Abstract: A payment accessory device is operatively coupled to a smart speaker. The smart speaker provides a voice-implemented personal assistant software service. A method of operating the payment accessory device includes communicating with a remote server computer via a mobile device. The purpose of the communication is for the mobile device to receive a payment token. The payment token is provisioned from the mobile device to the payment accessory device while positioning the mobile device in proximity to the payment accessory device. The provisioning of the payment token includes transfer of data from the mobile device to the payment accessory device.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for communicating notifications and other textual data associated with applications installed on an electronic device. According to certain aspects, a user can interface with an input device to send (218) a wake up trigger to the electronic device. The electronic device retrieves (222) application notifications and converts (288) the application notifications to audio data. The electronic device also sends (230) the audio data to an audio output device for annunciation (232). The user may also use the input device to send (242) a request to the electronic device to activate the display screen. The electronic device identifies (248) an application corresponding to an annunciated notification, and activates (254) the display screen and initiates the application.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include computer-implemented systems and processes that perform operations that initiate, approve, and execute exchanges of data between network-connected systems, apparatuses, and devices in a computing environment. For example, a network-connected apparatus may receive a first value of a parameter that characterizes an exchange of data initiated at a terminal device, identify a second value of the parameter allocated to the client device. In response to a determination that the first parameter value exceeds the second parameter value, the apparatus may request, and receive, parameter data from an application program executed by the at least one processor. The parameter data may identify a third value of the parameter allocated to the client device by the executed application program, and the apparatus may authorize, based on the second and third parameter values, a performance of the initiated data exchange in accordance with the first parameter value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which a method includes attributing a value to a pre-paid payment instrument, determining an expiration time associated with the pre-paid payment instrument, and automatically return an un-used portion of value associated with the pre-paid payment instrument at the expiration time to the purchaser.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for detecting whether an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) associated with an incoming call is a gateway, according to rules-based models and machine learning models generated by the computer using call data stored in one or more databases.

Abstract: A method including determining, by a user device, availability of a configuration file including updates to a current configuration of a client application installed on the user device; obtaining, by the user device, the configuration file based at least in part on determining that the configuration file including the updates is available; and selectively adopting, by the user device, the updates included in the configuration file to update the current configuration of the client application. Various other aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: A method for conducting payment transaction by an employee using an employer payment system includes retrieving a token or an account identification from the employee payment card presented by a consumer, sending an authorization request with token, account identification and transaction data to an acquirer processor, identifying the employer and the employee associated with the token or account identification, determining whether the employee is authorized for the requested transaction based on an employee information from the employer's database, sending, to the employer, a transaction request from the point of sale terminal, transferring funds electronically from the employee's funds account or employer's account to the merchant in accordance with the transaction request between the merchant and the employee, and updating the employer's database with the transaction information once the transfer of funds is completed.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic kit are described. In one example, a medical diagnostic kit includes a container, and a plurality of medical diagnostic test kits located within the container. Each of the plurality of medical diagnostic test kits can include equipment necessary to perform a particular self-administered medical diagnostic test. The plurality of medical diagnostic test kits can include at least a first medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user completion of a first medical diagnostic test and a second medical diagnostic kit adapted to facilitate user completion of a second medical diagnostic test different from the first medical diagnostic test. The container can include a machine-readable code located on an external surface of the container.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for estimating validation time that use an estimation of the amount of data fulfilling a rule or a set of rules. This estimation method may be more accurate because it considers how much data will match the rule versus how much data can be discarded. The disclosed systems and methods give visibility into how much time a rule set validation will take and how long the computer system will be unavailable due to the rule set being evaluated. This allows users to make better decisions about whether and when a rule set should be evaluated, and/or whether and how to modify implementation of the rule set.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for creating and disseminating of audio and video content generated by a user over a network. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a request to create audio content over a network is received. In another aspect of the present disclosure a request to create multimedia content comprising audio and video content over a network is received. One embodiment includes presenting the user with a plurality of compositions, receiving a request from the user to add a specific composition, presenting a lyric using text submitted by the user, recording an audio recording generated by the user, wherein the specific composition is playing during the recording of the audio recording, and providing editing capability to the specific composition, the song lyric and audio recording.

