, the configuration of his or her phone line. In another embodiment, a tandem access controller (TAC) subsystem is connected internally to the PSTN in a local service area. The TAC provides features, selected by the subscriber, to all edge switches connected to the PSTN tandem switch. In one embodiment, the TAC is controlled by the subscriber using the web.

Abstract: A device for upgrading a reporting system (12) associated with an automatic call distributor (10) in a telephone system having a first utility program for saving a plurality of custom reports to a temporary directory, an upgrade of the reporting system (12), and a second utility program which imports the custom reports from the temporary directory into the upgrade of the reporting system (12).

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the functions of the telecommunications network, including a method of measuring delay between the time a customer dials a phone number of a called party and the time the customer hears a ringback tone indicating that the called party was alerted to the call, a method of synchronizing clocks located at individual network elements with a centralized time source, and a method of time-of-day clock surveillance.

Abstract: In a personal handy phone system, a private PHS base station is communicable with both a private PHS terminal and a public PHS terminal. The private PHS base station intermittently transmits and receives a first control signal having a first frequency in a predetermined cycle and at a predetermined interval to communicate with the private PHS terminal. The private PHS base station intermittently transmits and receives a second control signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency in the predetermined cycle and at the predetermined interval to communicate with the public PHS terminal when the first control signal is neither transmitted nor received.

Abstract: Call records are generated from various network elements processing a call. A consolidation feed acts as a concentrator for the various records. However, since the concentrator receives the call records at different times, the invention provides a concentrator with a count of the various types of network elements which have processed the call. This allows the concentrator to match and merge the records once all the records, indicated by the final count, have been received. In order to update the count as a call progresses from network element to network element, the originating network element creates a buffer which is carried through the network, from element to element. As each element is affected, it adds a count to the buffer.

Abstract: A test interface adapter allows a line-conditioning or test device, such as a direct access test unit (DATU), that is normally interfaced with a standard central office switch via a no-test trunk, to be coupled to and communicate with the respective ports of a test interface of a non-standard central office switch that is not equipped with a no test trunk, so that conditioning and/or testing of subscriber telephone lines served by such non-standard central office switch may be carried out. When so installed, the interface adapter of the present invention is operative to map signals at first interface ports, to which the non-standard central office switch is connected, to second interface ports to which the line conditioning/test device (e.g DATU) is connected, and vice versa.

Abstract: A communication service simulator simulates communication service specification for a communication network having terminals and server nodes. The terminals of the communication network are registered in association with terminal data. When a called terminal has not been registered as terminal data during a simulation of a communication service specification, a terminal simulator registers the called terminal and the associated terminal data and displays the terminal data on a screen. A history regenerate/display unit displays on the screen any history of the content of a history storage unit. A simulation process controller copies a simulation process and separately executes and displays each of the processes when there is a branch, etc. in a communication service specification.

Abstract: An administrative computer and testing apparatus device is provided. The administrative computer is coupled to the testing apparatus so that the test data can be correlated with administrative information such as the location of the equipment tested. The testing apparatus can be configured as a slice for insertion between upper and lower portions of the administrative computer. The administrative computer can control the testing apparatus to provide testing in accordance with predefined test procedures. The administrative computer is user-programmable to permit user-defined test procedures to be established. Test data, e.g. test data correlated with the location information, can be communicated to a remote computer for further processing or analysis. Communication can be implemented through a modem, which can be a land-line modem or an RF or other wireless modem.

Abstract: A commissary system for receiving and processing commissary orders using a premise-based telephone system of an institution such as a jail or correctional facility without accessing a PSTN. User-provided identifier information and item selection information is entered into the commissary system through selected telephones of the premise-based telephone system. User status and inventory information stored in a memory device coupled to a processor are compared with the user provided identifier and item selection information by the processor, according to selected authorization criteria. These criteria may include sufficiency of the user's account balance, item availability, and scope of the user's commissary privileges. The processor generates transaction records for user identified items that meet the authorization criteria, automatically adjusts inventory and user status information, and stores the records in a file where they may be downloaded for record keeping purposes.

Abstract: A method for simulating an IDNX (integrated digital network exchange) network. Trunk and call information is downloaded from a network controller connected to the IDNX network to a personal computer. Call data is obtained defining each call placed over the network. Link data is also obtained describing the links over which the call is placed. The link data is arranged in two arrays, one defining a pointer based on the identity of connected nodes. The pointers point to a table which describes the link interconnecting the nodes. A call circuit table identifies each of the calls over the network. The call is placed on the model by debiting the in use bandwidth field of the table describing each link used in the call. Once calls are placed, an analysis of network performance is possible. Calls may be rerouted over the simulated model to evaluate different network configurations.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an improved solution to the problem of cutover verification testing where a new digital switching system is to replace an existing switching system that serves at least a group of subscribers via continuous wire lines. It permits a plurality of existing wire lines to be concurrently connected to channel units associated with the new switching system without adversely impacting the existing service and automatic testing under the control of the new system.

Abstract: Connected to a telephone switching system through subscriber lines, a subscriber call simulator acts as a plurality of pseudo-subscriber's telephone sets. An input/output section inputs control procedure information for the pseudo-subscriber's telephone sets. Connected to the input/output section, a memorizing arrangement memorizes the control procedure information as stored information. By using the stored information, a control circuit controls the pseudo-subscriber's telephone sets. The control procedure information comprises a control procedure program and correspondence information stored in a procedure program memory and a correspondence information memory, respectively, both of which act as the memorizing arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing communications links comprises a microprocessor 20 which causes each telephone number in a range of telephone numbers to be dialed through an exchange test input port (TA1-TA4) by dialers 31-34. Adaptors 41-4N are arranged for clamping to terminal blocks of (e.g.) an exchange main distribution frame. Once the exchange has set up a call scan driver 23 causes each output port of the MDF connected to the adaptors to be pulsed in turn. Detectors 31'-34' monitor the input ports TA1-TA4 for pulse presence to cause interrupt of the microprocessor 20. The microprocessor reads a count from the scan driver 23 which is forwarded to a computer 1 which correlates the telephone number dialed with a physical location (equipment number) of the output port.

Abstract: A call processing monitor method and apparatus for dynamically verifying the operation of a telephone switching center having a plurality of originating lines and a plurality of terminating lines. This verification is accomplished by a telephone line pair being randomly selected and tested for the basic telephone functions. In particular, the line pair is monitored for sending and receiving a test tone in both call directions through the switching center.

Abstract: With the aid of a traffic simulator telephone exchanges can be tested, the simulator imitating the traffic conditions in the exchange. To that end, the traffic simulator of the invention comprises, in addition to circuit means for simulating subscriber and line behavior, a program-controlled control arrangement connected thereto which generates random variables such as call distances, call durations and reaction periods, controls the test run and checks the reactions of the exchange, and also mixes the exchange-technical parameters. To obtain a realistic picture of the traffic conditions, a plurality of subscriber and line simulation are provided which are changeable in dependence on the reaction of the exchange. On the basis of the exchange reaction (signifying an event) a realistic picture of the external conditions of the exchange are obtained by linking such reactions with random variables and event instants.