Abstract: A method including receiving an incoming call from a calling device of a caller and determining identification information for the calling device. The method also includes receiving voice audio data of the caller from the calling device, converting the voice audio data to caller phones, and identifying a customer account associated with the identification information. The method further includes obtaining user phones for multiple candidate users associated with the identified customer account, comparing the caller phones to the user phones for the multiple candidate users, and determining the identity of the caller based on the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for manipulating a communication acceptance screen, manipulating an interactive communication acceptance icon, and restricting access to accounts based on voice communication parameters. In particular, when a communication is detected from one device to another device, that communication may be risky. Thus, the risk is mitigated by giving a user information about the source of the communication to give a user a chance to reject the communication. In addition, in instances where the user accepts the communication, the system enables monitoring the communication and restricting any accounts that are disclosed within the communication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present systems and methods reward non-residents associated with a controlled-environment facility resident for good behaviors related to electronic communications with a controlled-environment facility resident. One or more controlled-environment facility associated computer systems, or the like, maintain a non-resident electronic communications behavior evaluation system, monitor and/or track a non-resident's behaviors with respect to electronic communications with a controlled-environment facility resident and analyze the non-resident behavior with respect to the electronic communications with the resident. The one or more controlled-environment facility associated computer systems, or the like, may provide rewards to the non-resident for use toward electronic communications with the controlled-environment facility resident, or the like, based on good behavior determined by the analysis of the non-resident behavior with respect to the electronic communications with the resident.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that has a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations including: receiving media content from user equipment, wherein the media content comprises a sample of an existing work used to modify an original work; analyzing the media content using machine learning to determine a plurality of composition parameters that characterize aspects of the media content; recording the plurality of composition parameters determined, including an identification of composition parameters in the plurality of composition parameters attributable to the existing work, and an identification of composition parameters attributable to the original work, in a blockchain ledger; searching for the composition parameters in the blockchain ledger for one or more works having similar composition parameters; and reporting any works found during th

Abstract: Tax payoffs are determined for potential income source exclusions, for potential tax deductions, for potential tax credits, and for other tax implications. Identifying the tax payoff may be based at least in part on the likeliness that the tax implication will apply to the taxpayer's situation, the expected monetary impact on the taxpayer's tax burden if it does apply, and the expected effort required to claim the tax implication. Based upon the tax payoffs, embodiments of the invention may then recommend potential tax implications, prioritize potential tax implications, eliminate potential tax implications from consideration, or take other actions to assist the taxpayer in efficiently and effectively prepare their tax return.

Abstract: A system for accessing information via a voice device comprises a call router configured to initiate and receive calls and at least one application server in communication with the call router via a network. The at least one application server is configured to receive a call from the voice device and access a user account stored in a memory. The application server is further configured to access a plurality of contacts of the user account and receive a contact selection of a selected contact. The application server is further configured to assume an account identification of the user account for one or more communications and control a submission of a message associated with the assumed account identification to a mobile device of the selected contact.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include computer-implemented systems and processes that perform operations that initiate, approve, and execute exchanges of data between network-connected systems, apparatuses, and devices in a computing environment. For example, a network-connected apparatus may receive a first value of a parameter that characterizes an exchange of data initiated at a terminal device, identify a second value of the parameter allocated to the client device. In response to a determination that the first parameter value exceeds the second parameter value, the apparatus may request, and receive, parameter data from an application program executed by the at least one processor. The parameter data may identify a third value of the parameter allocated to the client device by the executed application program, and the apparatus may authorize, based on the second and third parameter values, a performance of the initiated data exchange in accordance with the first parameter value.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, the user initiates a digital wallet transaction at a point of sale (“POS”) terminal of a merchant system. The POS terminal receives payment account information options associated with the user's digital wallet account from the account management system to display to the user. The user selects one or more payment account information options via a user interface of the POS terminal. The account management system receives an indication of the user's one or more selections, generates one or more payment tokens based on the corresponding selected payment account information options, and transmits the one or more payment tokens to the POS terminal for use in a transaction. The POS terminal communicates with one or more issuer systems associated with the selected payment account information options to process the transaction using corresponding payment tokens. The user receives a transaction receipt at the POS terminal.

Abstract: The present solution relates to an improved system and method for reducing traffic flow between the customer's client device, network, and the charging system. The methods and systems described herein can provide a predictive rating buffer between the network and the charging system. The predictive rating buffer can receive, from the online charging solution, data about services to be provided to a client device. The predictive rating buffer can generate primary allocation balances for the client device. Network grants can be made to the client device by the primary allocation balances. If a primary allocation balance is exhausted, an incoming grant can be granted from a contingency allocation balance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a centralized trusted service manager system in the form of a trusted service manager interconnectivity service hub, which facilitates and provides communications between entities involved I mobile contactless payment systems. One embodiment is directed to a method for processing a message related to a mobile payment application on a secure element of a mobile communication device through an interconnectivity services hub including receiving the message from a first entity in a first protocol and determining a trusted service manager associated with the secure element from among a plurality of trusted service managers using a routing table comprising routing information.

Abstract: A sending computer (sender) delivers private messages over a network via dynamically established encrypted channels where no copies of the message are persisted on third party computers. Private messages are routed dynamically based on membership status of the receiving computer (receiver) and direct addressability status of the sender and receiver. The system determines membership status of the receiver and provides a notification message and delivery link to the receiver when the receiver is not a member of the private network. When the receiver is a member, direct addressability of sender and receiver is determined, and the message is delivered directly to the receiver over an encrypted channel when the sender is directly addressable. When the sender is not directly addressable, the encrypted channel between the sender and receiver is established through a third party relay without persisting a copy of the private message on the third party relay.

Abstract: A control device includes: a prohibition unit that prohibits a user from using an electronic apparatus in a case where a sum of a cumulative usage amount of the electronic apparatus by the user for a predetermined period and a new usage amount which is newly instructed by the user exceeds a permitted amount for the user in the period; a subtraction unit that, in a case where the user instructs the electronic apparatus to be continuously used after the use of the electronic apparatus is prohibited by the prohibition unit, subtracts from permitted amounts for the user for a plurality of periods later than the period; and a permission unit that permits the user to use the electronic apparatus after the subtraction is performed by the subtraction unit.

Abstract: A mobile device and a corresponding wireless pairing method are provided. The mobile device includes a storage device, a display, and a processor. The storage device stores at least one password. Each password is associated with an access period or an access count. The processor is coupled to the storage device and the display. The processor deletes a password when the access period or the access count associated with the password expires. The processor encodes a password in an image and controls the display to display the image. The processor receives a pairing request including a password from another mobile device. The processor accepts the pairing request when the password of the pairing request matches any password stored in the storage device. The processor rejects the pairing request when the password of the pairing request does not match any password stored in the storage device.

Abstract: An information distribution system, of the type including distribution means adapted to distribute said information in a first predefined language, said distribution means including at least one distribution device coupled to at least one control unit. The invention is characterized in that said system includes connection means for establishing a telephone connection with a mobile telephone through a telephone network, said connection means being associated with said distribution means for distributing said information through said at least one device in a second language corresponding to the language of the country where a SIM card has been associated with said mobile telephone that has established said telephone connection.

Abstract: A method and system of real-time replenishment and electronic confirmation of sale, such as a SMS text message, to a consumer responsive to purchase or referral of long distance calling minutes, including real-time replenishment of the customer's account, and seamless, pin-less use of the purchased long-distance from the user's chosen phone(s). A computer based server receives a phone number, monetary amount, and an indication of whether an increase or decrease to the balance is requested. Phone number is then compared with a stored list of registered phone numbers having a unique pin and a balance amount. The balance is increased or decreased by desired amount if comparison results in a match. If comparison does not result in a match a new pin is created associating the phone with the balance amount. A message is then sent containing an access number for use in pre-paid long distance calling.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of operating a communication network, where the communication network comprises a set of users. The method includes obtaining usage activity for each of the users of the set and processing the usage activity to determine connectivity information between individual ones of the users of the set. The method also includes processing the connectivity information to determine users of the set with similar connectivity, and processing the users of the set with similar connectivity to identify a community of users within the users of the set with similar connectivity. The method also includes monitoring at least one of the users in the community to determine if action is needed for at least another one of the users in the community.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products use combinations of international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and account information to determine if a customer is eligible for service credit in near real-time. The customer needs an active account prior to inserting a subscriber identity module (SIM) into a device and powering on the device for the system to determine credit eligibility. No further customer action is required. The credit application process determines credit eligibility based upon device credit eligibility, account tenure, and/or credit rules, and applies the credit to the customer's account. The customer may be proactively notified when the credit is applied. The credit and tenure rules may be changed as the industry and business needs change to remain competitive in the industry. The SIM used is configured with software to lock the SIM to the device upon first power-on.

Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: A wireless communication terminal device according to the present invention comprises a main body which has a built-in electronic component, a casing which houses the main body, a cover body which is detachably attached to the casing, an antenna for wireless communication which is mounted on the cover body, a pair of electrodes which are disposed on the inner face of the cover body and connected to the antenna, a pair of terminals which are disposed on the main body and make contact with the pair of electrodes, and at least two projection pieces which are formed on the inner face of the cover body near the pair of electrodes as well as on both sides with the pair of electrodes interposed therebetween and project higher than the surfaces of the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: Needless migration of duplicate file data is avoided by recording in a database a record of migration of a first instance of a replicated file from a source file server to a target file server. When migrating a subsequent instance of a replicated file to the target file server, the database is searched for a record of replication of a first instance of the replicated file to the target file server. If such a record is found, the subsequent instance is replicated by sending from the source file server to the target file server attributes of the subsequent instance of the replicated file and an identification of the previously migrated data of the replicated file without re-transmission of the previously migrated data of the replicated file.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a billing account including a client device, a transceiver, logic configured to establish at least one primary account wherein the at least one primary account represents periodic fees that are charged to the billing account on a periodic basis; and logic configured to establish at least one secondary account wherein the at least one secondary account represents an amount of prepaid service that is available for the billing account.

Abstract: A local proxy system includes a storage device having a local proxy and a physical port connection. The local proxy is part of a split proxy configuration having a local proxy and a remote proxy. The physical port connection is operative to receive commands from a host via an internet application protocol; and to transmit commands to the host via a modem control protocol, to thereby function as a gateway for conveying these commands to a remote proxy, via the host. Also provided is a method of optimizing communication over a network; and a local proxy system that includes a storage device having a local proxy. The storage device is in connection with a host via a physical port connection complying with a standard storage device interface.

Abstract: Pre-authorized communication services and/or transactions are provided via a plurality of networks in response to a request received from a user to provide at least one of a communication service, a transaction and user account information via a plurality of networks of different types. Prior to processing the request, there is verification of the user's authorization to receive the at least one of the communication service, the transaction, and the user account information, and that an account associated with the user has a sufficient amount currently available for payment of the at least one of the communication service and the transaction. After verification, an authorized account associated with the user is charged in real time as the at least one of the communication service and the transaction is provided.

Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a personal identification number (PIN) from a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, PINs for plural prepaid services. The method also includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with a desired prepaid service corresponding to one of the plural prepaid services. A PIN request is then sent, from the client terminal, to a server when less than a predefined number of PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are stored at the client terminal. In response, one or more PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are received at the client terminal. The method further includes dispensing at least one PIN corresponding to the desired prepaid service from the client terminal.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Unified Messaging System having a controller element to submit to a Calling Card Server (CCS) over a primary call leg a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) SUBSCRIBE message requesting outdial event notification for a call placed on a secondary call leg responsive to a reply of a voicemail message, and receive over the primary call leg a SIP NOTIFY message from the CCS indicating outdial events associated with placing the call over the secondary call leg. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A sponsor purchases a prepaid card that can be transmitted to an intended user with increased security. Using a prepaid card dispenser, the sponsor elects an amount for the prepaid card and is prompted for at least one telephone number at which a server platform should contact the sponsor when the intended user wants to authenticate the card. The sponsor may enter additional phone numbers that will be called if the sponsor does not answer the first number when called by the server platform. When an intended user has received the prepaid card, the intended user calls a telephone number associated with the server platform and is connected to the sponsor via a telephone bridge so that the sponsor may authenticate the intended user. The sponsor may then inform the server platform (e.g., via DTMF tones) that the card has been authenticated.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring money by use of a prepaid card account is disclosed wherein two cards are issued to the user accountholder, one of which is provided to another user, and either user may add value to the prepaid account so that the other user may use the card and that value in a financial transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a telephone service are disclosed, in which callers with insufficient credit or network airtime are able to contact a call recipient. The network monitors call attempts from callers to identify call attempts from callers with insufficient credit or airtime to make a call. When such a call attempt is detected, a call request is transmitted to the intended recipient of the call, to notify the recipient of the call attempt. The notification may take the form of an in-call notification if the call recipient is on-line, or an SMS or voicemail message if the recipient is off-line. The method and system permit individuals who otherwise would not be able to access the network to indicate to a call recipient that they have attempted to contact the call recipient. The call recipient can then contact the would be caller at his/her discretion.

Abstract: Methods for provisioning wireline or wireless services and goods to at least one prepaid or postpaid customer in a communications network are provided. In one such method, a request is received for at least one service or good from a prepaid customer and it is determined based upon the request if sufficient funds are available to pay for the requested service and, if not, a warning message is sent to the customer. If funds are available a payment for the requested service or good is deducted form the customer's account, the account balance is updated, and an authorization is sent to the service node for that facilitates the requested service or good. Upon receipt of the authorization, the service node is permitted to access the requested service or good in accordance with a parameter. Other similar methods are provided for postpaid customers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.

Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for authorizing a calling card telephone call are described. In one example, a telephone calling card includes a planar body having a memory system, an input circuit, a controller, and a display. The memory system is configured to store key code information. The input circuit is configured to receive a personal identification number (PIN). The controller is configured to derive a key code from the key code information using the PIN. The display is configured to present the key code. The user may then use the key code for purposes of authorizing a call made using a calling card. The key code may change from time-to-time as the user uses the calling card. Since the user's PIN is not entered into a telephone by the user, the calling card is less susceptible to unauthorized and/or fraudulent use by third parties.

Abstract: A system and method for billing an incoming communication. A code is received from a calling party during the incoming communication. Expenses of the incoming communication are allocated to an account of the calling party in response to receiving the code. An invoice is generated for the calling party and a receiving party specifying the expenses.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which call intelligence, such as may be deployed in communication with signaling systems utilized in controlling calls and telecommunication databases, is used to analyze information about a call in order to make a determination as to the likelihood or risk that call redirecting, such as call forwarding or remote call forwarding, will be invoked with respect to a call are shown. The call intelligence, upon a determination that an unacceptable risk that call redirecting will be invoked, preferably institutes appropriate call treatment or handling procedures, such as to block the call or to allow the call while invoking additional call treatment action.

Abstract: The invention of present provides for a real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regards to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanisms for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

Abstract: A method and system of providing an electronic receipt, such as a SMS text message, to a consumer responsive to a purchase of long distance calling minutes, real-time replenishment of the customer's account, and seamless, pin-less use of the purchased long-distance from the user's chosen phone(s).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for linking a prepaid calling card account to a credit card account. The linkage can occur at the time of a transaction involving the credit card account, or when the credit card account is acquired, activated, or renewed. The method can include at least the following. At least one transaction can be executed using the credit card account as payment for the transaction, or the credit card account can be acquired, activated or renewed. A prepaid calling card account is associated with the credit card account, and information related to the new prepaid calling card account is provided to a holder of the credit card account. Various aspects of the invention also provide anti-fraud and credit card recovery capability based on the above teaching.